The Top 10 Must-Have Laptop Accessories

You've laid out good money for your laptop computer, but you're not done spending just yet. There are a few more laptop accessories you may want to consider to make the package complete. 1: Laptop Case / Bag As the newest member of the mobile computing force, you're required to take an oath of safe computing. And that starts with investing in the most important of laptop accessories - a laptop bag. You can't very well go traipsing around the world with your laptop exposed to the elements. When it comes to laptop bags, you can spend $25 for a small case made from less expensive materials on up to several hundred dollars for one made of top-grain cowhide. However, in the end, the most important consideration is whether your case can hold your laptop, plus all the other goodies that go with it (like the ones described here). 2: Software Did your laptop come with software? If so, did it come with the right software - the software you actually need to perform whatever tasks you need to perform? Don't just assume you have everything you need. You'll probably need to add some software, as well as go online to update the software that was included. 3: A Real USB Mouse Trackpads and eraser nubs that fill an obvious need. However, given the option, most people would rather user a real mouse. If you stop and think for a moment, you're likely to realize that many places where you'll be computing actually are suitable for a real mouse. So one of the most useful laptop accessories you can buy is a USB mouse, keep it in your bag, and use it whenever you're able. 4: A Cat5 Ethernet Cable Your built-in Ethernet port won't do you much good if you get to your hotel room, discover an Ethernet connection, and don't have a cable. Some hotels provide them; others don't. Always come prepared with the right cable. 5: A Standard Telephone Cable The same holds true for your modem connection. If you don't have a cable to get you from your computer to the phone jack, you're not going anywhere in cyberspace. 6: Disposable Cleansing Cloths Over time, the display on your laptop is going to get dusty, or even smudgy. You're playing Russian roulette with your laptop if you attempt to clean your display with paper towels and spray cleaners. Instead, use disposable cleansing cloths. These essential laptop accessories are designed specifically to clean laptop displays. Always have a stash on hand. 7: USB Drive A USB drive is a storage device about the size of your thumb that plugs directly into a USB port. Capacity-wise, they're relatively small - usually well under 100 MB. However, they're very useful for moving files quickly and easily from one computer to another, e.g., moving a PowerPoint presentation from your laptop to your business associate's laptop. A USB drive also makes a great temporary backup medium for the really important files you create on the road. 8: Blank CD-R Discs You've just finished your big sales presentation. Someone from the audience approaches you afterward and asks for a copy of the presentation. You'll make a better impression if you: a) ask the person for their email address and tell them you'll email the presentation later b) ask for their physical address and tell them you'll mail a CD later c) burn them a CD of the presentation on the spot. In case you didn't figure it out, the answer is c. Always be prepared with these inexpensive laptop accessories. 9: Stereo Headset It's great to be able to watch DVD movies no matter where you are. Imagine watching your favorite flick at 30,000 feet. There's just one problem. The family in the row behind you has absolutely no interest in hearing the dialog from Pulp Fiction. Do yourself and everyone around you a favor. When you're watching movies or listening to music in public, use your headphones. 10: Security Device Laptop security devices come in many shapes and sizes. For example, most laptops include a security dock that allows you to attach your laptop to some immovable object via cable, much like you'd lock up your bicycle outside the grocery store. About The Author Thinking of buying a laptop computer? 'How To Buy A Laptop' is the definitive online guide that will teach you everything you need to know. Don't buy the wrong machine! Check out ==> <a href="http://HowToBuyALaptop.com" target="_new">http://HowToBuyALaptop.com</a>

How to Shop for Inkjet Printer Cartridges

Keeping Shipping Costs Down When shopping for inkjet printer cartridges online keep in mind that postage can add significantly to the cost of a single inkjet cartridge. In some cases the cost of postage can be as much as the cost of the inkjet printer cartridge effectively doubling the price you pay. While this is still often cheaper and more convenient than going to your local office supply shop or newsagent to buy your inkjet cartridges it's not really the best way to maximise your shopping experience. Instead you should always buy a minimum of two especially if you tend to buy printer cartridges on a regular basis. If you don't buy printer cartridges very often then why not combine an order with a friend or group of friends and split the shipping costs. Don't get caught short Have you ever noticed that your inkjet printer cartridge always runs out of ink just when an important document is half way through printing? This means you have to rush out to the nearest stationery shop and pay through the nose for a replacement printer cartridge. The solution to this is simple. Always have a replacement printer cartridge stored in your draw or on the shelf so you can replace it straight away. Then reorder another cartridge straight away. That way you never have to wait or worry if for some reason your printer cartridge delivery is delayed in the postal system. Choosing a printer When shopping for an inkjet printer you should ensure that you take into account the cost and availability of replacement inkjet cartridges. In particular look the availability of compatible inkjet cartridges which will save you substantially over the life of the printer. Remember that OEM inkjet printer cartridges often exceed the cost of the printer after the purchase of a few replacement cartridges. Register and Join the mailing list Most Internet shops give you the option of joining a mailing list and registering when you make your first purchase. Registering saves time as you are not required enter your details every time you visit. The mailing list gives you access to information about regular specials and product updates and information. They are often researching the market to bring you the best available products at the best prices. Stay up to date the easy way. Just remember to check their privacy policy to ensure that they won't sell or pass on your contact information to any one else. By C. Cavallaro of The Inkstop The Inkstop a quality Australian discount inkjet printer cartridge supplier. For more information visit <a target="_new" href="http://www.theinkstop.com.au">http://www.theinkstop.com.au</a>

Build Your First Computer from Hardware Scratches

Wow- if you do it first time and have some asset of time in your disposition ? then go ahead and purchase motherboard, your favorite processor, memory, video card (probably it is better to purchase it external for advanced quality). You will also need computer case ? first computer should probably go to the cheap one ? with USB 2 ports from the front side ? the only question ? you might want to replace noisy cheap power supply with $50 dollars one. Processor fan ? nowadays you will see the variety for all the tastes ? get the one with adjustable spinning speed to regulate noise (if you could not place it into the basement of your house ? I guess you live in apartment or student dormitory). Let's go to details: ? Ahead of Generation. It is not a secret that when you build your own computer ? you might overpay ? in considering to what is available in the stores.. However you usually get ahead of technology. For example ? it is still common when Dell/Compaq/IBM computers use PC2700 standard of memory. If you bought PC3200 ? you have two years of being ahead of the competition ? Processor. If you build your computer from scratches ? you should look into 64-bits processor from the beginning. Get AMD Athlon 64 3400+ at least ? Video Card. For $100 you can get maximum of memory and performance. This is why we recommend to get external videocard ? DVD Writer. RW+/- unfortunately Japanese manufacturers are in the process of decision making on winning standards plus DVD of high density. Get both supported. ? Hard Drive. Decent motherboards support IDE raid and you could experiment with striping (raid 0). Then if you purchase two IDE disks 400 GB each ? you will get 800 GB ? unbelievable for supercomputers ? but you are on your own and cosmopolitan individual ? step forward and be ahead of competition. ? Troubleshooting. Understood and respected. First listen your mother board beeps and refer to its documentation. It might not see memory, graphical card, etc. When you are installing memory ? be very careful to static electricity issue. When you are attaching your mother board to computer case ? the most typical issue is motherboard shorting ? so do not be surprised to try your motherboard first outside the case Andrew is Lead Software Developer in Alba Spectrum Technologies ? USA nationwide Great Plains, Microsoft CRM customization company, serving clients in Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, Phoenix, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Miami, Denver, UK, Australia, Canada, Europe and having locations in multiple states and internationally ( <a target="_new" href="http://www.albaspectrum.com">http://www.albaspectrum.com</a> )

Getting A New Laptop At A Great Price

With all the wheeling and dealing that seems to take place on the internet at all times of the day, it can sometimes get confusing just trying to find your own deal. Finding the best price on your new laptop is most likely your highest priority at this point, but there are other important factors as well.<br> In this article I will discuss some of the best ways to ensure that you get the ultimate price on your new beauty, as well as a few other tidbits that shouldn't be left out.<br> I don't know about you, but I always love to first check out prices on eBay. In fact, this is what I recommend that you do also. Head on over to eBay and see what kinds of prices are listed for your specific notebook. I am assuming you are looking for a brand new laptop, so that is what you should look for on eBay. I like to look at the &quot;buy it now&quot; prices, of course making sure that the price listed is for a brand new machine. Alternatively you can look at auctions that are about to end. This method will usually give you a little better indication of what your specific notebook is going for on eBay.<br> eBay is good to look at first, mainly because they usually have the best prices. By finding out what you can get your laptop for on eBay, you will instantly have a lowball figure that others must beat.<br> So what now? I recommend going over to a couple price comparison sites such as shopping.com or pricegrabber.com. What these sites do is list a bunch of merchants that are selling the specific product that you are looking for. What is great about it is that a price is listed by each merchant, as well as customer reviews of the store (merchant).<br> A lot of these price comparison sites will even list the shipping price, and then calculate your total cost for whatever you want? It's a win-win situation for you! So now you are going to want to search for your specific notebook on a few price comparison sites. When the merchant listings come up, look for prices that are better than the ones you got from eBay. You will probably want to skip merchants with a bad rating, or at the most, go in and see why they are rated poorly. One more thing ?- Look at the shipping price? Sometimes you can get free shipping, or shipping at a much better rate than the auctions listed on eBay, which could steer the deal away from them.<br> Hopefully you have found an even better deal at one of the price comparison sites online. If you want, you can even go to some of the big name computer retailers and look at their prices, (even though many of them are listed on the price comparison sites). Sometimes you can find clearances though that will beat any of the prices you have found.<br> One other last point ?- Reliability is very important, especially with a purchase like this. For the eBay auctions you are going to want to look at the seller's feedback rating, and on the price comparison sites you are going to want to look at the merchant's customer ratings.<br> If you take the time to properly use the various resources that are available on the internet, you will find that getting a great deal on a new laptop is a lot easier than one might think. ***************************************************<br> Cody Kahl is creator and writer of Toshiba Laptops Guide ? A site<br> dedicated to providing only the best <a target="_new" href="http://www.toshibalaptopsguide.com/">toshiba laptops</a> information.<br> Cody believes in quality, and this free resource proves it.<br> ***************************************************

Portable MP3 Player Based Education

A revolution in learning technology has taken place. Actually, it took place a few years ago, and I'm only just now catching up. The reason is that no one connected the dots for me, and I guess I'm a bit slow. :) That's the value added I'm giving you here today. I'm connecting the dots for you, in case you haven't yet made the connection. MP3 players have become huge business. The most popular of these, of course, is the IPOD, but you can find many other brands with lots of different features to select from. They mainly get used for entertainment purposes - listening to music on the go, hearing podcasts by your favorite artists, and so forth. But the real revolution for upwardly mobile people is in having portable education that you can take with you most anywhere. I got, as a birthday gift, Creative's MuVo TX FM. If you get this one, and if you have ears anything like mine, be prepared to spend another $10 to get a decent set of headphones, because the ones that come with it physically hurt my ears. Not permanently - just a bit of temporary pain. And since I'm not into avoidable pain, I went to my local Radio Shack and got their "Three-In-One" package - which includes 3 sets of headphones for, like I said, about $10. OK - so having an MP3 player is "dot" number 1. "Dot" number 2 is that you can find huge numbers of MP3 audio files for instruction on almost anything. And you can download these files to your computer. And from your computer, you can transfer these files to your MP3 player. For example, from one of the membership sites I in which I participate, there is an mp3 file of an interview of Brian Keith Voiles, an acknowledged master copywriter. I've had that file on my computer for ages. Never got around to lisening to it. Now it's on my little MuVo and I've started listening while - well, I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's go to ... "Dot" number 3 is that you can get an adaptor (I got mine, again from Radio Shack) to let you play these audio files in your car over your stereo speakers. Beautiful! Now as I drive around doing errands, I can absorb in the convenience of my car, wihtout breaking any laws, information from copywriting experts or from self-help coaches, and more. I spend a fair amount of time in the car, so this really increases my productivity. But we're not done yet... "Dot" #4 - My little MuVo enables me to go to bed, and continue listening as I drift off into the Land of Nod ... without disturbing my wife! I can walk around the house, go work out, and all kinds of other sundry things - and continue learning. Finally - the unit I bought also enables me to record ideas on the fly and play them back. I haven't fully tested this yet, so I'm not sure about the audio quality - is it suitable for playing to you on my website? I'll be experimenting and report back to you. The MuVo that I got costs about $149 plus whatever tax and shipping applies. Add the new headphones (a must, I'm sad to say) and the car adaptor, and you're looking at a total expenditure of about $180. That may seem like a fair amount of money, but if you spend a lot of time doing mentally deadening things like driving around doing errands or working out while the gym plays the latest in so-called music so that you can't think - well, this may be an incredible value. I can recommend the MuVo (depsite the headphones), but shop around. Lots of folks vouch for the iPod. And others for something called Zen. You'll find lots of options, including price. Something is bound to work for you. And once you have it - watch out. You're brain may just explode with the new wealth of information you'll be painlessly absorbing. =================== This article may be reprinted as long as you keep it intact, unchanged and include this resource box. Bal Simon will help you turn your ideas into money. Visit <a target="_new" href="http://subscribe.wealthcountry.com/home.php">http://subscribe.wealthcountry.com/home.php</a>. You can contact Bal at <a target="_new" href="http://www.wealthcountry.com/contact.html">http://www.wealthcountry.com/contact.html</a>

Got The Message that You Need New Ink Cartridges?

We all know what it is like when that message flashes on the computer screen as you are printing off an important document. Your ink cartridge is low, replace soon! But, do you know what type of ink cartridges your printer needs? Do you know where to find ink cartridges to replace those? Is this going to be a long, difficult search that will cost you dearly? You don't have to dread that message at all. In fact, finding the information you need for the replacement of ink cartridges is simple. First, you need to know what type of ink cartridges you need. To know this, you will need to consult your handbook. Often times this information is listed right on the inside cover of the printer as well. Got that information? Okay, great, you are half way there. Now, you need to find the ink cartridges themselves. You can get in your car, drive across town, and wait in the endless lines at your local office supply store. Perhaps you are feeling lucky? You can then check your local department store to see if they may carry the ink cartridges you need. Or, you can simply sit where you are and find your ink cartridges online. There are many quality websites and web merchants who can supply you with those ink cartridges. Probably one factor in your search is finding the best price on the ink cartridges. If this is the case, then you definitely should utilize the internet to fill your needs. Finding quality and lower prices are just one benefit to finding ink cartridges online. So, the next time you see that message flashing on the computer don't worry! Finding your ink cartridge is going to be a snap! The <a target="_new" href="http://inkcartridge.inquirynet.com" target="_new">Ink Cartridge</a> Resource Site is an all-in-one Resource for Ink Cartridges.

Buying a New Computer

Someone recently asked me "I teach senior citizens in a community based free computer lab. They often ask what to look for when buying a computer, what software they need for email, basic Internet usage, word processing, etc. Many are on a limited budget. What would you suggest they need as a minimum?" Recommendations For a New Computer The good news is that computer prices have dropped a lot over the past few years, and the computing power you get for your money is going up! I don't recommend used computers for anyone, because the rate of change of computer technology will render most systems nearly obsolete within three years. If you're a computer novice, wondering what kind of computer, monitor, hard drive, memory, and operating system to get... here's some advice to get you rolling. Windows or Mac? You may have friends, relatives or neighbors trying to pull you into the "Windows vs. Mac" holy wars. In my opinion, the choice of operating system really doesn't matter. From a beginner's perspective, each has point & click interfaces that are pretty easy to use. Both will take you to the same Internet, and enable you to send and receive email. Both offer word processing, and the documents they create are interchangeable. Because Windows-based computers make up 90% of the market, they are cheaper. It's the law of supply and demand in operation. And in some areas, it may be hard to find technical or repair support for Apple Macintosh computers. So if you're budget-minded, and you don't have any friends willing to help you with Mac issues, I suggest you go with a Windows-based PC. A good entry-level computer with monitor can be purchased for under $400, and sometimes you even get a printer in the deal. So what should a newbie look for in terms of speed, monitor, memory and hard drive specs? It doesn't have to be all that confusing... What about Horsepower? The CPU (central processing unit, or "processor" for short) is the brain of your computer. In general, the faster the better. Processor speeds are measured in gigahertz (GHz) and as of this writing, the fastest models available operate at about 4 GHz. Entry-level machines start at about 1.5 GHz and are more than adequate for web surfing, email and word processing. If you see a computer with a processor that has a speed specified in megahertz (MHz), steer clear -- these are older models. Thanks for the Memory The next decision you have to make is how much RAM memory you need. Don't confuse RAM with hard drive (file storage) space. RAM is the temporary working memory that your computer uses to perform calculations and manipulate files. When you open a document, it is copied from the hard drive into RAM. As you and your word processor work on the file, the modified copy exists only in RAM. When you save the file, it is copied from RAM back to the hard drive, or permanent storage. And as with CPU power, the more RAM you have, the better your computer will perform. I recommend you have a minimum 256 megabytes (MB) of RAM, but with 512 MB you'll notice better performance. Hard (Drive) Decisions The hard drive is your permanent file storage. All of your personal files, such as word processor documents, photos, music, and emails are stored here, in addition to software packages and the operating system. Most new PC's come with a hard drive that's 40 gigabytes (GB) or larger. I recommend you start with a hard drive of 80 GB or more, if you plan to keep lots of photos or music on your computer. Go For a Large Monitor Here's the formula: Larger Monitor = Less Eyestrain and Less Scrolling. I recommend a 17-inch monitor, or even a 19-inch if you don't mind spending a bit more. Don't worry about brand names here, they're all pretty much the same. Stay away from 14 or 15-inch monitors, they're just too small to be practical. What About Software? Most of the software you need will come pre-installed on your new PC. Windows comes with Internet Explorer (for web browsing) and Outlook Express (for email). Many PC systems include a word processor, such as Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, or OpenOffice. If your computer doesn't come with any of these, I suggest you purchase Microsoft Works, which will give you MS Word, a spreadsheet similar to MS Excel, and other useful programs. Look for a computer that comes with anti-virus software pre-installed. If yours doesn't come with any anti-virus package, check with your Internet service provider to see if they offer anything for free. Failing that, you can download the free <a target=_blank href="http://free.grisoft.com">AVG package</a>. Summary So in a nutshell, here are my recommendations: <ul> <li>Look for a Windows XP-based PC with monitor for around $400 <li>Processor: 1.5 GHz or better <li>RAM memory: 256 MB or better <li>Hard Drive: 80 GB or better <li>Monitor: 17-inch or larger <li>Software: Microsoft Works and AVG anti-virus </ul> Where to Buy? Look at your local computer store first, they may have some good deals and offer local support. Office supply and electronics stores such as Staples, Office Depot, and Best Buy are good options to explore too. If you're comfortable buying online, check out the Dell.com or Gateway.com offerings. 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, author of several computer books, and creator of the LowfatLinux.com website. For more helpful articles and free tech support, visit <a target="_new" href="http://www.AskBobRankin.com">http://www.AskBobRankin.com</a>

Surge Protector: A Simple Mechanism Description

A surge protector [AKA surge suppressor] is an electrical plug-in device designed to distribute safe electrical voltages to other electrical or electronic devices. Surge protectors resemble power strips in appearance; however, they are more sophisticated and deliver a constant, continuous power supply. In addition to connecting multiple devices to a single power source, surge protectors provide protection from frequent problems that plague conventional utility power. The most common of these problems are surges (temporary increase of voltage) and brownouts (temporary decrease of voltage). These disturbances slowly degrade many power supply units and cause premature equipment failure. The rising demand on our nation's power grids is causing more brownouts than ever before (Gamble; Power Protect Your Computer). The Inside of a Surge Protector Toroidal Choke Coil: The toroidal choke coil is an electromagnet wrapped in wire. It filters out line noise as the hot wire passes through it. Metal Oxide Varistors (MOV's): An MOV has three parts: a piece of metal oxide material in the middle and two semiconductors joined to the hot and ground wire. As a protective connecting unit it shifts unsafe voltage levels to the ground wire. Neutral Wire: The neutral wire is common in modern wiring practices for safety. It is used in conjunction with the hot wire and the ground wire. Hot Wire: The hot wire holds the passing current which contains excess voltage. Fuse: A fuse is a resistor used to protect the wiring from getting too hot. Fuses &quot;blow or burn out&quot;, thereby preventing the electrical current from traveling further. Ground Wire: The ground wire protects users from getting an electrical shock. It receives excess voltage from from the MOVs. Most surge protectors contain a parallel circuit design whereby the extra voltage is fed away from the standard path to another circuit. Another design is a series circuit where the electrical current is slowed; moreover it detects high voltage, stores the electricity, and releases it gradually (Harris). The majority of the electrical currents diversion is done through the metal oxide varistor or MOV. The MOV acts as a pressure-sensitive valve: based on the level of voltage, the electrons in the semiconductors behave differently either creating lower or higher resistance. When the voltage is correct, an MOV doesn't do anything (Harris). Specifications and Quality Considerations Energy Absorption: Surge processors are measured in joules (the amount of energy they can absorb). The higher the number, the better the protection: 200 joules provides basic protection, 400 is good and 600 or high is superior protection. UL1449: Standard rated by Underwriters Laboratories as the minimum protection standards for surge protectors. It rates suppressors by the amount of voltage passage they allow. Protection Indicator: LED indicator as to metal-oxide varistors functioning. MOVs do not last forever ? one lightening strike can fry them out. Line Conditioning: Most surge protectors contain this feature. It filters out line noise using a toroidal choke coil to &quot;condition&quot; the current. Power Switch: There are manual on/off power switches as well as circuit switches. Circuit switches are useful for keeping some components running while others are shut off. Circuit Breaker or Fuse: A fuse is a resistor that can conduct current below a certain level. If the current is higher than acceptable, heat burns the fuse and cuts off the circuit. Breakers are more economical than fuses as they do not have to be replaced. Protection Guarantee: Read the terms and conditions carefully! It is important to understand your consumer rights in the event of damage to devices your surge protector neglects to protect (Kozierok). According to data published on Hewlett Packard's website, recent statistics reveal 63 percent of all electronics casualties are the result of a power related problem. Most affected are devices using computer chips and high-speed microprocessors. Unprotected computers can suffer hardware degradation and extensive damage when exposed to power surges (Power Protect Your Computer). The cost of a surge protector varies greatly depending on user needs. Basic models sell for as low as $10 but one should be cautious as to the capabilities these units offer. NOTE: It is important to connect all peripheral equipment to the surge protector for complete protection. This includes phone jacks, modems, cables, and any other external devices that will receive electrical current. All visuals have been removed from this article to comply with the publishing rules for this site. Additional Resources Gamble, T. &quot;Storm Season&quot; www.bestbuy.com 15 Sep. 2004 http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=pcmcat31600050019&type=category Harris, T. &quot;How Surge Protectors Work&quot; www.computer.howstuffworks.com 15 Sep. 2004 http://computer.howstuffworks.com/surge-protector2.htm Kozierok, C.M. &quot;External Power Problems&quot; www.pcguide.com 15 Sep. 2004, http://www.pcguide.com/ref/power/ext/probs.htm Power Protect Your Computer, www.hp.com 15 Sep. 2004 http://h71036.www7.hp.com/hho/cache/764-0-0-225-121.aspx T.L. McMullen<br> Equity Zip Financial<br> No More Fret - I'm Out of Debt!"<br> 888-300-EZIP (3947)<br> <a target="_new" href="http://www.equityzipfinancial.com">http://www.equityzipfinancial.com</a> - Guaranteed Credit Repair<br> <a target="_new" href="http://www.equityzip.com">http://www.equityzip.com</a> - Brixdale Inverse Mortgage

Buying Laser Toner Cartridges

Compatible Laser Toner Cartridges Recently, there has been a huge legal and investigative battle with people selling &quot;compatible&quot; laser toner cartridges. Often, a distributor will sell their defective, ineffective, or even damaging laser toner cartridges to unsuspecting resellers. These cartridges will make weak prints, cause messy ink spray, and may cause serious damage to your printer. So be sure to buy cartridges from an authorized reseller that the manufacturer audits. Check the manufacturer's website to obtain a list of authorized resellers. Beware of laser toner cartridges that are priced way below market standard. Bad or old packaging should also send up a red flag for phony laser toner cartridges. Finally, if your cartridge runs out of ink too quickly, gives messy prints, or damages your printer, don't buy from the same retailer again. This is not to say that all compatible toner cartridges are bunk. But if you're going to spend tens of dollars on a cartridge, why risk it? Remanufactured Laser Toner Cartridges Most manufacturers, and some third-party distributors, will give you money or discounts in exchange for your old laser toner cartridges. They in turn replace the guts of the cartridge, refill it with toner, and resell it at a big discount. In many cases, the quality is almost exactly the same as new. For example, a black-ink cartridge for an Epson Stylus Color 880 costs $27 from Epson, but only $12 from Rhinotek. <a target="_new" href="http://www.e-lasertoner.com">Laser Toner Info</a> provides detailed information about later toner cartridges and refills, as well as reviews of laser toner products. Laser Toner Info is the sister site of <a target="_new" href="http://www.e-brochureprinting.com">Brochure Printing Web</a>.

Thin Clients Benefits are Excellent Options for Computer Homeschools... Just a Suggestion

Wireless Consulting and Solution Providers have always been important to african american small businesses and now after several years of having the most technologically advanced homes in our neighborhood, we are beginning to realize that our neighbors could benefit from the same technology in educating our children. With the future our african american children are facing being dependent on computers and broadband access it is critical to have the proper tools for our children to have the confidence necessary to face the future. Psyche. There is a very good friend that is a Wireless Solution Provider in Chicago, whose wife "suggested" that he share his expertise with a neighbor who had been visiting his family's computer homeschool. Well after one thing led to another he finally enabled about 18 african american computer homeschools in the Chicago area, thus becoming a african american homeschool resource for wireless. This little story is related because while I myself was working in Chicago for 4 years, he came to me for assistance in selecting a networked computer system that would be affordable for his clients. I had success with using thin client computers before with african american owned small businesses, networking them through a small server and then upgrade them to an additional firewall for full strength protection. He tried this with one family and for around $1700 they received 2 thin pc's and a server, they were excited to say the least. The thin pc benefits kept working for him and his clients over and over again when creating a computer homeschool. Now I begin to work in North Texas and my sister "suggests" to me that I consult for a african american single mom in Dallas. *Side note... for those who perhaps may be uninformed about my use of the word "suggest" let me share with you how an african american woman "suggests" anything to men. First she will begin by asking you to handle a certain situation and if you don't respond correctly (never have, never will, women are smarter) the next level of the speech will be at a volume that will make the suggestion clear. Back to the benefits of thin client and how they make an excellent option. Thin clients have no CD drive, floppy drive, and don't look for a hard drive because it's on the server the actual workhorse of the network. The point is that it is 'thin' and most of the really hard work is done by another computer with all the bells and whistles as it needs them to 'manage' the thin pc's. That alone saves you money, and when it comes time to upgrade (and you know it's coming), all your processing power is actually in the server that manages your network. Even if you do have to replace one of your thin pc's, it costs $500 or less and a full blown fat desktop starts at $900 on up. Installing thin client networks are a breeze, setup the server and load it with the software you need to use, plug in the wireless thin client pc's and go for it! Lower upfront costs, easy to upgrade and install makes this a better option for today's computing homeschool. Daviyd Peterson: 10-year consultant, instructor, trainer<br> Helps african american homeschools bridge the digital divide by becoming computer homeschools. Free article on "Computer Homeschooling" and other related articles <a target="_new" href="http://www.homeschoolwireless.com/homeschoolwireless.htm">http://www.homeschoolwireless.com/homeschoolwireless.htm</a>

Ten Ways (plus 1) to Save on Printer Ink and Toner Cartridges

Are you getting tired of the high cost of printing? You're not alone. Many consumers are up in arms. For example, they believe paying $22 per ounce for printer ink and $150 to $300 (or more) for a toner cartridge is way too much. Most of the major printer manufacturers have adopted the same marketing model as the razor blade, TiVo and cell phone industry. Simply stated, they sell you the printer for cost or less in order to sell you printer ink and toner cartridges at huge markups. In many instances, they charge seven to ten times what it costs to manufacture these products. In addition, these major companies spend thousands of dollars trying to convince you to purchase only their products. They strongly criticize printer ink and toner cartridges offered by third party companies. However, did you know that many of these major companies are now selling their own recycled cartridges? and you're still paying full retail price for them! As someone once said, to get a real education, read the fine print on the label. With the advent of online marketing, consumer have more choices than ever. There are a large number of reputable companies that sell printer ink and toner cartridges at significant savings. It is very common to save 50-85% when purchasing your printer supplies. In addition to substantial savings, you'll get a money back guarantee and your order is normally shipped the same day. Ok, here's ten ways (plus 1) to save on printer ink and toner cartridges: 1. Purchase a compatible inkjet cartridge. These are cartridges made from new parts and manufactured to meet or exceed the OEM specifications for you exact printer. 2. Purchase a remanufactured inkjet cartridge. Third party companies collect empty printer ink cartridges. They refill them with ink and test them vigorously to make sure you get exactly the quality and quantity you expect from your inkjet cartridge. 3. Purchase an ink refill kit. You'll get step-by-step instructions, the tools and printer ink you need to refill your ink cartridge in just a few minutes. On the average, you can refill an inkjet cartridge ten times. 4. Your inkjet cartridge will eventually wear out. Instead of purchasing a brand name cartridge, purchase a compatible or remanufactured cartridge. Then, when compatible cartridge is empty, refill it with printer ink just as you did your original. 5. When you're printing, always use draft mode until you're ready for your final print. 6. Whenever possible, select black and white print. If you're final product is to be in color, your draft can be done in black and white until you've double-checked everything. Then, print your final copies in color. 7. Purchase a compatible toner cartridge. Third party companies make these toner cartridges from brand new parts. They are manufactured to be equal to or better than your original toner cartridge. 8. Purchase a remanufactured cartridge. Many companies collect empty toner cartridges. They empty any toner waste and then refill the cartridge. They quality check the drum and other parts of the cartridge to insure maximum performance for the consumer. 9. Purchase a toner refill kit. These kits include the tools and instructions necessary to refill your own toner cartridge. On the average, you can refill a toner cartridge about three times. 10. When you toner cartridge is not producing the quality of print you expect, check to see if you can replace the drum, instead of the entire cartridge. This will keep money in your pocket. 11. Purchase multiple ink and toner cartridges if you can. You will save substantially over the already discounted cost, plus you will probably get Free shipping. By ordering your printer ink, toner or ink cartridge online, you'll experience the best service, the best warranty, and the best products available, for all your printing needs. About The Author Larry Andrew is an educational consultant, author and publisher of <a href="http://www.ez-printer-ink.com" target="_new">www.ez-printer-ink.com</a>. Purchasing printer ink, toner and inkjet cartridges on line should be fast, convenient and cost-effective.

A Short Introduction to Blu Ray

Blu ray is a next generation optical media format developed by the Blu ray disc association, a group of leading consumer electronics and technology companies such as Apple, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, Sony, TDK to name, but a few. The format was developed for high definition video, as well as storing large amounts of data. A single layer Blu ray disc can hold 25gb of data, which is the equivalent to over 2 hours of high definition television or more than 13 hours of standard definition television. There are also dual layer versions of Blu ray that can hold up to 50Gb of data. While current optical media uses a red laser to read and write data, the new format uses a blue-violet laser instead. Despite the different type of lasers uses, Blu ray drives can be made backwards compatible. The benefit of using a blue laser is that blue light has a shorter wavelength so that it can be focused on a smaller target area than a red light laser. This allows data to be packed in more densely allowing more space for data in the same sized physical space. Blu ray is called Blu ray because it uses a blue light laser to write data onto the disc. Blu ray is expected to replace VCRs and DVD players and recorders over the coming years because Blu ray offers so much more capacity. Although it will take time for Blu ray technology to be come wide spread because the cost of DVD drives and media is so much cheaper than Blu ray at this time. Chuck Red runs several websites including <a target="_new" href="http://blueraystore.co.uk">http://blueraystore.co.uk</a> and <a target="_new" href="http://blueray-media.co.uk">http://blueray-media.co.uk</a>

Hard Drive Selection

Perhaps the biggest mistake people make when building their computer(s) is to underestimate the importance of the hard disk drive (HDD). In our modern society, bigger is synonymous with better, so when you go to buy a hard drive you look at how "big" it is, its data capacity. But is that all you should be considering when buying your hard drive? Like every other component of your computer, the HDD is far too complex a system to describe in any sort of detail here, but hopefully by the end of this article you will know what to look for when you go to buy your new hard drive. There are 4 primary aspects to look at in a hard drive (in order of importance): <li>Rotational frequency and average seek time <li>Buffer size <li>Internal/external transfer rates <li>Capacity Rotational frequency has become a large selling point (5400/7200/10000/15000RPM) recently, so you shouldn't have too much difficulty finding out what the rotational frequency of your HDD is when you go to buy it. Now of course the faster it spins, the faster it can read from the disk (there are other advantages also), but be aware that the faster it spins, the more wear is put on the drive, and the more likely it is to encounter errors and malfunctions later in life. Hard drives are pretty much the only systems within your computer that have moving parts (CD-ROM, floppy disk drives, and fans also have moving parts, but they're all cheap and if they break you won't lose all the data you've accumulated over the course of owning your computer, be sure to back up your data regularly!). If you know anything about physics or engineering, then you know that moving parts produce friction and wear, and a faster spinning platter (the part that holds the data and spins) means more friction, and therefore more wear on your drive. Of course the faster it spins the faster it can read data from the platter. So what can you do? well again you backup your data as much as possible and you get the fastest spinning drive money can buy (which is 7200RPM for ATA devices (the sort you are buying) and 15000RPM for SCSI and some Serial ATA devices (you might get Serial ATA, that depends on your motherboard)). So look for a "7200RPM" label on the drive you're thinking of getting, it's important! The "buffer" I'm referring to is the transfer buffer that temporarily stores data to read from or write to the hard drive. The reason for this is that the bus (data channel between the hard drive and the motherboard) can only handle so much information at a time, and it takes a long time for the data to be found and retrieved from a platter (random seek time), so it takes a big chunk of the requested data and stores it in a very fast data buffer to be sent at the bus's convenience. So with a larger buffer you can queue more data for transfer over the bus without having to keep sending requests to slowly find more data from the platters. Some newer drives come with as much as 8MB of buffer capacity, but it is more common to see 2 or 4MB. Usually a drive with a large amount will use that as a selling point and print it on the box/website, otherwise you can assume it has a 2/4MB buffer. My advice is to find one with as much as you can afford. Now for the transfer rates you're going to need to do some searching, the best way to find these numbers is to go to the manufacturer's website and look at specification sheet for the model you're looking to buy (actually this is the best way to get all the information I've talked about so far). One thing to look out for is that you may read something that says 133MB/s or ATA/133 or SATA150 or 150MB/s, and these are not the numbers you are looking for, those numbers describe the bus connecting the hard drive to the motherboard, and are theoretical peak numbers, which tell us virtually nothing. Also, if you are buying a Maxtor, don't bother looking up actual transfer rates, as Maxtor is apparently afraid to release such information. Not to say Maxtor's are bad drives, actually Maxtor has risen to the top in terms of technical support and they are much more willing to replace broken drives than some other companies, which is important since some ridiculously large amount (something like 10 or 15%) of hard drives are either dead on arrival or die within the first few weeks of use. As with the last two points, when looking at transfer speeds (if you can find them) always try to pick the one with the highest numbers you can afford. Notice that the first three of the 4 major aspects were all speed related? That was done intentionally to give you a sense of the importance of speed in the hard drive, because they are very very slow creatures, and for your gaming experience you don't need an enormous hard drive so much as a fast one. To increase speed substantially more you can set up a RAID, which is a network of hard drives which (in RAID0 mode) share portions of the same data, such that accessing data takes 1/n time (n = number of hard drives attached) compared to 1 hard drive. To do this you really need a hardware RAID chipset, which are commonly included on higher-end mainboards. Finally, capacity is an unnecessary nicety. The smallest hard drives you can buy today that are still within those higher speed classes are all about 30GB, which is more than enough for your games. But since games are not everything, and if you happen to be an iTunes member or like to download anime then you will really want some extra space. So I would recommend getting something between 60 and 120GB, any more and you're going to be paying through your teeth, any less and you might be looking to buy a supplementary hard drive in a couple years. And, oh yeah, 300GB hard drives from Maxtor are out, but they are comparatively slow, so I wouldn't recommend getting one for gaming, I like to stick to single platter drives (40-100GB usually), as they produce less heat and are less likely to break down on me. That is really all you need to know in order to make a good choice when upgrading your hard drive or buying one for a new computer. Of course there are many other resources on the web if you would like more detail on the inner working of hard drives. About The Author J A Carpunky <a href="http://www.computer-gaming-system.com" target="_new">http://www.computer-gaming-system.com</a> - visit our website for further information.

Your Business versus Mother Nature

Business Consultants earn hundreds of thousands of dollars every year showing businesses how to improve their productivity. All business consultants in the Information Technology area agree that the biggest threat to business survival is data loss. There are many different data backup solutions available on the Internet today. Unlike years past there are not only different providers but also many different methods of data backup. Some solutions are &quot;on-site&quot; based methods. These include tape drives or other magnetic storage media, DVD-R and CD-R based methods and NAS (network attached storage) methods of creating local (within the LAN) backups of critical data. These methods of data backup are definitely better than nothing, and can provide protection against user error, data corruption, and in some cases even computer theft (that is if the data backup equipment itself isn't also stolen) and many of the other pitfalls associated with digital media. But what about protection against the most powerful of all forces, Mother Nature? Hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, and other natural disasters are a serious potential threat to the crucial data you have stored within your computer network. Add into the equation the collateral damage of flooding and fire that often comes along with Mother Nature's wrath and you have a recipe for some serious data loss in the unfortunate event that one of these uncommon, but critically devastating, events occur. In most cases your existing backup solution would be useless and would suffer the same peril as your original data. The answer is simple: Have a complete, up-to-date copy of your data stored at a different location. You should back up your data using an offsite data backup service. Offsite data backups allow you to store mission critical digital files in a secure, remote location. When you store data in an offsite location you are doubling the protection of your most import data files and enabling a level of security that even the best on-premises data backup solutions can't provide. Your data is encrypted and backed up over your existing internet connection to a secure server. You can set it up to perform backups at any frequency you wish. You can even set up the system to schedule backups while the office is empty on weekends and evenings, or when the computers are idle for a certain period of time (great for those systems that need to be accessed 24/7 and cannot afford the potential downtime that may be incurred due to backup procedures being run at the time). Mother Nature is a concern for the integrity of your critical data. All smart businesses understand this. Your DATA is your LIFE. Protect it! Harald Anderson is a freelance writer and webmaster for <a target="_new" href="http://www.online-remote-data-backup.com">http://www.online-remote-data-backup.com</a> an online backup service. Experience the Digital Peace of Mind that safe, secure, encrypted online data backups can offer. <a target="_new" href="http://www.online-remote-data-backup.com">Online Backups</a>

Just The Fax, M?am

For years, I smugly prided myself as a non-fax machine person. I felt it beneath my dignity to own such a technical contraption. The quill is more my style than a computer but, being practical, I reluctantly use a computer, casting wistful glances at the dust gathering on my quill. Unfortunately, in the world in which we live, it is necessary to fax some letters or documents to someone in some odd part of the world. I don't like it, but that's just the way it is. On the rare occasion when I must fax some document at an office supply store, I usually sneak in the back way. It has been my experience, when the fax man seeth me cometh, he always raises the price per page. This is just a small service he does for Yours Truly. Then, when paying for this service, the fax man usually says with an impish grin, "When are you going to get a fax machine of your own?" I always flash a smile back at him, but if he knew the thoughts in my head, he would charge me more per page. Silence truly is golden, especially for the person exercising the virtue. Actually, I don't trust machines. I know a mind somewhere is controlling all of these machines - a menacing, mischievous mind dedicated to the simple task of messing up my life. When I eventually break down and buy a fax machine someone will invent something to replace it and I'll have another antique on my hands to put alongside of my Underwood typewriter and boxes of 8-track tapes. This notwithstanding, I ended up buying a fax machine several weeks ago. I didn't want to, but I had no choice in the matter. My printer finally went the way of all printers. I hated to see it go. The left side was cracked where Noah, the original owner, dropped it. For years, it served me quite well. My next printer will have a big ink cartridge to fill. I hate buying replacement equipment. Rarely is the new any better than the old, just more expensive, not to mention complicated. But, necessity is the stepmother of all complications in life, and I set out to buy a new printer. I resolutely did not want to buy a fax machine. Under no circumstance did I want to buy a fax machine. Therefore, I ended up buying a fax machine. It is impossible to buy a printer anymore. In order to buy a printer you must buy a machine that prints/copies/scans/faxes. I think it's a pretty sneaky way to get me to buy a fax machine. Someone "out there" is set on me owning a fax machine even though I don't want to own one. This new machine does everything but vacuum the interior of my car. But it was the cheapest machine I could find. I bought the machine but determined not to use the fax part. After all, somebody has to stand up for what they believe. Not everybody should succumb to the latest trend. I was doing fine until ending up in the hospital. When I got out, I needed to fax a document to the hospital. Now I faced a taxing dilemma. Do I go to the office store and fax my document, or do I try out my new printer/copier/scanner/fax machine? Precedence finally gave way to convenience. I took my document to my new machine and figured out how to fax it to the hospital. Not being confident in my technical knowledge, I called the hospital office to check on the faxed document. Much to my surprise the person on the other end said in a very cheery voice, "Yes, I have the faxed document right here in my hand." I must admit, although I hate doing so, faxing from my house was much easier than going to the office store. I now knew how to fax a document anywhere in the world, but I had nothing to fax to anyone in the world. I just stood there looking at my machine trying to think of something to fax. Even though I knew how to fax a document, I still did not know how to receive a fax. Several days ago, a friend called and said he had a document he wanted me to have right away. He then asked the ominous question, "Do you have a fax machine?" I began to say no, but hesitated and confessed I had a fax machine but did not know how to receive faxes. It was humiliating to make such a confession, but it was true. "It's simple," he said, "hang up the phone and I'll dial again and let the machines talk to one another." This caused no small discomfort. To think these machines are talking to one another behind my back is most disturbing. What are they saying about me behind my back? Now that I come to think about it, I have heard sounds similar to snickering coming from the general direction of my printer/scanner/copier/fax machine. I don't mind Big Brother watching over me, but I do mind some machine making jokes with other machines about me. When it comes to "new things," God is the master. This is what He promises to do for us. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV.) Put that in your printer and fax it. Reverend Snyder is currently ministering at the "Family of God Fellowship" in Ocala, Florida. More of his articles are available for reprint at his website: <a target="_new" href="http://www.godspenman.com/">http://www.godspenman.com/</a> Rev. Snyder is available as a guest speaker. He writes a weekly column and is the author of "You Can Always Tell a Pastor; But Not Very Much" available at: <a target="_new" href="http://www.jamessnyderministries.com/">http://www.jamessnyderministries.com/</a>

Does Size Really Matter In Our Digital Age?

Well, we've all seen the advert, but that's not what I want to talk about, so get that out of your head straight away. No, let's think about what many call the &quot;Queen of Arts&quot; - namely painting. Have you ever wandered around a huge Art Gallery and marvelled at the works by Tintoretto, Raphael, Constable or any master painter who has produced huge canvasses? Then again, we have many fine examples of beautiful artwork in cameos and miniatures. In fact, in all sizes between these two extremes the evidence of creative genius can be found down through the ages. However, it's patently obvious that the correlation between size and creative genius is poor. Mere size on the premise, &quot;never mind the quality feel the width&quot; is not the prime element of a masterpiece. Yes we are fascinated by the Sistine Chapel, for example, by the sheer scale of the paintings, but it's the genius of the painter that draws the eye. It's also true though that the artist tugs at our heartstrings by the wealth of detail that working in a large format permits. In the same way, large format and medium format cameras have traditionally been the working tools of professional photographers for many, many years. In a previous article, I suggested that there would always be room for film, especially for users of the larger formats. Now, we get to the nub of the matter, because in digital parlance, the wealth of detail evident in the larger formats is expressed as the size of the file. Unlike physical dimensions which cannot be changed once the work has been committed to the recording medium, be it film or indeed canvas size, the digital file is not so restricted. Of course, when image size is changed from the original during, say, image compression, there is generally a loss in quality e.g. jpeg Even the use of a lossless transformation doesn't add anything to the image, it merely preserves what's there. However, there is a revolutionary item of image manipulation software that does totally &quot;change the picture&quot; It comes as a Photoshop plug-in with Photoshop 6.0 or higher and it's called &quot;Genuine Fractals&quot; and here is what the originators claim, &quot;It's an indispensable tool for photographers, graphic artists and digital imaging professionals, Genuine Fractals enables you to create resolution-independent images from any size file and lets you print superior quality enlargements without any degradation in image quality&quot; By saving your digital image with this package as a very small stn file, you can create lossless files of up to 70Mb and beyond. After saving and re-opening this file in Photoshop, Genuine Fractal kicks in and you can easily produce files of a specified size I was stunned by this software and began to wonder what the impact might be for both digital photographers and medium/large format professionals. Of course, as already stated, this increased size does NOT put extra information into the shot. There again, neither does making a 67 dupe of a 35mm slide improve image quality and many photographers still do that when submitting to libraries. Digital photographers may get even more benefits by beefing up the file size using Genuine Fractals, before printing out enlargements. This could be very useful for Wedding Photographers who want the convenience of using a digital camera, but are unhappy about the quality of enlargements often requested. Using Genuine Fractals may save time effort and money by eliminating the need for a film backup camera. On the other hand, it may be that Genuine Fractals may produce the best result with photos captured from film and then scanned, because noise in the original image is not removed when enlarged, in fact it will be more obvious. This means that mid-range digital camera shots are likely to fare worse on enlargment than film shots captured with 10 million pixels+ With a new version Genuine Fractals 3.5 just released, it could be worth a test and could be a worthwhile investment too. So, if you want to explore this a little more, get a copy of Amateur Photographer for 23 October 2004 and read their review of this exciting software. You can get a free test copy of the software itself from this link: <a href="http://www.dcp-systems.co.uk" target="_new">http://www.dcp-systems.co.uk</a> Why bother with a medium format camera if 35mm caressed by this Software will do instead? Oh I know I'll get lectures from purists for even suggesting something so daft, given superior lenses and better optics, but for some people that may be just overkill. If this article has opened up the possibility of a better working method for some freelances, that's all that matters. So don't please run around telling your mates that size does not matter and that I've assigned medium format cameras to the dustbin of history. No, I'm just shining the spotlight on that funny old coin digital/film and giving it a flick in the air. Who knows how it will land? At least I've got a 50-50 chance of being right! About The Author One of a series of articles by Robert Hartness, successful freelance and author of an hotlinked, flip-over, e-book, published on the web in October 2004. It offers a step-by-step guide to those on the threshold of freelance photography and is illustrated with 40+ published photographs. Acclaimed as a great reference source for serious freelancers. More information and order link - <a href="http://www.cashfromyourcamera.com" target="_new">http://www.cashfromyourcamera.com</a> Press Release: <a href="http://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/10/prweb168698.php" target="_new">http://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/10/prweb168698.php</a>

Alternatives to Tape Backup

You may ask, isn't tape an anachronism in the age of optical disks, removable hard drives and a plethora of whiz-bang, random-access storage media? In many ways it is, but because of the nature of backup it doesn't really matter that tape is slow and sequential-access. Remember, tape is cheap. Businesses use tape because they find it to be a cost-effective backup solution. However, if you have any problems with tape backup, you'll probably be interested to know that there are several alternatives to tape. Backup to NAS devices NAS (Network Attached Storage) devices are attached directly to your network and can act as a backup store. Obviously, it's very convenient to backup files to NAS, as there are no disks or tapes to insert and remove. There are many NAS devices specially designed for small businesses. NAS is an excellent choice for network backup. Backup to REV drive In April 2004, Iomega released the REV drive -- a new storage device that has greater capacity than tape and is 5 to 8 times faster. Key features are: * Backup to REV drive is much faster than tape backup.<br> * REV drive units are more durable than tape.<br> * While tape requires regular cleaning, no cleaning is required for REV drive units.<br> * Backup to REV drive may in fact prove more cost-effective for your business than tape, depending on your backup scheme and other factors. Otherwise, REV backup is very similar to tape backup in principle. Final notes Several reliable backup software solutions exist. Choosing one is simply a case of deciding which is most suitable for your business. As always, invest in quality <a target="_new" href="http://www.backupassist.com">backup software</a>. Rather than purchasing specialist REV backup software and NAS backup software, your choice in software should allow backup to numerous devices. You will then be able to change your backup hardware in the future without buying new software. Linus Chang is a backup expert and the lead developer of BackupAssist -- backup software that is simple and affordable, and perfect for small and medium businesses. Protect your Windows servers, including SQL Server and Exchange Server, to <a target="_new" href="http://www.backupassist.com/news/tape-backup-software.html">tape, REV drive, hard drive, NAS and more, at a fraction of the cost of other backup programs. It transforms <a target="_new" href="http://www.backupassist.com/news/ntbackup.html">NTBackup</a> into a script-free and simple-to-use tool.

Setting up a Tape Backup Strategy for your Business

So you know a little bit about tape backup, but you're wondering how to set up a tape backup strategy for your business. Well, let's take a look at 3 simple steps to setting up a complete backup solution. Step 1: Purchase your tape backup hardware Firstly, purchase the tape backup hardware. If you need to perform file server backup (or Exchange Server backup or SQL Server backup) for small business, then one of the following tape drives should suffice: * Travan cartridge drive (up to 10 Gb)<br> * DDS tape backup drive (up to 20 Gb)<br> * DDS tape backup drive with hardware data compression (up to 40 Gb)<br> Then purchase the necessary tapes for your backup rotation strategy. A good Grandfather-Father-Child variation will require 10 tapes or 14 tapes. Step 2: Purchase your tape backup software When it comes to tape backup software, one option is to use NTBackup -- the standard Windows backup program. The problem with NTBackup is that it is too hard to use. While an expert should be able to schedule backup jobs using NTBackup, what you really want is something a novice can setup in minutes. What you really want to do is invest in some quality backup software for your business? Well, if you run a small business, you'll want to avoid those expensive brands! They're designed for large corporations. You should really be looking for software for tape backup that does everything you need, but is affordable at the same. Look for a backup program that's designed specially for small business instead. Look for a product that is advertised as being simple to use. Remember, you don't want software that requires an expert to run it. Download a trial version of the backup software and try it out for a month or so. If everything works smoothly and you're happy with the product, go ahead and make a purchase! Step 3: Continually perform your backups So you've attached the tape drive to your server and installed the software. You've configured the software to run your tape rotation scheme and everything's raring to go. So how do you go about performing backups? Well, at the end of each working day, put the tape into the drive. And as obvious as this sounds, the correct tape should be placed in the drive. For example, placing the "Week 2" tape instead of the "Week 3" tape in the tape drive will reduce the effectiveness of your tape rotation strategy! Your tape backup software should take care of the rest. In addition, you should monitor the results of each backup to check for errors. For example, if a tape wears out and data cannot be verified, you need to take action and replace that tape. If some problem prevented a backup from completing, you need to know about it so that you can re-run the backup the next morning. Be sure to also follow your manufacturer's guidelines for drive cleaning and maintenance. Final notes As strange as this seems, you should be at the mercy of your tape backup software. And the more control it exerts over you, the better! Let me explain... NTBackup assumes that you insert the correct tape and it doesn't inform you of any errors. You are responsible for selecting the tape according to your tape rotation scheme, and the onus is on you to read result logs and discover if any errors occurred. This means that the file backup process is tedious and prone to human error. A complete solution for tape backup should take charge of your backup strategy for you. A <a target="_new" href="http://www.backupassist.com/news/tape-backup-software.html">tape backup software</a> should email tape rotation instructions and the results of backups to you or your secretary, making your task far simpler and minimizing the chance of human error. Select the right server backup software and you're already most of the way to implementing a complete tape backup strategy for your business. Linus Chang is a backup expert and the lead developer of BackupAssist -- <a target="_new" href="http://www.backupassist.com">backup software</a> that is simple and affordable, and perfect for small and medium businesses. Protect your Windows servers, including SQL Server and Exchange Server, to tape, REV drive, hard drive, NAS and more, at a fraction of the cost of other backup programs. Transforms <a target="_new" href="http://www.backupassist.com/news/ntbackup.html">NTBackup</a> into a script-free and simple-to-use tool.

How To Take Care Of Your Laptop Computer

As the proud owner of a laptop computer, you'll want to keep your machine in the best possible condition. Aside from cleaning your screen and dusting the keyboard, however, you'll need to take a few extra steps to maintain your laptop's health: -- Play it cool A laptop computer generates a lot of heat, especially when running the latest high-powered software. Too much heat and you risk damaging the internal circuitry. Always try to keep your laptop in a well-ventilated, cool environment. And ensure you don't block the fan grills on the sides, back, or bottom of the machine at any time. -- Handle the screen carefully Avoid touching or playing with your LCD screen. Yes, it might be fun to watch the waves generated by your finger against the screen, but LCD displays are fragile devices that must be cared for. Take care when cleaning the screen too, and use only approved cleaning materials. You won't want to pay the money for screen repairs or, even worse - a new machine entirely. -- Don't drop it Whatever you do, don't drop your laptop computer! Keep it safe inside of a carrying case when moving around or traveling. Don't leave it on the edge of a table or on an unstable support of some kind. One ill fated drop to the floor could spell death for your mobile office. Try to make sure the rubber feet underneath are in good condition and are still attached. This will prevent the device from sliding around accidentally. -- Be careful with those drinks... If you need to have a drink while working or playing, be careful not to spill it. Your laptop computer could suffer the consequences from just a few drops of liquid poured in the right places. While you probably do eat and drink around it regardless, you will want to occasionally wipe down the edges, the keyboard, the touchpad, and maybe even wipe down the screen to keep any dirt from accumulating. -- Just say no to viruses Security wise, make sure you obtain an anti-virus program. Secondly, keep it updated! Buying an anti-virus one month and not updating it for the next six really negates it purpose. Your laptop computer could be exposed to hundreds and thousands of new viruses every month if you don't update your virus definitions. Most anti-virus programs have automatic update methods, eliminating the need for you to have to remember to do it manually. -- Avoid Popups Pop-ups are particularly annoying on a laptop computer. Trying to close a bunch of windows without a regular mouse can be a nuisance. You'll want a pop-up blocker, such as the Google Toolbar (located at http://tools.google.com), to prevent these pop- up ads. Many intrusive forms of advertising, and even some viruses, can install software on your machine by using various forms of pop-ups. It's best to get yourself a blocker and avoid the situation entirely. -- Use a firewall Always utilize a firewall on your Internet or network- enabled laptop computer. Even if you use Windows XP's built- in firewall (or purchase one from such companies as Norton), your security will greatly benefit from it. Blocking out all the unnecessary ports and closing all the loopholes will prevent a hacker or virus from freely entering your hard drive. So there you go. Combine all of the above tactics and help your laptop enjoy a happier and healthier lifestyle! About The Author Joe Chianese is a technical writer and frequent contributor to <a href="http://www.HowToBuyALaptop.com" target="_new">HowToBuyALaptop.com</a>. For advice on how to find the right laptop computer for you, visit our website.

Refurbished Laptop Batteries

There are three refurbished laptop battery types, each named for its component materials: Nickel Cadmium (NiCad) batteries are hardly ever seen anymore. They have dismally low capacities (2000-3000 mAH) and contain heavy metals that harm the environment. Worst of all is the dreaded &quot;memory effect&quot;. When you recharge a NiCad battery before it is completely drained, the longevity of the battery is compromised. That is the memory effect. Nickel Metal Hybrid (NiMH) batteries have twice the capacity of NiCad batteries (4000-6000 mAH) and are half as susceptible to the memory effect. But these too are becoming rare. Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) batteries are today's laptop battery standard. They have all the capacity of a NiMH battery, but zero memory effect and zero toxins. Bonus: Li-Ion batteries weigh half as much as NiMH batteries. In purchasing a battery, the consumer has three options: used, refurbished, or new. Used laptop batteries that are not refurbished will probably only last you 30 minutes to an hour before needing recharging. Refurbished laptop batteries are available from most manufacturers and retailers of refurbished laptops. These batteries are renewed, recharged, and tested. They are much better than plain old used batteries, but not quite as good as new. New laptop batteries last a good couple of years ? 600-800 recharges ? as long as they are properly cared for. Extending Battery Power Whenever you are using your laptop near a power source, use the A/C adaptor. However, sometimes you will be forced to use your laptop with no access to a wall outlet, and the battery will run low. Here are three things you can do to extend the remaining power in the battery: First, if your laptop processor features a power-save mode, switch over to power-save mode. This will slow the laptop by up to 50%, doubling battery life for that time period. Second, turn off extraneous energy-sucking elements. The major power vampires in your laptop are the hard drive, the CD and DVD drives, any networking devices, and any excessively bright screen settings. Third, you can double overall battery capacity by installing a second battery. Your laptop must have a universal bay in order to do this. All you have to do is remove the CD-ROM or floppy drive and put a battery in its place. <a target="_new" href="http://www.i-refurbishedlaptops.com">Refurbished Laptops Info</a> provides detailed information on quality, cheap refurbished laptops by manufacturers like Dell, IBM, Toshiba, and HP, as well as refurbished laptop batteries and related products. Refurbished Laptops Info is the sister site of <a target="_new" href="http://www.e-rackmountcomputer.com">Rack Mount Computers Web</a>.

The Hard Disk

From throwing our unnecessary files, to defragmenting, from partitions to formats-learn how to keep your hard disk in top shape The hard disk is the place where all your programs and data are stored. If the hard disk Stops working you could end up losing all your data. What we'll do here is take you on. A quick tour of the different things you need to know about it, so you can keep it working smoothly. What is the hard disk? The hard disk is a magnetic mass storage device installed in special bays within the system unit. The hard disk could do compared to a large cupboard having several shelves With different items being neatly arranged and stored on each self. The hard disk stored all the data you need to store on your PC-the operating system (for example, Windows), Software program (for example an office suit), business or household applications and data, games, e-mail message, address books and so on. A hard disk off the assembly line is just a mass of magnetic media. The magnetic surface of the hard disk has to be structured into specific areas where data can be stored properly, a process known as formatting. When you buy a new computer, the system comes with a formatted hard disk. A hard disk needs to be divided into partitions before it can be used. The hard disk on a newly purchased computer comes configured with a single large partitions, the primary partition (C: in My Computer) and an extended partition, which may be further subdivided into logical partitions (D: E: and so on in My Computer) if required. Partitioning makes the storage of data more efficient and reduces the access time to retrieve data. The storage capacity of hard disk has increased by leaps and bounds since IBM XT's first 10 MB hard disk. Nowadays, 10GB is the entry level and 17 GB is common. The hard disk communicates with a PC's motherboard through an expansion card or a disk interface card. How does it wok? The disk is formatted to divide its magnetic surface into concentric circular paths called tracks (these are like the grooves on a phonograph record) and wedge-shaped slices called sectors. Data is stored in the form of a file or groups of disk sector called clusters. A disk drive locates data by moving its magnetic read-write head to specific track within a specific sector. When a new file is created in a freshly formatted hard disk, it is assigned cluster numbers in a sequential order. If the file is expanded, then the first available clusters are assigned. When file is deleted, their cluster numbers are simply marked as available. Over course of time, when files grow in size to require additional cluster or are deleted, the perfectly ordered sequence of clusters gets disturbed, a process known as fragmentation. Partitioning the hard disk Partitioning divides a large hard disk into smaller virtual-not physical-hard disk or partitions, leading to an efficient utilization of space and boosting your PC's performance. Partitioning could be very useful in following circumstances: 1-One PC, several users-If several persons have to work on the same PC, partitions could be assigned for each of them so that each person has his or her own &quot;working space.&quot; This could be useful in home setting too, where you could have separate partitions for your spouse, children's games, business applications and data and so on. 2-Work on multiple operating systems-You may want to work on more than one operating system on your PC, for example Win98, Linux and Windows95. (Maybe you have applications that work perfectly in Win95 but suddenly crashed in Win98). You can keep these various operating systems safely on the same hard disk by installing them in separate partitions. Partitioning Tools There're several partitioning tools available for your hard drive. Two of the most popular ones are: 1-PartitionMagic Version 4.o for Windows95 and 98-Partition Magic, from Power Quest is a useful and powerful partitioning program. It effortlessly creates, moves, converts and resizes partitions on your hard disk without the necessity of reformatting the disk of erasing valuable data. 2-FDISK- is a freely available partitioning utility that runs in the DOS environment. Its greatest UPS is that it is available for free. It is cumbersome to use and also requires formatting of the hard disk (perhaps its biggest drawback). Formatting a hard disk As with most mechanical devices, prolonged use of the hard disk results in inevitable wear and tear and malfunction. Repeated adding and deleting of files takes its toll on the hard disk and you may get disk error, including the notorious &quot;fatal error&quot; of Windows. This is an indication that you may need to re-format your hard disk to have it working properly again. However, before deciding to re-format the disk it may be worthwhile to try out other alternative- 1-Run Disk Defragmenter 2-Use a cleanup shareware programs such asregclean.exe, available for download. However, if after trying out these alternatives, you continue to get fatal error message, then you probably need to format your hard disk. The procedure of formatting is simple enough but has to be done carefully. When you format the hard disk, all the data on the disk is lost-Windows operating system, software programs, business applications data, games, e-mails messages. In short everything. How to do the formatting Windows 95 1- Double-click on My Computer icon. Then click the icon for the drive you want to format. (e. g. C:) 2- On the File menu, click Format and follow the instructions. Remember that you can not format a disk if there are files open on that disk. If the disk has been compressed, use Drivespace or other compression to format the disk. Windows 98 1- Click Start, click Shutdown, click Restart, and then click on OK. 2- Press and hold the CTRL key until the Microsoft Windows 98 Startup Menu appears. 3- Select Command prompt only and press Enter. 4- At the C:prompt, type format C: and press ENTER. 5- Follow the instruction on the screen. After formatting you're left with a blank hard disk with more space then before. The next step is to restore the programs you need on your disk. 1- First reinstall Windows and then application programs you use. 2- Restore your backups into appropriate files. If you use a Zip drive or a CD-writer, these need to be installed first. 3- Reinstall all drivers for the printer, modem or other peripherals. Do the defrag A file on your disk may not be stored all in one place or cluster. For example, if you create a Word document and make changes to it at a later date, the change may get saved in a different cluster from the original file. The more often you make changes to a file, the more disorganized the cluster becomes, and the disk becomes fragmented. This makes the magnetic head that reads and writes data to and from the disk, works harder to retrieve the entire file. Fragmentation of hard drive reduces the storage efficiency and then access time for retrieving information. The process of defragging helps to rearrange the files and unused space on your hard disk so that programs run faster. Before Defragging, it may be a good idea to check how much of your hard drive is fragmented. You can do this by running ScanDisk. Empty the temp folders and Recycle Bin before defragging. Windows 95 and Windows 98-: Open the Start Menu, choose Programs, choose Accessories, and choose System Tools and click on Disk Defragmenter. You defragging schedule will depend on how much you use the PC. A good rule of the thumb is to defrag every two weeks. Make sure all your files are closed and then you have turned of the screensaver also. Spring Cleaning No more hard disk space left? Getting disk error or illegal operations? It may be time to clean up your hard disk. A few spring cleaning pointers to help you out. 1- Toss out unwanted applications-: check out all the software applications you have loaded on the PC. Delete the old applications if you have installed newer versions. Go to the Control Panel's Add/Remove program option and uninstall those applications you don't need. 2- Run ScanDisk-: the ScanDisk option in Windows is very useful application which fixes problem like lost clusters, invalid directory entries and physical disk errors. Run ScanDisk once a month. Go to start, choose Programs, choose Accessories, and choose System Tools and click on ScanDisk. Click the drive that contains the folders and files you want to check. 3- Defrag often, once in two weeks. 4- Empty Recycle Bin-: Right-click on Recycle Bin icon on the Desktop and choose Empty Recycle Bin from the dropdown menu. 5- Clean out your folders-: do you really need all those download you had undertaken for a past research project or those games you seldom plays? Delete those folders that are not required. 6- Delete .tmp files and create more space on hard disk. Close all programs. Go to Windows Explorer. Press the key to open find dialog box. Enter *.tmp in the box. Make sure that C: Drive is listed in the Look-in box. Include subfolders by checking them. When .tmp files appear, delete them. 7- Delete temporary Net files to create more space. Go to the temp Internet Files folder in Windows Explorer. Delete all present files. 8- There are several Windows components on your hard disk that you could do without. You could remove these individual components from the Add/Remove Windows setup option and create more space on your disk Some windows components that are not necessary are accessories such as Desktop Wallpapers (a saving of 700kB) and games (a saving of 600kB Before you format?.. 1- Enter the hard drive's technical specifications (number of cylinders, tracks, sectors etc.) into the PC's BIOS setup table so that it is available for the machine's Startup program. 2- Backup all your important data onto another hard disk, recordable CDs, Zip Drive, magnetic tapes or floppies. If you have a sort of backup space or are in hurry, copy only important folders. Backup your e-mail and address books too. After taking the backups, check them out to make sure that they are okay. 3- Backup any folders that you share with others over a network. 4- Keep handy the installation disks or CDs of the application software you use, such as Windows or an office suite. These will have to be re-installed after formatting. 5- Keep handy the driver disks for your printer, sound card, CD ROM driver, modem or other devices. These will have to be re-installed after formatting. FAT Facts When a hard disk is formatted, a File Allocation Table (FAT) is created on the disk. FAT keeps a record of the locations of all the files on the disk FAT 16 is the file allocation system used in DOS and Windows 95. FAT 32 file system is used in Windows 98 or Win 95 OSR 2. FAT 32 is considered to be more efficient as it saves more space on the disk. The performance of hard disk largely affects the overall performance of a PC. Hard disk performance factors include storage capacity, data access time (the time it takes for the read write heads to find a required position on the magnetic surface), data transfer time (measure how many million bit per second can be transferred from disk to RAM) and reliability. TIP Keep your hard disk in tip-top condition and optimize its performance. 1- Create separate folders for each business application, data or for each family member. This will keep your disk clean and organized. 2- Avoid the compression Though file compression increases the amount of storage space, it also considerably slowdown system performance. 3- Keep 10% free. Always keep at least 10% of your hard disk free-filling it beyond 90% of its capacity will lead to system slowdown and potential loss of information. 4- Run the Maintenance Wizard utility of Windows 95 and 98. This utility make your programs run faster, checks your hard disk for problems and free hard disk space. You can schedule it to0 run on a regular basis at a specific time, for example once a week or other interval of your choice. Start maintenance Wizard by clicking on Start, choose Programs, choose Accessories, choose system tools and click on Maintenance Wizard. 5- Use software package that help to optimize your hard disk's performance, e.g. Symantec's Norton Utilities. About The Author Pawan Bangar,<br> Technical Director,<br> Birbals,<br> (Hbirbals,Seobirbals,Ebirbals,Ibirbals)<br> Cell:91-175-3150734<br> Cell:+91-98153-52253<br> email: <a href="mailto:pawan@ebirbals.com">pawan@ebirbals.com</a> Yahoo Messenger:pawanishappy@yahoo.com<br> MSN messenger:ebirbals@hotmail.com

Flash Your ATI Video Cards BIOS

Flash your ATI video card BIOS. You will need the following: 1. 1.44MB FDD (floppy) 2. FLASHROM utility copy 3. Compatible BIOS file for your video card. (search the manufactures website for bios details) 4. Required Drivers. (check manufactures website) Alright now First make an ATI BIOS flash boot disk. -Bios flash operations for video must be performed in DOS. -You will need a DOS boot disk, you can obtain one if you do not already ahve one at bootdisk.com, download there dr DOS image file after that run the .exe file that comes with it. Which will create a clean DOS boot disk. (if any problems folow instruction son the website) -If you need other ways of obtaining a boot disk just post in a related thread. Now that you have a DOS boot disk, copy the BIOS file you downloaded and the FLASHROM.exe file onto the disk. Second <br> Make a backup of your ATI video card BIOS Make a backup of your current video card BIOS before flashing the bios, incase of problems. (better safe than sorry) -boot your computer with the boot flash-disk you had created in the first step. -during the "A:" prompt type "flashrom.exe -s 0 backup.rom" ENTER -now the utlity FLASHROM will make a backup of your video's bios onto the bios flash disk (called backup.rom) -Just in case, if we have to go back to the original bios. Third <br> Flash your ATI video card's bios -at the A: prompt type the following to flash your video bios -"flashbios -p 0 (name of new bios file you downloaded including the extention) hit ENTER (no brackets around the name of your new bios file) -Flashrom will overwrite your odl bios with your new bios. -if any errors ocured do not restart; consult troubleshooting. -if there is a pause in the procedure, for say the bios types do not match you may use a "-f" switch to force the operation (force if certian the bios suits your video card) Forcing the BIOS flash type: During the thrid section instead of typing -"flashbios -p 0 (name of new bios file you downloaded including the extention) Type -"flashrom -f -p 0 (name of new bios file you downloaded including the extention) -If you had made it this far without any errors and everything seems to have gone correctly, than restart your system. -monitor the post screen for the video card info -double check that your procedure worked and your bios has worked correctly. -also watch to see if your OS boots correctly -plz keep in mind that your new bios may need new up to date drivers. Hooray! Congrats! You have successfully changed your video card's BIOS. Jason Barrett <br> <a target="_new" href="http://www.computing-forums.com">http://www.computing-forums.com</a>

Flash Your ATI Video Cards BIOS

Flash your ATI video card BIOS. You will need the following: 1. 1.44MB FDD (floppy) 2. FLASHROM utility copy 3. Compatible BIOS file for your video card. (search the manufactures website for bios details) 4. Required Drivers. (check manufactures website) Alright now First make an ATI BIOS flash boot disk. -Bios flash operations for video must be performed in DOS. -You will need a DOS boot disk, you can obtain one if you do not already ahve one at bootdisk.com, download there dr DOS image file after that run the .exe file that comes with it. Which will create a clean DOS boot disk. (if any problems folow instruction son the website) -If you need other ways of obtaining a boot disk just post in a related thread. Now that you have a DOS boot disk, copy the BIOS file you downloaded and the FLASHROM.exe file onto the disk. Second <br> Make a backup of your ATI video card BIOS Make a backup of your current video card BIOS before flashing the bios, incase of problems. (better safe than sorry) -boot your computer with the boot flash-disk you had created in the first step. -during the "A:" prompt type "flashrom.exe -s 0 backup.rom" ENTER -now the utlity FLASHROM will make a backup of your video's bios onto the bios flash disk (called backup.rom) -Just in case, if we have to go back to the original bios. Third <br> Flash your ATI video card's bios -at the A: prompt type the following to flash your video bios -"flashbios -p 0 (name of new bios file you downloaded including the extention) hit ENTER (no brackets around the name of your new bios file) -Flashrom will overwrite your odl bios with your new bios. -if any errors ocured do not restart; consult troubleshooting. -if there is a pause in the procedure, for say the bios types do not match you may use a "-f" switch to force the operation (force if certian the bios suits your video card) Forcing the BIOS flash type: During the thrid section instead of typing -"flashbios -p 0 (name of new bios file you downloaded including the extention) Type -"flashrom -f -p 0 (name of new bios file you downloaded including the extention) -If you had made it this far without any errors and everything seems to have gone correctly, than restart your system. -monitor the post screen for the video card info -double check that your procedure worked and your bios has worked correctly. -also watch to see if your OS boots correctly -plz keep in mind that your new bios may need new up to date drivers. Hooray! Congrats! You have successfully changed your video card's BIOS. Jason Barrett <br> <a target="_new" href="http://www.computing-forums.com">http://www.computing-forums.com</a>

Learn How To Diagnose Power Supply Problems

The Power Supply convert's your regular household current into low DC voltage used by the computer. When this component fails,there is simply no activity going on wih your computer.Remember to do the easy troubleshooting first.Inspect the Power Supply for any damage.Double-Check all connections. Learning how to check your power supply and how to replace it when needed can be a life saver if you're a computer buff or in business with the trusted PC.Don't take for granted the simple pleasure of turning on your PC and everything works just fine. We turned on one of our computers recently and in about one hour,it just re-booted itself.And it continued doing so about 10 times a day until we found out the power supply was the culprit.Things to look for when your power supply is going bad or just dies on you are the following. NO POWER TO THE COMPUTER Here you must first check the wall outlet for power by connecting another device such as a radio or lamp to be sure power is present.If the computer is connected through a surge protector,check it as well. If the wall out has power,check the power cable going to the PC to see if AC voltage is making its way to the system unit.Do this with the use of a multimeter. If there is power,you will have to open the PC and check for power from the power supply to the motherboard. When using a multimeter to check voltage,be sure you have a good ground for the black lead of the multimeter. RE-BOOTING PROBLEMS One main problem you may face with an ailing Power Supply is that it may re-boot the computer without any warning.All information is lost and it seems as though this happens at the worst possible time. Booting errors when the computer first start's up is another indicator of this component going on the blink. POWER DISTRIBUTION PROBLEMS When the power supply begins to fail,you may receive power at one device and not another.For example,the Hard Drive may receive power but the CDROM Drive has nothing at all. Another headache with would cause re-booting is the intermittent power going to the drives or the motherboard itself.Follow the steps below to check your power supply should you experience some of the above problems. CHECKING THE POWER SUPPLY If the wall outlet,and the power cord are good,make sure the connection at the motherboard is secure.Then you may have to face the fact that the power supply itself is bad.If you have a Multimeter you can test the power supply output before purchasing a new one.Simply follow these steps. Turn off the PC,but do not unplug it,open the system unit. Set the multimeter to read DC volts in the next range higher than 12 volts.Locate a power connector similair to the hard drive,or cdrom drive connector that is unused and turn on the PC. You can also unplug a drive connector and use it as well.Turn on the PC and insert the BLACK probe into the power connector on one of the BLACK wires.Touch the RED probe to the YELLOW wire on the power connector. The multimeter reading should be +12 volts Now touch the RED probe to the RED wire and the reading should be +5 volts.If no readings or different readings occured,you'll have to replace the power supply.If the readings were correct,you should check the P8 or P9 connectors at the motherboard. These connectors may also be named P4 and P5.To check these connectors,perform the following... Insert the BLACK probe into P8 at one of the BLACK wires. Insert the RED probe into the P8 connector at the RED wire. The reading on the multimeter should be +5 volts Check the power going to the Motherboard connections by inserting the RED probe into P8 at the YELLOW wire and you should get +12 volts.Leave the BLACK wire touching the black wire at the P8 connector.Check the BLUE wire and the reading should be a -12 volts. Now move the BLACK probe to the BLACK wire on the P9 connector.Test the WHITE wire by inserting the RED probe and the reading should be -5 volts.Check the RED wires on the P9 connector and you should get +5 volts on each red wire.You won't get exactly 5 or 12 volts but the readings will be very close, such as 5.02 volts. If the Power Supply is a couple of volts off,in either direction,such as when the RED wire should be reading -5 volts but it reads -8 volts,or if there are no readings,replace the power supply. DO NOT remove the power supply from the system unit case when performing these tests.DO NOT perform these tests if you do not feel comfortable.Be sure to remove any and all electrical static build-up from your clothes and body BEFORE touching any parts inside the system unit.And NEVER open the power supply case for any reason,since high voltage may be present. About The Author Otis F. Cooper is solely dedicated to boosting the knowledge and confidence of every computer user that is serious about knowing computers.Use his informative articles and videos to understand every aspect about the PC. Read more about his formula for pc training at <a href="http://www.ultimatepcrepair.com" target="_new">http://www.ultimatepcrepair.com</a> <a href="mailto:allaboutpc@juno.com">allaboutpc@juno.com</a>

Selecting a Laptop

Small Can Be Beautiful When purchasing a new computer, you may be better served by a laptop than a traditional desktop computer. Recently, laptops with capabilities similar to desktops can be purchased for a comparable price. Laptops are convenient because of their small size and ability to run from a battery. Except for the power cable to recharge it, a laptop doesn't have any external wires, so it won't be contributing to a cable mess. When looking at laptops, consider how often you will travel with it. If you plan to travel only infrequently, get a model with a larger screen and lower price. If you are a digital nomad, you should be concerned mainly with the laptop size, weight, and battery life. For maximum portability, get a laptop that weighs less than 3.5 pounds, has a 12&quot; or smaller display, and a minumum 4-hour battery life. Unlike desktops, laptop computers can be difficult and expensive to upgrade. When you purchase a laptop, consider that any internal features such as CD-ROM or hard drive may be difficult to replace. Laptops can be upgraded externally with USB, FireWire, and the PC Card slot. Because each of these methods is external, however your laptop will become less portable if you need to carry around the external devices. Take One Tablet... A Tablet PC is a custom laptop that allows you to write on the screen to save notes and work with programs. Tablet PCs are typically smaller than laptops and feature a specialized processor that is extremely battery-efficient. Some Tablet PCs do not have a built-in keyboard, but can connect to an external keyboard. These are ideal for people who use the Tablet PC mode most of the time and need to use the keyboard occasionally. If you have little need for a portable computer, a "desktop replacement" may be for you. A desktop replacement looks like a laptop, but is much larger and priced competitively with desktops. Whatever kind of laptop fits your lifestyle, gone are the days when laptops were expensive and less capable than traditional desktop computers. About The Author Deryck Richards is the founder and managing partner of Desktronix. With an extensive educational background in computer information systems, Deryck currently manages hosting and data center operations for Desktronix. He also provides system administration and technical support directly to small businesses as he has since 2000. His areas of expertise include networking, Windows, Linux, and Macintosh systems and he is the author of The Guide to Technology for Small Business. For more information on Desktronix, visit <a href="http://www.desktronix.com" target="_new">www.desktronix.com</a>.

What Tablet PCs Can Do for You

Tablet PCs are great. If you are a mobile person, and you have never considered getting a tablet PC in the past, now is as good a time as any to start checking them out - the technology is cutting-edge, the usability is superb, and prices are starting to drop. There are two main types of tablet PCs: convertible and slate. Convertible tablets look a lot like normal laptops except the screen can be rotated all the way around and laid down flat across the keyboard. You then input information through the screen using a stylus. Slate tablet PCs include only the screen interface ? though they are fully integratable with peripherals like keyboards and mouses, the computer itself does not have them. Both types are viable options, depending on your personal preferences and what you'll be using it for. As with any technology, tablet PCs have advantages and disadvantages. Thanks to the last few years of development and enhancement, the disadvantages are shrinking in number, and the perks are becoming more and more enticing. <h3>Advantages of Tablet PCs</h3> Far and away, the best thing about tablet PCs is their mobility. You can take and use them anywhere you go, the same way you would take notebook and pen. That means that when your boss bumps into you in the hallway and gives you a number of assignments, you can write them down. In meetings you don't have to hide your face behind the monitor of your laptop because you can lay the tablet PC flat on the table. For students, this mobility is great - you can study your notes while you're waiting in lines or even in the car. Tablet PCs let you use digital ink to store handwritten notes, graphs, charts, and pictures. You don't have to worry about taking your laptop and a notepad and pen to meetings or classes. Using the stylus, tablet PCs record your handwriting and drawings. They can convert your handwriting to text if you need to turn in an assignment typewritten. All of the money you have been spending on pens, pencils, highlighters, notepads, papers, binders, folders, staples, and paperclips stays in your pocket. Because of the digital ink option on tablet PCs, much of the need for paper supplies and writing utensils is eliminated. You can keep all your notes on your computer. Finally, one of the advantages of tablet PCs over regular laptops is that you don't lose any functionality from your computer. Tablets operate on similar platforms and run many of the same programs. In fact, many programs integrate all of their normal functions with digital ink, so you can add notes to documents and even email your handwritten notes to someone. <h3>Disadvantages of Tablet PCs</h3> Despite my obvious zeal for tablet PCs, I recognize that there are still some disadvantages. First is the price. The prices for tablet PCs are coming down quite a bit from when they were first released, but on average, you can expect to spend more for a tablet PC than for its equivalent laptop. Depending on the bells and whistles you're looking for, expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 on up. The handwriting-to-text conversion does not always work the way you wish it would. Just like speech-to-text systems require a trained style of speech to work properly, tablet PCs recognize a trained penmanship easier than the way you may write naturally. A lot of the kinks in these conversion systems have been worked out - but don't plan on handwriting your next novel expecting to be able to convert into a print-ready copy with no problems. Finally, their smaller size is both an advantage and disadvantage. They are much more mobile than their laptop counterparts, but the viewing area is also smaller. Likewise, the keyboard also shrinks down to accommodate the smaller size, so if you feel like your fingers are already cramped on a laptop-sized keyboard, you'll want to make sure you're going to be able to use the tablet PCs before you buy one. Nick Smith is a client account specialist with <a target="_new" href="http://www.10xMarketing.com">10x Marketing</a> - More Visitors. More Buyers. More Revenue. For organizational software that will help you take full advantage of <a target="_new" href="http://www.gobinder.com/tablet-pcs.aspx">tablet PCs</a>, visit <a target="_new" href="http://www.gobinder.com">GoBinder.com</a>.

A Look Inside The Elusive Inkjet Industry

The Inkjet printer industry is booming. Office supply companies report they make more money on ink sales alone than on printer sales overall. Due to increasing ink sales, many inkjet manufacturers have introduced innovative products and services to meet the demands of discerning consumers. Customers are now able to purchase refill kits that allow them to handle their inkjet needs at home, without having to purchase expensive new cartridges. Refill kits contain a syringe like instrument that injects ink into the cartridge. In addition to ink refill kits, some printer manufacturing companies are also designing a chip that can detect when the cartridge is nearing the depletion level. On some models, this service will even report the number of pages left to print. Manufacturers believe this type of service will be beneficial to customers because it will enable them to know they are about to run out of ink, before it actually happens. Despite the measurers that manufacturers have taken to lighten the financial burden on consumers who purchase ink products, consumers frequently try different strategies to conserve their ink. One of these strategiesis to produce bulk quantities in black ink, under the mistaken impression that this will conserve their more expensive color ink cartridges. Unfortunately, this strategy doesn't work because color ink is required to make black ink on some machines. One strategy that will work is to realize that it takes significantly less ink to print a standard page of text than it does to print a color photo. In fact, a color photo requires 30 times more ink than a single page of text. So, use your ink wisely.Another way consumers can save money is in the quality of the printer they purchase. Consumers frequently purchase printers based on the sales price, failing to realize that by the time they purchase printing supplies, like ink cartridges, it is cheaper in the long run to go with more expensive inkjet printer that has cheaper consumables. The initial cost difference can easily be made up by the difference in the cost of consumables. In recent years, the inkjet industry has developed printers capable of printing faster than ever before. Some printers are now capable of printing out 20 pages per minute. Before consumers rush to purchase a printer with such lightning fast capabilities they need to give some consideration to the type of projects they will be printing. Some printers are perfectly capable of printing several pages per minute and maintaining print quality at the same time; however some are not. Take the time to shop around in the inkjet aisle to find the printer that will serve your personal daily printing needs. With all these new changes in the Inkjet industry, it's important for consumers to take the time to research the many new services and products now on the market. This is the key to understanding the constantly evolving inkjet printer industry. This article was provided courtesy of Inkjet Printables.com. On the website you'll find tons of useful information on <A target="_new" HREF="http://www.inkjet-printables.com">inkjet cartridges</A> and other inkjet consumables.

Wireless Networking, Part 1: Capabilities and Hardware

Wireless Networking, Part 1: Capabilities and Hardware These days it isn't uncommon for a home to have multiple personal computers, and as such, it just makes sense for them to be able to share files, as well as to share one Internet connection. Wired networking is an option, but it is one that may require the installation and management of a great deal of wiring in order to get even a modestly sized home set up. With wireless networking equipment becoming extremely affordable and easy to install, it may be worth considering by those looking to build a home network, as well as by those looking to expand on an existing wired network. The first installment in this two-part series of Tech Tips will provide an introduction to the basic capabilities and hardware involved in wireless networking. Once that foundation has been established, we'll take a look at a few setup and security related considerations that should be addressed once the physical installation is complete. Capabilities The basic standard that covers wireless networking is the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers' (IEEE) 802.11, which is close kin to the wired Ethernet standard, 802.3. Many people will recognize 802.11 more readily when accompanied by one of three suffixes (a, b, or g), used to specify the exact protocol of wireless networking. The 802.11a protocol first hit the scene in 2001, and despite a small surge in recent popularity, it is definitely the least common of the three at this time. The signals are transmitted on a 5 GHz radio frequency, while &quot;b&quot; and &quot;g&quot; travel on 2.4 GHz. The higher frequency means that the signal can travel less distance in free space and has a harder time penetrating walls, thus making the practical application of an 802.11a network a bit limited. The maximum transfer rate, however, is roughly 54 Mbps, so it makes up for its limited range with respectable speed. As mentioned, 802.11b and 802.11g networks operate on a 2.4 GHz radio band, which gives a much greater range as compared to 802.11a. One downside to being on the 2.4 GHz band is that many devices share it, and interference is bound to be an issue. Cordless phones and Bluetooth devices are two of many items that operate at this frequency. The range of these two protocols is about 300 feet in free air, and the difference between the two comes down to speed. 802.11b came first, released back in 1999, and offers speeds up to 11 Mbps. 802.11g first appeared in 2002 and it is a backwards compatible improvement over 802.11b and offers speeds up to 54 Mbps. On top of these protocols, some manufacturers have improved upon the 802.11g standard and can provide speeds of up to 108 Mbps. This doesn't involve a separate protocol, but just a bit of tweaking in areas like better data compression, more efficient data packet bursting, and by using two radio channels simultaneously. Typically, stock 802.11g equipment is not capable of these speeds, and those interested need to shop for matched components that specify 108 Mbps support. I say &quot;matched components&quot; as this is not a standard protocol and the various manufacturers may take different approaches to achieving these speeds. In order to ensure the best results when trying to achieve these elevated speeds, components from the same manufacturer should be used together. For instance, only Netgear brand network adaptors rated for 108 Mbps data transfer should be used with something like the Netgear WG624 wireless router (http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=WGT624NAR). Considering your typical broadband Internet connection is going to offer data transfer rates of 10 Mbps or less, it can be seen that even 802.11b would be more than adequate if you just want to surf the web. Sharing files on your LAN (Local Area Network) is where the faster protocols will really make a difference, and comparing the prices of 802.11b and 802.11g components may show that there is little to no difference in selecting a &quot;g&quot; capable device over a comparable &quot;b&quot; capable device. Hardware Access Point ? Wireless Access Point (WAP) is the central device that manages the transmission of wireless signals on a network. A base access point may be capable of handling up to 10 connections, and more robust APs may be able to manage up to 255 connections simultaneously. The D-Link DWL-1000AP+ (http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=37) is an example of a wireless access point capable of 802.11b transmissions. Router ? In somewhat technical terms, a router is a network device that forwards data packets. It is generally the connection between at least two networks, such as two LANs, or a LAN and ISP's (Internet Service Provider's) network. For our purposes, and for the sake of simplicity, a wireless router is basically an access point with the added feature of having a port for sharing a broadband Internet connection. The D-Link AirPlus G (http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=DI524-R&cat=NET) is an 802.11g capable router that provides access for numerous wireless connections and four hard-wired connections to one WAN (Wide Area Network Internet) connection. A typical router for home use will generally cost less than an access point, and via settings within the firmware, can be used as just an access point anyway. Wired or wireless, all the computers using the router can share files over the network, as well as sharing a broadband internet connection. Communication between wireless computers (or a wireless computer and a wired computer) will max out at 54 Mbps, while communication between wired computers will take full advantage of the 100 Mbps provided via the 802.3 protocol. Network Adaptor ? A network adaptor is required for every computer that you would like to be connected to the wireless network. Many laptops, such as this Sony Centrino 1.5 GHz (http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=PCGZ1RA-R&cat=NBB) now include a wireless adaptor built in, so no extra hardware is needed. For those with systems that don't have wireless capabilities built in, adding them is fairly simple, and can be done using a variety of connections. Desktop computers can go wireless by adding a PCI slot network adaptor such as the 802.11g capable D-Link DWL-G510 (http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=308). Notebook users can easily add wireless connectivity by using a PCMCIA adaptor, such as this 802.11g capable device (http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=PBW006-N&cat=NET). And for truly convenient plug-n-play connectivity to wireless networks, USB adaptors such as this 802.11g capable dongle (http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=80211GWUD&cat=NET) are available. Antenna/Extender ? These items are not essential, but given the specifics of a wireless environment, they may be helpful. Devices such as the Hawking Hi-Gain Antenna (http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=HAI6SIP-N&cat=NET) or the Super Cantenna (http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=SCB10&cat=NET) serve the purpose of increasing the wireless signal strength, and therefore extend the range of a given wireless network. Not only can a large area of open space be covered, but the signal quality may be improved in structures with walls and floors that obstruct the signal transmission. Final Words In this Tech Tip, we took a look at the basics of wireless networking as it relates to capabilities and hardware. In the second part of this two-part series, we will look at some of the basic setup and security considerations that should be addressed. The physical installation of a wireless network may be exponentially easier than a wired network, but the more difficult part is setting up the software and security to make sure everything stays up and running without incident. Jason Kohrs<br> <a target="_new" href="http://www.geeks.com">Computer Geeks</a> <a target="_new" href="http://www.geeks.com/pix/techtips.htm">tech tips</a> and <a target="_new" href="http://www.geeks.com/pix/techtips.htm">computer help</a>

How to Change, Upgade or Remove an IDE Hard Drive

Hard drives - Hard drives are a little more complicated. First off, you have to know what you want to do with the hard drive. By this, I mean either you want it set to either SLAVE or MASTER. If you want to boot from the hard drive (load windows or whatever other OS off it) then you want it to be your master. If you already have a master, and you want to use this as extra space, set this hdd to slave. This setting change requires a jumper on the back of the hard drive to be moved. It may sound hard, but it's easy. These jumper configurations can be found on the back of the hdd; most have a small label which states which way is which. After setting the jumper, take the IDE cable that runs to your primary hard drive. This is the long, usually grey cable that runs from a slot on your motherboard to your primary hard drive. If you are putting your new hdd in as a slave, this cable should have a second connector on it not being used. Connect this to the new slave hard drive, but don't disconnect the cable from your other HDD. If you're putting a new drive in as master, then you need to take the cable running right to your old HDD, detach it, and connect it to the new master HDD. In both cases, you will need to connect a power cable to the HDD. This runs from your power supply, and you should have a few extra not being used. Connect one connector to the 4 pronged connector on the hard drive. Once the hard drive is all connected, make sure it is fastened to the chasis on both sides of the case. This can be done by removing the case, then bolting the hard drive on one side and then the other. This is important - if you only bolt one side of the HDD, it can lead to corruption of files on the HDD. I am a young, aspiring computer engineer into Internet Marketing, hardware, software, web design, SEO and just about anything related to computers. Please come check out my growing PC forum at <a target="_new" href="http://www.markspcforum.com">http://www.markspcforum.com</a>

The Merging of Humans and Computers

Soon the human brain will be completely interfaced with the computer. The benefit to mankind will be truly significant. The truth is that Arthur C Clark in his short stories talked about groups of people being connected in real time by neuron transmitting devises below the skin. You might even have all the world's knowledge and latest research all in a chip connected to your brain. Today we see the beginnings of this with teens with cell phones and PDA devices used in Flash Mobs. Such a computer, communication, brain interface would be the next logical step as SciFi meets Moore's Law and MIT completes their latest Media Lab exploit of Nano tech gone wild. The communication device would be in real time, the &quot;Internet in your head&quot; so you can only imagine the opportunities, business and communication at the Speed of Thought. Instead of trading MP3 Player music on the Internet, you would be trading experiences in 4D, and thought using Nano-Tech computer, which interfaces with the enhanced brain. You could do real-time research with members of certain groups across the ocean and when someone made a discovery, the time to write the white paper or peer review would be instantaneous. Thus cutting down the research time to next to zero. If you read certain books such as Prescription to the Future; and The 500 year Delta, Futurists book reviews and others working on these issues you can see where we are headed. Some are worried about this but I am rather intrigued on the possibilities for the betterment of mankind. Will computers be smarter than humans? Computers and humans will be one in this case, so we will be equal. Instead of the preverbal file swapping or file sharing, you will be thought swapping. The future is closer than you think, have you considered this? "Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; <a target="_new" href="http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs">www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs</a>

Learn to Find Cheap Laptop Computers on the Internet

Cheap laptop computers are coming to a store near you. In fact, there are many there already. That's because, like any newfangled electronics device, laptop computers were once the cream of the computer crop, which made them super expensive. Nowadays, however, laptops are a dime a dozen. Held-held personal digital assistants and Bluetooth cell phone devices are the new rage. And so laptops are cheap. This does not mean that they are cheaply made, though. Thanks to the wonders of the technological cycle, laptop computers are decreasing in price as their capabilities rise. Of course, there are the latest, greatest laptops out there-monsters made for gaming, for instance, or for high-powered multimedia applications-and these still cost a pretty penny. But the average user can find themselves cheap laptop computers that provide all that they need in power, connectivity, and then some. Every major manufacturer out there, such as Dell, HD, and IBM, has their lower end and intermediate models that come with more than enough speed and usability. The key to finding the right model for you is to figure out exactly what you need it for. Will you be using it mainly for surfing the Web or word processing? Do you need it to work from home or mainly to save your MP3s and digital pictures? Then consider the different facets of computer, starting with its hard drive, memory, and processor. Your hard drive is essentially the brain of your computer, where all of your applications, files, and folders are saved. Your memory, or RAM, involves the &quot;thought processes&quot; of a computer, and gets used whenever you have a program open, such as Word or your Firewall. Your processor essentially does as its name suggests, processing the inner workings of how each program runs. Some other aspects to consider for your computers are also the ports involved, which can connect your computer to your camera or music player. Many cheap laptop computers today also come with wireless and broadband connectivity. Mike Long is the successful web publisher of Laptop-SuperGuide.com providing valuable tips, advice, and info about a multitude of relevant topics including <a target="_new" href="http://www.laptop-superguide.com">cheap laptop computers</a>.

Buying Laser Toner Cartridges

Compatible Laser Toner Cartridges Recently, there has been a huge legal and investigative battle with people selling &quot;compatible&quot; laser toner cartridges. Often, a distributor will sell their defective, ineffective, or even damaging laser toner cartridges to unsuspecting resellers. These cartridges will make weak prints, cause messy ink spray, and may cause serious damage to your printer. So be sure to buy cartridges from an authorized reseller that the manufacturer audits. Check the manufacturer's website to obtain a list of authorized resellers. Beware of laser toner cartridges that are priced way below market standard. Bad or old packaging should also send up a red flag for phony laser toner cartridges. Finally, if your cartridge runs out of ink too quickly, gives messy prints, or damages your printer, don't buy from the same retailer again. This is not to say that all compatible toner cartridges are bunk. But if you're going to spend tens of dollars on a cartridge, why risk it? Remanufactured Laser Toner Cartridges Most manufacturers, and some third-party distributors, will give you money or discounts in exchange for your old laser toner cartridges. They in turn replace the guts of the cartridge, refill it with toner, and resell it at a big discount. In many cases, the quality is almost exactly the same as new. For example, a black-ink cartridge for an Epson Stylus Color 880 costs $27 from Epson, but only $12 from Rhinotek. <a target="_new" href="http://www.e-lasertoner.com">Laser Toner Info</a> provides detailed information about later toner cartridges and refills, as well as reviews of laser toner products. Laser Toner Info is the sister site of <a target="_new" href="http://www.e-brochureprinting.com">Brochure Printing Web</a>.

Wireless Notebooks: What You Need To Know About Going Wireless!

It's not exactly breaking news that our world is becoming increasingly wireless. Many of our daily activities that once needed a wired connection can now be done wirelessly! The cell phone craze was probably the first revolution that seemingly happened overnight. The convenience of being constantly connected or plugged in to the your business, friends, or family was an undeniable need that was quickly met. For many people it has become a necessary in their daily lives. Wireless computers, notebooks or laptops may just be the second wave in our struggle to becoming a totally wireless world. The ability to be constantly connected to your business and/or loved ones is revolutionizing the way we use computers and the Internet. The ultraportable, versatile little notebook computer, will no doubt play a major leading role in our wireless struggle to be constantly connected. It's the 'portability' of the notebook or laptop computer that holds the most appeal and is its major selling point. And its popularity is growing. It is estimated that over 42 million computer notebooks will be produced this year in 2005. The market for laptop and notebook computers is growing at a rate of 20% each year according to Taiwanese notebook makers. And they should know -- they make 70% of these notebooks or their components for such major players as Dell, Hewlett-Packard and Gateway. But it's the portability and wireless communication these devices offer that's increasing their popularity among most users. Just how is this wireless communication accomplished by the notebook or laptop you ask? Wireless notebooks uses three major wireless data standards in order to transfer data. The one that is probably most common is 802.11b, also called Wi-Fi which stands for Wireless Fidelity. Wi-Fi or 802.11b transfers data wirelessly at a maximum rate of 11Mbps for up to 150 feet. It uses the 2.4GHz radio spectrum and although it says 11Mbps, you will probably only get around 4-6Mbps in actual use. But this is enough bandwidth for high speed Internet, gaming and most file transfers. The 802.11a is another standard that uses the 5GHz radio spectrum, so it has 8 channels available instead of only 3 that's available with 802.11b. The 'A' version also permits a larger transfer, at a maximum of 54Mbps. The other standard, 802.11g, is a hybrid of 'A' and 'B' -- its also capable of 54Mbps but it uses the 2.4 GHz spectrum and is compatible with 802.11b devices. Some notebooks like the Fujitsu LifeBook N6010, have a tri-mode 802.11a/b/g wireless system that uses all three forms! The next technology in Wireless Communication is 3G EV-DO! Sounds like one of those funny robots from Starwars -- but it stands for evolution-data optimized. This new technology will change how we view and use the world wide web. Verizon Wireless 3G EV-DO began commercial operations in Oct. of 2003 and is now expanding to over 125 million US consumers by the end of 2005. With download speeds of 400 to 700 kbps and bursts up to 2 Mbps, 3G has really given us wireless Internet this time. It has or will turn the Internet into a truly wireless system that's devoid of any cables or lines. It will be everywhere -- no space within our biosphere will be without the Internet very soon. Of course, it should be kept in mind, that any group of computers can be made wireless by using a wireless router and a wireless network adaptor for each computer. Also, many notebooks and computers come with a Bluetooth module, which allows for wireless communication between any sort of electronic devices -- from cell phones to computer to stereos to headphones. However, if you're setting up a wireless network or if you're using your wireless notebook or laptop at hotels and airports -- security will be a concern. Anyone within distance, possessing the right equipment and a little ingenuity may get access to this wireless system. For major corporations or the lowly homeowner; safeguards need to be taken to prevent unwanted visitors from interrupting your peaceful wireless universe. There are usually two basic methods of securing wireless networks, WEP and MAC address filtering. The MAC (Media Access Control) is the physical address or unique hardware identifier given to each device in the network. Then you manually enter a list of addresses that can use or access your wireless network. The other filtering process is more secure, WEP or Wireless Encryption Protocol requires a shared key between the users and then using this key to encrypt and de-encrypt data that's transmitted between your network users. Many major hotel chains and other businesses are now offering 'Wi-Fi' services as an added convenience to their patrons. These 'hot spots' are popping up everywhere, even at some gas stations. You may need to sign in or get a password or key to access these services. But like your cell phone conversations, any radio transfer or transmission will not be as secure as a wired connection. Keep this in mind if privacy is a major concern for you. But don't let it stop you from enjoying the convenience, portability and practicality of your wireless notebook or laptop. It's a wireless world after all. For More Information on Computer Notebooks and Laptops Click Here: <a target="_new" href="http://www.bizwaremagic.com/notebook-online-buyers-guide.htm">Computer Notebook Guide</a> Copyright ? 2005 Titus Hoskins of <a target="_new" href="http://www.bizwaremagic.com">http://www.bizwaremagic.com</a> This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.

Your Business versus Mother Nature

Business Consultants earn hundreds of thousands of dollars every year showing businesses how to improve their productivity. All business consultants in the Information Technology area agree that the biggest threat to business survival is data loss. There are many different data backup solutions available on the Internet today. Unlike years past there are not only different providers but also many different methods of data backup. Some solutions are &quot;on-site&quot; based methods. These include tape drives or other magnetic storage media, DVD-R and CD-R based methods and NAS (network attached storage) methods of creating local (within the LAN) backups of critical data. These methods of data backup are definitely better than nothing, and can provide protection against user error, data corruption, and in some cases even computer theft (that is if the data backup equipment itself isn't also stolen) and many of the other pitfalls associated with digital media. But what about protection against the most powerful of all forces, Mother Nature? Hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, and other natural disasters are a serious potential threat to the crucial data you have stored within your computer network. Add into the equation the collateral damage of flooding and fire that often comes along with Mother Nature's wrath and you have a recipe for some serious data loss in the unfortunate event that one of these uncommon, but critically devastating, events occur. In most cases your existing backup solution would be useless and would suffer the same peril as your original data. The answer is simple: Have a complete, up-to-date copy of your data stored at a different location. You should back up your data using an offsite data backup service. Offsite data backups allow you to store mission critical digital files in a secure, remote location. When you store data in an offsite location you are doubling the protection of your most import data files and enabling a level of security that even the best on-premises data backup solutions can't provide. Your data is encrypted and backed up over your existing internet connection to a secure server. You can set it up to perform backups at any frequency you wish. You can even set up the system to schedule backups while the office is empty on weekends and evenings, or when the computers are idle for a certain period of time (great for those systems that need to be accessed 24/7 and cannot afford the potential downtime that may be incurred due to backup procedures being run at the time). Mother Nature is a concern for the integrity of your critical data. All smart businesses understand this. Your DATA is your LIFE. Protect it! Harald Anderson is a freelance writer and webmaster for <a target="_new" href="http://www.online-remote-data-backup.com">http://www.online-remote-data-backup.com</a> an online backup service. Experience the Digital Peace of Mind that safe, secure, encrypted online data backups can offer. <a target="_new" href="http://www.online-remote-data-backup.com">Online Backups</a>

The Making of Energy Efficient Datacenters

The Crooked E: The Unshredded Truth About Enron is a wonderful movie to watch. It is based on the book, The anatomy of greed, written by a former employee of Enron, Brian Cruver. One interesting thing that comes on our minds is the size of all power companies. They are all huge. We all depend on power for just about everything and yet very rarely do we think about conserving energy. A typical PC for example takes about 135 watts of power. A data center with about a 1000 servers should typically take about 135 x 1000 Watts or 135 Kilowatts and that would just power the computers. This does not include the air-conditioning and lighting. According to to a research paper sponsored by The California Energy Commission in a datacenter about 50% of the total energy consumed is by the servers and about 35% is the air conditioners. <br> Here are some interesting research done in this field - <br> <ul> Feeling the heat- An interesting paper by Liebert describing the challenge of effectively managing the heat dissipation in datacenters. </li> </ul> <ul> Heat-Density Trends in Data Processing, Computer Systems, and Telecommunications Equipment- This white paper provides valuable current data and best available insights regarding historical and projected trends in power consumption and the resulting heat dissipation in computer and data processing systems (servers and workstations), storage systems, and central office-type telecommunications equipment. <br> </ul> This problem can be solved by making better energy efficient air conditioners and by making more <b>energy efficient computers.</b> Many companies have taken a lot of interest in subject. However, nothing substantial has been done primarily because of the market requirements. The end users still want to host their sites on the fastest processors which drives the market with the latest processors. Going at this rate we would reach a time soon when the energy required would be much higher than the energy available in the market. <br> <br> Intel, AMD, Transmeta and Via have all released processors which consume very low power. A typical Pentium or AMD processor consumes about 25 Watts of power, whereas these low powered processors take only about 5 watts of power i.e. about 5 low powered processors would consume as much power as a single main stream processor of today. These low powered processors are also generally fan less processors which means lower noise levels too. Intel has the centrino which has a lower power consumption than the regular pentiums. Intel also has the arm processors but those are RISC. Our prime focus would be AMD, Transmeta and Via. They all have some very promising products.<br> <br> One thing to be noted is that most of these low powered processors work only at about 1.2GHz or lower. So they won't be as fast the pentium4s. Which means one would have to host lesser sites per server. A good recommendation would be upto a maximum of 600 sites on a regular pentium 4 server. A low powered processor should comfortably take about 200 sites. One advantage of these low powered processors is that they have a very small form factor too. This means that one can have more such servers in the same space that is typically allocated to a high powered servers. All datacenters use a profitability matrix based on the following rule: <b>Performance/Per Watt/Per Cubic Foot.</b> This is one place where the low powered processors really score high. <br> <br> <br> <b>AMD Geode? NX Processor family</b> comprises of the AMD Geode? NX 1250@6W processor, the AMD Geode? NX 1500@6W processor and the AMD Geode? NX 1750@14W processor. The first two in these consume only 6Watts of power and run without a cooling fan. According to AMD they provide the highest x86 performance for fan less operations. They are based on the mobile AMD Athlon processor technology.<br> <b><br>Transmeta</b> was one of the first companies to develop low powered processors. For a long time Transmeta was known as the company where the Microsoft co founder Paul Allen had interests in and the place where Linus Trovalds, the father Linux, worked. Both of them are no longer part of the organization. Today they are known for the two processor families they have - The transmeta crusoe and the transmeta efficeon<br> <br> Transmeta Crusoe?- processors range from 500Mhz to 1.2 Ghz. According to Transmeta,Crusoe is a unique combination of software and hardware. It's this radical design that gives Crusoe its important advantages, and manufacturers of all kinds of electronic devices their first truly innovative new platform in over 25 years. Thanks to Crusoe, mobile devices can be made smaller and lighter than ever. These new devices will be more comfortable to use, too, because Crusoe generates very little heat a problem that plagues the industry's legacy hardware-only processors. And because it uses far less power, mobile devices running on Crusoe run far longer on a single battery charge, and Crusoe-powered ultra-dense servers do far more work per watt, far more efficiently. <br> <br> Transmeta Efficeon processors are the higher end processors from Transmeta and they run at upto 1.6Ghz and have high performance I/O interfaces. They are built upon Fujitsu's next-generation 90nm silicon technology featuring transistors with a length of just 40nm. <br> <br> The entire Transmeta range not just uses the x86 instruction set, they also have full multimedia instruction support (MMX, SSE-SSE2). Transmeta has done very little in marketing in terms of selling their products for the server market. Like all other companies they have focussed on mobile products, set-top boxes etc.. While these products are great for the mobile market, they do have a great potential in the server market. FIC, JM-Net etc. have some products for the server market which run on the Transmeta processors. <br> <br> <b>Via</b>, the Taiwanese manufacturer purchased the Cyrix processors and has since gotten out of the race of faster processors with AMD and Intel. Instead they are focussing on fan less, low-powered processors. They have the Eden and the C3 range of processors. The power consumption varies from only 7watts to 15Watts. Additionally, the processors come with the PadLock Hardware Security Suite which provides a platform approach to computer security, ensuring uncompromising security performance. These features include the implementation of the Quantum-based VIA PadLock RNG (Random Number Generator), and the VIA PadLock ACE (Advanced Cryptography Engine) supporting AES encryption. <br> <br> According to Via, the VIA Eden-N Processor is the world's smallest, lowest power and most secure native x86 processor. It is a mere 15mm x 15mm in terms of size and consumes between 2.5W @ 533MHz to 7W @ 1GHz. <br> <br> <br> Via again like Transmeta has not focussed in the server market. The images above give a good idea of the benefits of this processor in the server market. For datacenters, Via may be the best in the Performance/Per Watt/Per Cubic Foot matrix.<br> <br> Companies like Hitachi make some very good low powered hard disk drives which have a very small form factor. They have both IDE's at 7200 rpm as well as SCSI hard drives. <br> <br> Many may think it is better to take higher end servers as the power or heating problem does not directly affect them. As mentioned earlier a server driven by a low-powered processor would be able to take just about 200 sites. This means that a person with 600 sites would need to take 3 such servers instead of one higher powered server. Here are some benefits of this scenario. <br> One of the biggest factors influencing the performance of sites on the internet is the <b>capability of the network card (ethernet) </b>. When all sites are hosted on just one server, they all would use the same network card to push the data. Now if these sites are distributed among 3 servers the amount of data that the sites can push would be 3 times more which means faster access to the sites. Another benefit is that if one of the site goes down all 600 people would not be effected, rather only 1/3rd the number of sites would be affected. Hence, the number of support request would be lesser. And finally, such processors are very affordable. Typically they would be just a third of the cost of regular mainstream processors. <br> <br> Amarjyoti Krishnan heads bobcares.com, a tech support company for webhosts and ISPs. He is the co-founder of Poornam Info Vision Ltd., a software and IT services company which specializes in Linux based solutions for Webhosts and ISPs. Poornam Info Vision is an ISO 9001:2000 certified company with a team of over 100 engineers. Amarjyoti is a Computer Engineer based in India and has over 7 years of experience in the hosting industry. He has spoken and written extensively on the subject. His articles have been published both online as well as in print in magazines. <a target="_new" href="http://poornam.com">http://poornam.com</a> <br> <a target="_new" href="http://bobcares.com">http://bobcares.com</a> <br> <a target="_new" href="http://amarjyoti.com">http://amarjyoti.com</a>

Emergency Response VSAT Internet Communications

As 2005 begins, there are a number of products on the market which enable Emergency Response Units to have internet connectivity at remote disaster locations. The products marketed this year mount on vehicles from Fire Rescue units to most any type of truck or van, on specially designed trailers utilizing portable generators and in transportable boxes which can be shipped by UPS or Fed X overnight to most any location in the U.S. A response team's greatest challenge is to know enough about how this mobile satellite internet technology works and what the differences are in quality of transmission based on the equipment chosen and services provided by the Satellite Internet Provider. To make the right decision at the onset of the process of buying vsat mobile satellite internet equipment will save your Government Agency thousands of dollars in the long run. How do you evaluate what the best combination of equipment and service will be? Here is the process I recommend to the Government Agencies I speak to around the country: 1. Determine what you will need to do on the internet in an emergency. Will you need to send digital pictures to other locations? Will you need to establish a VPN connection to Headquarters? Will you want to &quot;live stream&quot; a camera over the internet? Do you need telephone capability over the net (VOIP) in a very remote location that has no cell phone connectivity? Do you need to connect multiple computers at the remote site engaged in the above activities or engaged in heavy emailing? All but emailing requires either low latency (1/2 second or less) or fast upload speeds (sustained speeds above 128kbps)?..some of these activities need both! If you need ANY of these capabilities, you need to look seriously at the Enterprise Class of equipment available today. This is not Direcway or Starband powered equipment! They are fine companies; however, in spite of all they can do, the important fact is: These companies can't or won't provide enough upload (in-route) speed or low enough latency to work effectively at the tasks listed above ? period! 2. Determine what type of installation will provide your Emergency Response team the most flexibility in an Emergency. When time is of the essence, you need a mobile setup that can be taken to a disaster site in a hurry and is available at a moments notice to be on it's way. A self contained vehicle mount is the most popular, in part due to the fact that it was all that was available until 2003 and until recently, the least expensive. Many Government Agencies don't have the budget to have such a vehicle &quot;sit around&quot; waiting for a disaster. They need to utilize the vehicle all the time and have a legitimate concern that when the need arises, the vehicle won't be able to get to a location in the time frame needed??what then? Many Government agencies I speak to have recently opted for a trailer mounted system combined with a portable generator or the &quot;transportable&quot; unit which is two or three &quot;boxes&quot; that contain all the gear needed to quickly establish a broadband connection to the internet and can be shipped overnight by Ground Carriers if needed at a distant location. In this scenario, the monthly service is a minimal cost and when the need arises, can be ramped up to whatever speeds are required in a matter of minutes. This can save the Government Agency an enormous amount over the years. It has only been offered by the &quot;big boys&quot; in this business who have figured out how to make money with this type of service by dedicating transponders that handle more accounts than you normally would have as a result of the infrequent use. The best way to make sure your investment in this equipment is a wise one is to contact an independent provider who can give you a &quot;No Spin&quot; analysis of your situation and recommend the right solution to your organization. About the Author: Randy Scott has been involved in the bi-directional satellite internet industry from it's beginning as a Sr. Sales Engineer, consultant and business owner. Randy is the founder of VSAT U.S., a consulting and sales agent, representing the most prestigious satellite internet providers in the U.S. For more information about mobile VSAT products or current VSAT satellite internet offerings, visit <a target="_new" href="www.vsatus.com">www.vsatus.com<a> or email info@vsatus.com .

Buying / Selecting Computer Components

This is the step takes the most time and consideration. Which parts do I buy? Which are best? There are many good places to buy computer parts. You can go to a computer retail store in your area. Although they often provide good warranties, you will pay a little more than you would in other places. Sometimes, a lot more. Case - There are two types of cases, Desktop and Tower. Desktop cases are short and fat (Which can fit under your monitor nicely.) And towers are tall and slim which are usually placed under the desk. Decided which one will fit in to your environment best. There are two different forms of computer cases. AT and ATX. you need to find out which one you need. AT form cases are used for older computers, Pentium 1 and before. And ATX form cases are used for newer systems such as Pentium 2, 3, 4 and AMD Athlon etc. Motherboard - The motherboard is the central component in the system. If you want to upgrade your processor / Memory / Video card, you can only upgrade if your motherboard supports it. It is always worth planning a head, So buy the best motherboard you can afford. Before you select a motherboard consider the following. What processor you want to use with it. What memory does it support. Has it got an AGP slot?? An AGP slot is used for special 3DFX graphic cards. What other expansion slots does it have?? You will need a minimum of 3 PCI slots. Hard drives run at special speeds. 33mhz, 66mhz, 100mhz and 133mhz, Check if the motherboard supports the speed of your hard disk. If your hard drive runs at 100mhz and your motherboard only goes up to 66mhz, then your hard disk will still run but not at its fastest speed. Motherboards come in two different forms. AT and ATX, Make sure this form matches the form of your case. Make sure you get a manual with your motherboard, This manual will tell you how to configure your motherboard. Processor - There are many different processors out but these are the main ones. Pentium 4 / AMD-Athlon- This processor is the most expensive but the fastest around. This processor is used in systems which need performance such as performance gaming / servers / Web designing. Current fastest processor speed is 3200mhz 3.2ghz Celeron / AMD-Duron - These processors are a lot cheaper than the Pentium 4 and AMD Athlon. Usually used in mid user systems, such as word processing / surfing the net / e-mail / gaming. Cirix - Cheapest processors on the market. But are miles behind in performance of Pentiums and AMDs. You will need to decide on what processor you need, Also make sure your motherboard supports it. Always make sure you buy a heatsink and fan to keep the processor cool. Warning, If your fan is not good enough for your processor, then your processor is very likely to overheat and crash your computer. And in the long run damage your processor. Memory - Memory is a big part of your machine, Check what your motherboard can take. Buy the fastest memory your motherboard will take. Buy at least 128mb, this is the bear minimum for these days. I would recommend 256mb. CD-ROM/DVD : Every computer needs a CD-ROM to load software. There are a few different types of CD-ROM. You can buy one that can write data to a CD-ROM. You can also buy a CD-ROM which supports DVD. Check what speed the CD-ROM is. Usual speed is 52x. Hard Drive- When selecting a hard drive there are two things to consider, how big is the capacity of the disk and how fast does it run. A 20gig drive will be more than enough for most users. Make sure the speed of the hard drive is supported on your motherboard, If it is not supported then the hard drive will not run at its fastest speed, Consider a motherboard upgrade. Video Card - There are loads of different video cards on the market, when selecting consider these points. Does it fix into an AGP or a PCI slot in your motherboard?? AGP is a special video slot, so buy a video card with an AGP form, Also check your motherboard has an AGP slot. How much memory does the card have? And how fast does it run?? I would recommend getting a video card with at least 32mb of memory. Sound Card - Just about every computer has sound, I would not recommend spending a lot of money on a sound unless you want your computer to support sur-round sound. Check what slot the card plugs into and if your motherboard has one free. Keyboard & Mouse - There is no need for much info here. But beware there are two types of connections for a keyboard and mice they are PS/2 and USB, Make sure your motherboard has available connections. Article <a target="_new" href="http://www.computing-forums.com/computer/buying-the-components-21.htm">http://www.computing-forums.com/computer/buying-the-components-21.htm</a> Jason Barrett <a target="_new" href="http://www.computing-forums.com">www.computing-forums.com</a>

A Review of Brother Laser Toners

Brother is right up there with HP and Samsung as one of the most sought-after brands of laser toner. The Japan-based Brother Industries was first famous for its sewing machines. It went on to produce all kinds of office equipment, such as machine tools, fax machines, label makers, printers, and other office equipment. They began making dot-matrix printers in the 1970s. In the 1980s, after HP blew up the market, Brother began releasing their own laser printers to consumers, and to other companies under the name of OEMed. Brother has a great reputation for printers and printing accessories. You can buy new toner from Brother. There you will find plenty of personal, home, and small business laser toner cartridges and refills. You can also buy new toner refills in bulk, for middleweight to heavyweight business in need of massive amounts of toner on a daily basis. One popular Brother laser toner cartridge costs about $34 from their website. This will yield about 2200 pages at 5% printing capacity. This percentage means that 5% of the page is assumed to be covered in ink. If you print a lot of photographs, that number will be much lower. Be careful when buying Brother toner from third-party distributors. They will offer you lower prices under the umbrella terms of &quot;compatible&quot; or &quot;remanufactured&quot; laser toner cartridges. While some of these are perfectly reputable and suitable for a full range of printer uses, many others are below par. These phony cartridges will produce bad printing results and possibly damage your printer. Sometimes a third-party distributor might even package phony cartridges in real Brother packaging. You can find a list of authorized Brother retailers at their website. <a target="_new" href="http://www.e-lasertoner.com">Laser Toner Info</a> provides detailed information about later toner cartridges and refills, as well as reviews of laser toner products. Laser Toner Info is the sister site of <a target="_new" href="http://www.e-brochureprinting.com">Brochure Printing Web</a>.

Five Band Resistor Color Code-What Does The Last Band Of White Color Represent?

In electronic repair, most of the time i came across five band resistor color code. The purpose of using the five colour band resistor in a circuit is that it provide a more accurate value compare to the four color band. For example in order to get the value of 22.6kohm, with four colors band resistor you will not be able to find it. The most you can get is 22k (red,red,orange and gold). If with the five color band you will be able to calculate it (red, red, blue, red, brown)the last color which is brown represent 1% tolerance. You may go to google search engine and type resistor color code, resistor color coding, resistor color code calculator, or resistor color code chart to know more about how to calculate a five band resistor values. If you open up an analog multimeter you will understand what i mean. Most of the resistor circuit inside the multimeter are using five color band. Why? Because the reading that you get whenever you measure current, voltage or ohm, the panel will show the nearest value. For instance, if you measure a 9v battery the needle will point to may be 8.9v,9v,or 9.1 volt. If that particular multimeter was designed using four color band resistor the result that it gets may be 8.5v,9.5v or even 10 volt. In other words the use of five color band resistor is to make a circuit more precise and output the desire result as what the engineers want it to be. There's a interesting five color band resistor which is unique. In fact i have already seen quite a number of them. I will reveal the calculation about this unique five color band resistor. The colors are orange, orange, red, gold, white. Actually it is a four color band resistor. Just ignore the white color and proceed to calculate using the four color band formula. As to why the resistor manufacturers add this 'extra' white band i really do not know. However, from forum someone said that it is for the military purposes. If you know the answer i would like you to email me so that i can share with other fellow electronic repairer thru this info repairing newsletter. Jestine Yong is a electronic repairer and a writer. For more information on electronic repair please visit his website at <a target="_new" href="http://www.noahtec.com/electronic-repair-articles.htm">http://www.noahtec.com/electronic-repair-articles.htm</a>

What You Should Know Before You Buy Computer Equipment

You will have many factors to consider when deciding on which computer equipment to buy. The bewildering amount of choices can seem overwhelming. This guide will help you compare computer equipment features, and help you to examine and sift through many of the basic items before you buy a new computer. If it be a desktop PC, laptop, discount/surplus computer, a refurbished computer or a computer accessory, this quick guide will help you to get the most for your money. With today's computer equipment almost any of them will adequately handle what most people need to buy a new computer for; word processing, basic office, internet surfing and email. Which you can buy for about $1000. or less! But if you are into digital videos, photo editing, music, or manage a large database you will need more than the basic Desktop PC or Laptop. This higher end computer will cost you around $1500-$2000. (CPU) Processors:<br> There is always a lot of change in the computer market, but no matter what the upgrades there is always two basic choices to be made when purchasing computer equipment: <br> 1) brand 2) speed. To buy a new computer that handles standard office and Internet tasks any processor will work. Need more 'power' in your computer equipment? Then the Intel Pentium4 or the AMD Athlon XP (great for graphics and photos which use a lot of memory space) are for you. If you buy a new computer one or two levels from the top you will only lose about five percent per tier performance but you can save a couple hundred dollars! (RAM) Memory:<br> Memory is most important because optimum running of your computer equipment is dependent on enough RAM. The minimum amount should be 256MB, for better performance you should get 512MB. If it is affordable to buy a new computer with more, you should. It's worth it because you can keep more applications open and it will easily handle memory hogs like Photoshop and music applications! Monitors:<br> When buying your computer equipment look for a monitor that is at least 17" with a resolution of 1280 by 1024 pixels. A Desktop PC with a 19-inch monitor gives you 20 % more screen area. If you can spend $300-$450 on a monitor when you buy a new computer you might want to get a 15" LCD because it has the same viewable area as the 17" CRT and takes up much less space. Hard Drives (storage):<br> Most hard drives in today market will provide more than enough storage. The basic computer equipment comes with 40GB or larger, which is plenty for most tasks. But for working with graphics, video, music, or large databases 80GB should be the minimum you settle for. 7200-rpm drives give better performance. But for the best performance get a computer with 8MB of cache. Warranty and Tech Support:<br> A one-year warranty on most computer equipment is plenty, because most problems seem to happen in the first year. If you want you can get an extended two to three year warranty for around $150. to $200. As of this writing, if you buy a Dell you can get priority call routing to tech support for a year for only $39. Thanks For Reading <br> Bonnie Archer <br> <a target="_new" href="http://www.A1-computers.net">http://www.A1-computers.net</a> <br> Check out our Blog! <a target="_new" href="http://www.a1-computers.blogspot.com">http://a1-computers.blogspot.com</a>

At War With The Internet

When it comes to sales of technology products over the Internet, there are now two factors that potential buyers must consider as possibly 'too good to be true'. In the past, there was only price to worry about. If the price was too low, buyer beware. But now a second factor has emerged, in the form of a new kind of company for web surfers to consider as possibly also 'too good to be true'. For if this company is 'good', then a new revolution on the web is about to occur. Because if this company is 'true', then the cleansing of the internet of corruption and lies has finally begun in earnest, with one company willing to police itself. Enter TheHonestCompany.com, a website where its founder posts his experiences with internet fraud and his motives for fighting back against a corrupt web right on their home page. A trip to this companies 'about us' page serves to quickly establish their position as the anti-fraud internet company, numbering abusive tactics used by hoaxsters and detailing their humble beginnings from an LA area backyard garage to a B2B powerhouse that now offers almost 100,000 computer related items from a network of 23 distribution centers nationwide. This may someday be 'made for the movies' stuff if it's true. Move over Microsoft, Apple, and HP ? here's what could (hopefully) be the beginning of another rags to riches story with an 'honest' plot twist! An honest reseller bashes Internet scammers, preferring to do business the hard way ? the honest way. Are we dreaming? Could this be real? Could the days when 'The Customer is King' be making a comeback in of all places, the web? TheHonestCompany.com expects to earn a significant portion of the home and SMB computing technology markets web-based sales over the next few years. &quot;Top-tier technology resellers like CDW and CompUSA will not bother us as we will not impact them. They have decent reputations, loyal customers, and higher prices. It's the second-tier, priced-based 90% of their smaller competitors that we are fighting,&quot; says the founder of TheHonestCompany.com, David Johnston, &quot;Those guys have corrupted the Internet and seriously hurt honest companies like ours. Every-time some scam web company rips off a customer, somewhere else a real person at a real company gets hurt too. By using honesty as a weapon, we intend bring the web consumer something they are starving for by making the web a better place to shop ? it's a dirty job that no other company was willing to be the first to start doing.&quot; According to David, Internet technology consumers have no idea of the great extent that fraud permeates the web. He says that if every web consumer knew what he knew about the extent of internet fraud, they'd pick one or two honest, technology web sales companies to do business with and lay low for awhile, because he says he's got some serious mud to start slinging as his company gears up for an upcoming advertising and marketing blitz. &quot;There's a massive pack of internet companies pretending to be real when they are not. Most other legitimate web companies have been acting rather sheepish. I intend to kill wolves by exposing them as what they really are to the Internet public.&quot; David is a man on a mission, passionate and articulate in his vision of his companies place on the web and their future. He leaves no doubt about this as he summarizes his company's identity. &quot;TheHonestCompany.com is transforming the web purchasing experience by providing web shoppers with a trusted, reliable source of technology products along with prices far below those of most traditionally recognized web retailers. With a staff of top-notch industry professionals at its core, offering prompt and full service to each and every customer, The Company encourages phone calls from any customer with questions or comments before, during, and after a purchase. TheHonestCompany.com does not outsource, does not spam, and does not sell or share its customer's personal information. The company operates as a safe-haven for the price conscious customer leery of unbelievable prices from no-name websites, restoring confidence in buying over the web. This is business done right.&quot; Bravo, David. Honestly, it's about time! Derek Kadonaga has worked in the retail technology industry for over 10 years, first as an executive with CompUSA. In the past several years he has applied his industry knowledge to helping technology start-ups.

At War With The Internet

When it comes to sales of technology products over the Internet, there are now two factors that potential buyers must consider as possibly 'too good to be true'. In the past, there was only price to worry about. If the price was too low, buyer beware. But now a second factor has emerged, in the form of a new kind of company for web surfers to consider as possibly also 'too good to be true'. For if this company is 'good', then a new revolution on the web is about to occur. Because if this company is 'true', then the cleansing of the internet of corruption and lies has finally begun in earnest, with one company willing to police itself. Enter TheHonestCompany.com, a website where its founder posts his experiences with internet fraud and his motives for fighting back against a corrupt web right on their home page. A trip to this companies 'about us' page serves to quickly establish their position as the anti-fraud internet company, numbering abusive tactics used by hoaxsters and detailing their humble beginnings from an LA area backyard garage to a B2B powerhouse that now offers almost 100,000 computer related items from a network of 23 distribution centers nationwide. This may someday be 'made for the movies' stuff if it's true. Move over Microsoft, Apple, and HP ? here's what could (hopefully) be the beginning of another rags to riches story with an 'honest' plot twist! An honest reseller bashes Internet scammers, preferring to do business the hard way ? the honest way. Are we dreaming? Could this be real? Could the days when 'The Customer is King' be making a comeback in of all places, the web? TheHonestCompany.com expects to earn a significant portion of the home and SMB computing technology markets web-based sales over the next few years. &quot;Top-tier technology resellers like CDW and CompUSA will not bother us as we will not impact them. They have decent reputations, loyal customers, and higher prices. It's the second-tier, priced-based 90% of their smaller competitors that we are fighting,&quot; says the founder of TheHonestCompany.com, David Johnston, &quot;Those guys have corrupted the Internet and seriously hurt honest companies like ours. Every-time some scam web company rips off a customer, somewhere else a real person at a real company gets hurt too. By using honesty as a weapon, we intend bring the web consumer something they are starving for by making the web a better place to shop ? it's a dirty job that no other company was willing to be the first to start doing.&quot; According to David, Internet technology consumers have no idea of the great extent that fraud permeates the web. He says that if every web consumer knew what he knew about the extent of internet fraud, they'd pick one or two honest, technology web sales companies to do business with and lay low for awhile, because he says he's got some serious mud to start slinging as his company gears up for an upcoming advertising and marketing blitz. &quot;There's a massive pack of internet companies pretending to be real when they are not. Most other legitimate web companies have been acting rather sheepish. I intend to kill wolves by exposing them as what they really are to the Internet public.&quot; David is a man on a mission, passionate and articulate in his vision of his companies place on the web and their future. He leaves no doubt about this as he summarizes his company's identity. &quot;TheHonestCompany.com is transforming the web purchasing experience by providing web shoppers with a trusted, reliable source of technology products along with prices far below those of most traditionally recognized web retailers. With a staff of top-notch industry professionals at its core, offering prompt and full service to each and every customer, The Company encourages phone calls from any customer with questions or comments before, during, and after a purchase. TheHonestCompany.com does not outsource, does not spam, and does not sell or share its customer's personal information. The company operates as a safe-haven for the price conscious customer leery of unbelievable prices from no-name websites, restoring confidence in buying over the web. This is business done right.&quot; Bravo, David. Honestly, it's about time! Derek Kadonaga has worked in the retail technology industry for over 10 years, first as an executive with CompUSA. In the past several years he has applied his industry knowledge to helping technology start-ups.

ABCs Of DVD Drive Abbreviations

The number of different formats available in DVD drives can be confusing to anyone in the market for one. The list is much longer, but to address a few of the common formats, we have DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-RAM ,DVD+R DL and DVD?RW. Wow! This list of common formats is long enough, no wonder it's confusing! What's with all the Formats?! The reason for various recordable DVD formats is that no one group owns the technology and different groups have chosen to support one technology over another. There is no industrial standard for manufacturers to reference, so for the time being consumers will have a few choices. The first thing to address is DVD itself, which stands for Digital Versatile Disc. Some may argue that the V stands for Video, but with the capability to store video, audio, and data files, Versatile is definitely the keyword. Start with the Basics A DVD-ROM drive is the only one we will address that does not record. ROM stands for Read Only Memory, and refers to the typical drive that can merely read DVDs, as well as CDs (all DVD drives can read CDs). The Lite-On LTD-163-DO-R has attributes representative of your typical DVD-ROM drive, and features a maximum DVD read speed of 16x and a maximum CD read speed of 48x. Before getting into the different recordable formats, let's address the basics of what the R and RW stand for, regardless of whether there is a + or ? in the middle. R stands for Recordable, which indicates that the disk may be recorded to only once. RW stands for ReWritable, which indicates that the disc may be recorded to more than once, and are generally rated for 1000 rewrites under good conditions. The DVD-R/-RW format was developed by Pioneer, and was the first format compatible with stand alone DVD players. The group that promotes the technology calls itself the DVD Forum, which is &quot;an international association of hardware manufacturers, software firms, content providers, and other users&quot; with notable members such as Hitachi, Samsung, and Toshiba. The DVD-R/-RW format is based on CD-RW technology and uses a similar approach to burning discs. The DVD+R/+RW format is a newer format, also based on CD-RW technology, and compatible with a large percentage of stand alone DVD players. The +R/+RW technology is not supported by the DVD Forum, and its main backing comes from a group called the DVD+RW Alliance. The Alliance &quot;is a voluntary group of industry-leading personal computing manufacturers, optical storage and electronics manufacturers&quot; with members such as Dell, Hewlett Packard, Sony, and Phillips Electronics. The DVD-RAM format is based on PD-RW (Phase-Differential) drives, and actually uses a cartridge to hold the media (just like its PD-RW predecessor). Some DVD-RAM cartridges are double sided, making them ideal for companies to use as system backup, hence DVD-RAM is usually found only in commercial applications, and most end-users won't ever need to use or see this type of drive. The DVD-RAM standard is also supported by the DVD Forum just like the DVD-R/RW format. However, because of its use of a cartridge (limiting it's compatibility), and the scarcity and price of the media used, DVD-RAM is a distant third when compared to the DVD+R/+RW and DVD-R/?RW technology. The +R/+RW and ?R/-RW formats are similar, and the main difference DVD+R technology has is the ability to record to multiple layers (with its new DVD+R DL format), where DVD-R can only record to one layer (not all +R drives are capable of dual layer burning, but no -R drives are). The Plextor PX-504U is an example of an external DVD+R/+RW drive capable of recording single layer discs in the +R/+RW format, but also able to read discs recorded by a DVD-R drive. What is DVD?RW? DVD?RW is not actually a separate format, but the designation given to drives capable of both ?R/?RW and +R/+RW operation. This type of drive is typically called a &quot;Dual Drive&quot; (not to be confused with a &quot;Double Layer&quot; drive) since it can write to both the +R/+RW and ?R/?RW formats. The Samsung TS-H552 is a DVD?RW drive capable of reading and writing every format discussed so far, and then some. It takes advantage of DVD+R DL (Double Layer) technology available with the +R format, allowing the appropriate media to store virtually double the 4.37 GB capacity of a typical single layer disc. The other main thing to consider with DVD burners is selecting the correct media. Media for DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R and DVD+RW media may all look the same, but they are slightly different in order to match the specific recording formats. The price of media for either format is generally the same, with RW media costing a good deal more than R media of either format. Double Layer media is even more expensive, and is the only way for an owner of DVD+R DL drive to take advantage of the tremendous capacity increase. As the amount of Double Layer drives increase in the market, the price of the DVD+R DL media is expected to fall with increased production of the media. DVD Burners (as these drive are often referred to) can be picky about the media supported, so be sure to choose your media wisely. DVD in a Nutshell DVD-ROM : Reads DVD discs DVD+R : Writes to DVD+R media (will also typically write to CD-R and CD-RW media) DVD+RW : Writes to DVD+RW media (will also typically write to DVD+R, CD-R and CD-RW media) DVD+R DL : Writes to DVD+R DL (Double Layer) media (will also typically write to DVD+R, DVD+RW, CD-R and CD-RW media; many Double Layer drives are ALSO dual drives ? that is, able to write to BOTH +R/RW and ?R/RW media) DVD-RAM : Writes to DVD-RAM cartridges (not in wide use on consumer market ? mainly a business format; can also read PD-RW discs. Will not usually be able to write to any other format including CD-R or CD-RW) DVD-R : Writes to DVD-R media (will also typically write to CD-R and CD-RW media) DVD-RW : Writes to DVD-RW media (will also typically write to DVD-R, CD-R and CD-RW media) DVD?RW : Writes to DVD-RW and DVD+RW media (will also typically write to DVD-R, DVD+R, CD-R and CD-RW media; typically called &quot;Dual Drives&quot; since it can burn to two different DVD formats) Final Words This article took a look at the more common formats of DVD drives in order to shed some light on all the choices available. The differences between them all may be subtle, but the compatibility issues can be quite frustrating. The simple answer to anyone considering a drive is to forget about + and ? by themselves, and shoot for universal compatibility with a good DVD?RW with DVD+R DL support. <a target="_new" href="http://www.geeks.com/pix/techtips.htm">http://www.geeks.com/pix/techtips.htm</a>

Refurbished Laptop Batteries

There are three refurbished laptop battery types, each named for its component materials: Nickel Cadmium (NiCad) batteries are hardly ever seen anymore. They have dismally low capacities (2000-3000 mAH) and contain heavy metals that harm the environment. Worst of all is the dreaded &quot;memory effect&quot;. When you recharge a NiCad battery before it is completely drained, the longevity of the battery is compromised. That is the memory effect. Nickel Metal Hybrid (NiMH) batteries have twice the capacity of NiCad batteries (4000-6000 mAH) and are half as susceptible to the memory effect. But these too are becoming rare. Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) batteries are today's laptop battery standard. They have all the capacity of a NiMH battery, but zero memory effect and zero toxins. Bonus: Li-Ion batteries weigh half as much as NiMH batteries. In purchasing a battery, the consumer has three options: used, refurbished, or new. Used laptop batteries that are not refurbished will probably only last you 30 minutes to an hour before needing recharging. Refurbished laptop batteries are available from most manufacturers and retailers of refurbished laptops. These batteries are renewed, recharged, and tested. They are much better than plain old used batteries, but not quite as good as new. New laptop batteries last a good couple of years ? 600-800 recharges ? as long as they are properly cared for. Extending Battery Power Whenever you are using your laptop near a power source, use the A/C adaptor. However, sometimes you will be forced to use your laptop with no access to a wall outlet, and the battery will run low. Here are three things you can do to extend the remaining power in the battery: First, if your laptop processor features a power-save mode, switch over to power-save mode. This will slow the laptop by up to 50%, doubling battery life for that time period. Second, turn off extraneous energy-sucking elements. The major power vampires in your laptop are the hard drive, the CD and DVD drives, any networking devices, and any excessively bright screen settings. Third, you can double overall battery capacity by installing a second battery. Your laptop must have a universal bay in order to do this. All you have to do is remove the CD-ROM or floppy drive and put a battery in its place. <a target="_new" href="http://www.i-refurbishedlaptops.com">Refurbished Laptops Info</a> provides detailed information on quality, cheap refurbished laptops by manufacturers like Dell, IBM, Toshiba, and HP, as well as refurbished laptop batteries and related products. Refurbished Laptops Info is the sister site of <a target="_new" href="http://www.e-rackmountcomputer.com">Rack Mount Computers Web</a>.

Cheap Ink Cartridge

A cheap ink cartridge is sometimes the only way that people can afford to keep all of their printers ready for use. Internet email addresses are constantly loaded with a number of offers from various online merchants, but one such email that a consumer might not want to ignore is any one that offers a great deal on ink cartridges. Some of these deals can offer the consumer a substantial amount of savings on their ink cartridges for just about any printer. Buying a cheap ink cartridge is the perfect opportunity to have quality ink for your printer while enjoying savings that can be quite significant on a printer cartridge. Deciding to purchase a discount ink cartridge does not mean that the ink will be of lesser quality than most consumers are used to. Cheap is a word that some people will associate with being of lesser quality and in doing so, those people are missing out on some exceptional opportunities to save money. A cheap in cartridge is not necessarily a recycled or generic ink cartridge either. Most cheap cartridges are simply brand name ink cartridges being sold to consumers at a discount that are available in many offices or computer supplies stores. Before buying a cheap or discount ink cartridge, any consumer will want to make sure that they are, in fact, buying a brand name printer cartridge if that is important to them. Some printer cartridges that are advertised as cheap will be generic or something that is known as a universal printer cartridge ink kit. The universal ink kit comes with all color ink combinations a person will need for their printer cartridge as well as the needles that can be used to insert the ink into the empty ink cartridge. Some people complain that although the ink does work well in this particular type of cheap ink alternative the colors are not vibrant or crisp and sometimes even questionable. Buying a cheap ink cartridge is sometimes the only way a business or private home can afford to keep all of their printers in working order. To locate the kind of deals one can take advantage of with a cheap ink cartridge, a quick search in your favorite search engine should yield many results and options. About The Author: Kevin Lynch is the owner of <A target="_new" href="http://www.nu-printer-ink.com">nu Printer Ink</a> website, which has tons of resources with a variety of information, news and more.

Flash Your ATI Video Cards BIOS

Flash your ATI video card BIOS. You will need the following: 1. 1.44MB FDD (floppy) 2. FLASHROM utility copy 3. Compatible BIOS file for your video card. (search the manufactures website for bios details) 4. Required Drivers. (check manufactures website) Alright now First make an ATI BIOS flash boot disk. -Bios flash operations for video must be performed in DOS. -You will need a DOS boot disk, you can obtain one if you do not already ahve one at bootdisk.com, download there dr DOS image file after that run the .exe file that comes with it. Which will create a clean DOS boot disk. (if any problems folow instruction son the website) -If you need other ways of obtaining a boot disk just post in a related thread. Now that you have a DOS boot disk, copy the BIOS file you downloaded and the FLASHROM.exe file onto the disk. Second <br> Make a backup of your ATI video card BIOS Make a backup of your current video card BIOS before flashing the bios, incase of problems. (better safe than sorry) -boot your computer with the boot flash-disk you had created in the first step. -during the "A:" prompt type "flashrom.exe -s 0 backup.rom" ENTER -now the utlity FLASHROM will make a backup of your video's bios onto the bios flash disk (called backup.rom) -Just in case, if we have to go back to the original bios. Third <br> Flash your ATI video card's bios -at the A: prompt type the following to flash your video bios -"flashbios -p 0 (name of new bios file you downloaded including the extention) hit ENTER (no brackets around the name of your new bios file) -Flashrom will overwrite your odl bios with your new bios. -if any errors ocured do not restart; consult troubleshooting. -if there is a pause in the procedure, for say the bios types do not match you may use a "-f" switch to force the operation (force if certian the bios suits your video card) Forcing the BIOS flash type: During the thrid section instead of typing -"flashbios -p 0 (name of new bios file you downloaded including the extention) Type -"flashrom -f -p 0 (name of new bios file you downloaded including the extention) -If you had made it this far without any errors and everything seems to have gone correctly, than restart your system. -monitor the post screen for the video card info -double check that your procedure worked and your bios has worked correctly. -also watch to see if your OS boots correctly -plz keep in mind that your new bios may need new up to date drivers. Hooray! Congrats! You have successfully changed your video card's BIOS. Jason Barrett <br> <a target="_new" href="http://www.computing-forums.com">http://www.computing-forums.com</a>

Two Essential Accessories For Notebook Computers

<b>A Good Notebook Bag</b> Forget those that are bundled with your notebook computer. Get yourself a good notebook bag that is well-padded both on its load-bearing straps, and 100% around the notebook itself. Aren't all notebook bags built the same? The answer is NO. There are countless bag types and variations. Not all of them have your comfort and protection of the notebook itself in mind. Most of them sacrifice style for substance, which is worse than not having a notebook bag in the first place. The best way to determine which notebook bag is the one for you is to bring along your notebook while shopping. Put it in the bag and ensure that it doesn't slip and slide around. Generous spaces <b>do not</b> mean better protection! You want it to be snug. Carry the bag with your notebook in it. Simulate a light jog. Why? Experience tells me that's how you'll most likely travel through the gates of airport hell. If the straps start digging in those shoulders, start looking for alternatives. A good strap should cushion those shocks as the bag bounces off your shoulders while doing your airport jog. Note also how the notebook bag opens up for main access. Again, if you're a frequent traveler you'll want to have one that's easy to retrieve and store your notebook for security checkpoint purposes. The best are usually top-loading ones secured by either a zipper or a flap. We recommend the flap versions because they usually have an additional layer of cushioning right around the top for the notebook, and secure well but open fast with magnetic snaps/buttons. The zipper types have none, and your poor notebook will get whacked full-force if the bag topples head-long off an airport luggage cart. Trust me on this bit: I've had enough times my notebook took a tumble that way, and seen many other helpless souls literally spill their notebook's guts across airport gates. A good alternative to those shoulder-loading bags are the rolling pilot cases. They are typically bigger than any shoulder-bearing bags including backpacks, but offer solid protection with a padded hinge-top opening similar to actual pilot cases. Roller bags are also less taxing physically, and the generous compartments in the bag means less luggage pieces to carry while traveling. <b>A Heat Dissipating Cooler Or Pad</b> Heat is the number one notebook computer killer. Today's notebooks are little thermal generators, with internal temperatures that rise up to 150 degrees even with built-in cooling fans. Those internal fans and heat-dissipating systems work full time more often than you think. That's why they are usually the first components in a notebook to die on you. When that happens, you'd better not fire up that notebook, as it'll fry even before you see the start screen. So help out your hardest working notebook component and extend its lifespan. Invest in a notebook cooler or a cooling pad. Notebook coolers typically are low-rise, plastic or metal-faced pedestals on which your notebook sits. They are equipped with a fan or two inside, which serves to draw hot air away from under your notebook, and thus promote a cooler operating environment. Usually efficient enough to drop up to 15 degrees the operating temperature, notebook coolers however require power for its fans and would typically draw its power off your notebook's USB ports. This could somewhat decrease your notebook's battery operating time, but so far have proven to be negligible for many users. Cooling pads normally do not have the fans, and are constructed from some type of heat-dissipating material or designed a way that your notebook would have extra clearance at the bottom to promote natural air circulation. Despite the lack of fans, these cooling pads do a surprisingly good job of cooling your notebook. They are also much easier to carry with your notebook because they are slimmer, lighter, and do not require power to do its job therefore highly recommended. Lynn Chan helps new owners learn about proper notebook care and use. To learn more, visit <a target="_new" href="http://www.notebook-computer-infocenter.com">http://www.notebook-computer-infocenter.com</a> For a limited time, get the free tutorial "5 Days To A Healthier Notebook Computer" at <a target="_new" href="http://www.notebook-computer-infocenter.com/5days-to-a-healthier-notebook.html">http://www.notebook-computer-infocenter.com/<br>5days-to-a-healthier-notebook.html</a>

Obsolete Is A Dirty Word (Intel Pentium 64 Bit Microchip)

Get ready everyone, home computers are about to set new LAN speed records! The Intel 64-bit microchip will soon be powering the new line of Pentium 4 computers. This long awaited sizzling fast release will be heading to store shelves across America just in time for the new blazing fast Windows 64-bit operating system. You'll get the 64-bit Pentium microchip, the 64-bit operating system, and that's not all, if you spend all your money, you'll also get all the new 64-bit stellar fast software programs that will leave current versions coughing in the rooster tail of their 64-bit micro-dust. Yet a startling new poll indicated a majority of respondent(s) were actually upset by the good news from the technology sector. Here are the fascinating results of the poll: Respondent(s) gave a 1-10 rating regarding their anticipated personal happiness and productivity that the newer and faster computers would yield. 1 being: "I'm in electronic nirvana, I waited to buy, I was patient and did not up-grade pre-maturely, and now the technology gods have rewarded my computer buying diligence, bestowing upon me a new Intel 64-bit processor, operating system and software as soon as they come out!!" And 10 being: "Don't talk to me I hate you!" The margin of error was +/- 0%. Questionnaires were sent to a scientific sample of 1. OK it was me. I polled myself. And no I'm not happy. But wait, before you judge me harshly, I should give you some facts about myself that might engender some empathy. First of all, I'm cursed. I don't know how this works, but I hold all power over technological advances. That's right, new technology will not be released to the computer buying public until I finally decide to upgrade...to the old technology. Narcissistic? Hardly. There is a cosmic triggering mechanism that knows. If you happened to be tuned in, it would go a little something like this: "Technology universe heed! Rick has purchased Super Gizmo 3.0. Prepare to launch version 4.0. Wait for my command....Steady... There, he's exceeded the store return policy envelope. Launch upgrade. Brace for impact and greatness of sorrow. That is all." So I hope you're happy. Because the only reason, that you can go out and buy the new Intel 64-bit P4 wonder machine and all of the wonder programs & software to come, is because I just bought a beautiful 32-bit machine with matching laptop. No, that's ok, you don't have to thank me. It's just a burden that I must carry. I do it stoically and with quiet dignity, normally, but this is a revolutionary advance, a tectonic shift in computing acceleration and I'm going to wail out loud, because I just can't go out and buy another computer and stay married! At least that's how she interprets the vows. Oh...you think I make too much of this do you? Perhaps. But for those of you who may not be as, how should I say...techno hip... let me explain the speed differential between the present 32-bit sludge processors (like the one I just bought...twice) and the new sleek Intel 64-bit miracle maker. Picture languishing in a huge super Wal-Mart with two hundred bargain happy shoppers squeezing through 32 cash registers at once. And just to make it really painful, some have price checks and questionable coupons. See yourself in line. A long line. And all you can do to pass the time is inch along reading the "13 Things Wives Never Tell Their Husbands". After awhile, you might get close enough to see another magazine cover with a picture of Jennifer, ...the exact moment she found out about Brad. Go ahead judge Brad, you've got the time. You can even manufacture some contempt for that vixen Angelina. You're not going anywhere, no one is going anywhere. They've only got 32 cash registers open! Suddenly, one of the cashiers feels the heat, fumbles for the microphone, and makes a garbled announcement. It must be in code, because no one can understand it, yet the next thing you know, everyone is tossing magazines and trampling children, nuns, & puppies. Why? I'll tell you why. Because 32 more cashiers are now open for the next person in line! That makes a grand total of 64 cashiers "processing" transactions instead of 32! The line is moving fast..."Come on people, we're all going home!" And that my friend is how the new Intel 64-bit microchip works. Do you see now why I mourn? "The analogy is brilliant", you might say, "but how does that translate into reality?" Well, the average home computer user will now be able to print a letter at .005 nanoseconds instead of .006! Think of it. You'll be pulling out your letter from the printer, while I'll still be be pulling out my letter from the printer too, but a whole .001 nanoseconds behind, unless I come up with an ingenious "low tech" way to make up the difference and win. So go ahead, buy the faster computer, see if I care, I don't mind. One day I'll have that 64-bit, right before the 128's come out. And perhaps you'll be standing with me, in 64-bit hell, wanting my Cosmo, but no, I'm not done reading it yet. I still need to find out the "22 Secrets of True Passion and How To Enlighten Your Idiot Man." And then we'll see who mourns, when I look you in the eye and say, "Go find your own magazine!" Rick David writes a humor column entitled, <a target="_new" href="http://sandiego.merchantamerica.com/index.php?x=articles&type=is_sd"> "Don't Laugh, It Could Happen To You!"</a> for <a target="_new" href="http://sandiego.merchantamerica.com">http://sandiego.merchantamerica.com</a>

Where does technology come from?

Ever wonder where all the cool gadgets come from? Ever wonder who gets to try this stuff out first? Usually the war machine scientists get it first, try it out and find an application by using it for destruction; an obvious outlet for the human species and our desire to blow things up. It then moves into the private sector for important projects like, Microwave Ovens, Nuclear Energy, aviation space travel, telecommunications, Internet (which of course Al gore created first?), even Hummers, the ultimate SUV was created to cruise troops around in, Helicopters, hydrofoils, you name it man it came from military first. But now we are seeing things move so fast that the general population will be getting the new technologies in some way or another within a few years from discovery and proving of concept. Many things are now being created in private sector and the military is finding great applications for them such as the palm computer technology for Navy Seal Teams, cell phone telemetry tracking. What about the private sector protecting their rights to these advances? Patents? Who cares, by the time you get the thing filed everyone has it, four of your former employees brought it to your competitors, your key vendors sold it or partnered with another company to make it. By this time it is already on the shelves for you and I. The company with the marketing channels and fastest rollout gets the cake, but does not have time to eat it. Remember in the new age the fast eat the slow. The game never stops and people and companies enter and exit the field of their choice at will. With the Internet as a distribution channel a new wiget can be to market in months and delivered in 8-12 hours by Fed Ex if the company has their manufacturing at or near a regional hub. The World is changing and we maybe getting many of these new technologies a lot faster than before. Think about it. "Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; <a target="_new" href="http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs">www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs</a>

The Printer Cartridge Wars: Generic or Remanufactured Cartridges Right for You?

<b>Overview</b> As "generic", "remanufactured", and "new compatible" inkjet printer cartridges and laser toner cartridges creep deeper into the printer accessories market, the choices become varied and often confusing. It is estimated that by the year 2004 the aftermarket share of the inkjet and toner cartridge market will exceed 11% of the estimated 12 billion dollar printer accessory market [source: CART magazine, March 2001] Here's a look at what all these terms mean, and an examination of the upside and downside of using non-"brand name" printer cartridge products in your printer. <b>Terminology</b> First, let's examine the terminology. When shopping online for a new inkjet or toner cartridge for your printer, you'll likely encounter these terms: <b>OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or brand name products</b> A "brand name" inkjet or toner cartridge is just that - it's a printer cartridge that carries the brand name of the manufacturer on it, usually the same as the printer manufacturer, for example, Epson, Canon, Hewlett Packard, etc. <b>New compatible, off-brand or generic products</b> A "new compatible", "off-brand" or "generic" inkjet or toner cartridge is manufactured by a company other than the original printer manufacturer. There are a large number of these "new compatible" manufacturers, and it's quite true that the quality of their product can vary (more on that a bit later). In the case of inkjet cartridges, "generic" cartridges are completely new. In the case of toner cartridges, to qualify as "new compatible" the toner drum must be replaced with a brand new drum, as well as all major parts serviced and replaced as needed. <b>Remanufactured products</b> A "remanufactured" inkjet or toner cartridge, by definition, is a cartridge which has been serviced, cleaned, refilled with toner or ink and possibly had a few component parts repaired or replaced. In many cases, remanufactured toner cartridges do not have new drums; they instead refurbish the original drum and send it out for another cycle. <b>An Important Note About Toner Cartridges</b> The relatively unknown truth is that almost all laser toner cartridges, including most of the original brand name "new" cartridges, have been remanufactured to some extent. The defining point is to what degree they have had component parts repaired and/or replaced. For example: check the box for a brand new Hewlett Packard Laser Jet 4000/27X. Brand new, right? Well, it is. But check the fine print, which says: This newly manufactured product may contain parts and materials recovered from the HP planet partners recycling program. This means that the product, while "new", is possibly not completely new; it's quite probable that components of this cartridge have been used before, and have been recycled. <b>Quality vs. Cost</b> It's a fact: the cost of brand name inkjet and toner cartridges can be exceedingly high in comparison to generic or remanufactured inkjet or toner cartridges. In many cases, new compatible inkjet cartridges can be as much as 70% less than the cost of brand name cartridges. New compatible or remanufactured toner cartridges on the whole tend to be as much as 50% less in cost than their brand name counterparts. For example, an Epson T013201 black inkjer cartridge, used for various Epson Stylus printers, sells for $17.09 direct from Epson. The same cartridge, compatible, at an online retailer, Abacus24-7 (http://www.abacus24-7.com), sells for $4.95. The difference....70% in savings.(Prices as of August 2005) What's the catch? Well, there really isn't one, if you find a quality off-brand product you can purchase from an online merchant you can trust, one who stands by their product in those rare cases that generic or remanufactured products don't perform as well as you expect. Brand name cartridges cost much more than generics primarily because of the marketing and advertising budgets most OEM manufacturers spend in promoting their products; a cost most smaller manufacturers don't have. And then there's the issue of your printer warranty - we'll discuss that issue a little bit later. <b>Inkjet Cartridges: Performance</b> Generic or new compatible inkjet cartridges are in general highly reliable and perform as well as, or nearly as well as, brand name cartridges. Latest technologies and adherence to ISO 9001 codes (internationally recognized standards for quality assurance) by most producers of generic cartridges has increased the overall reliability of these aftermarket products in relation to your typical brand cartridges. In particular, Epson and Canon new compatibles are highly reliable, as the technology required to duplicate the performance of their cartridges is minimal (with the exception of the very latest Epson cartridges with the "computer chip"). In terms of print life (how many pages they print) generics stack up pretty well - usually within plus or minus 5% of the life of your typical brand name cartridge. High quality photographic printing is the one area where generic cartridges are occasionally suspect. The quality of the inks used by the manufacturer play a significant role here - lower grade ink which doesn't have the same density or brilliance and consistency of color can produce inferior results in the most high-demand cases. Although most manufacturers of generics have moved away from inferior inks, we recommend you ask your online merchant about the quality of the inks used by their supplier, if you are doing this kind of high-quality photographic printing. In particular, the inks should be made in the U.S.A.. With good ink your results should be just fine. Remanufactured Inkjet cartridges are another subject. Primarily you will only find remanufactured Inkjet cartridges for Hewlett Packard, Lexmark and Dell, as these companies have meticulously patented (and subsequently filed suit against anyone who tried to duplicate) their inkjet cartridge designs. There are no true "generics" for HP or Dell inkjet printers. Remanufactured cartridges are a huge cost value over new cartridges - usually over 50% less - and for every day printing work just fine. The failure rate of remanufactured cartridges is slightly higher than new product, however, and so it's important your online merchant guarantees their product to cover the occasional return. For typical printing, remanufactured inkjet cartridges can be the right choice over new ones. Lately, Dell computers and printers are increasing in popularity. Dell's popular models include the Color 720, and All-in-One a920, a940, and a960 models. Direct from Dell, one can buy an OEM cartridge, for example the color cartridge (X0504) for the Dell a940 printer for $34.99 from www.dell.com. The same cartridge, yet remanufactured, sells online for $23.95 at Abacus24-7 (http://www.abacus24-7.com).(Prices as of August 2005) <b>Laser Toner Cartridges: Performance</b> As with generic or new compatible inkjet cartridges, new compatible toner cartridges are for the most part highly reliable and provide a noticeable cost savings over brand new toner cartridges. Again, ISO 9001 standards have greatly increased the consistency and reliability of the aftermarket toner product in recent years. Further, many new compatible toner manufacturers increase the volume of toner in the cartridge, providing for a longer print life. Quality new compatible cartridges will have new or replaced mag sleeves, wiper blades, and magnet tips. Remanufactured toner cartridges in general have a less stringent set of criteria applied to them, and as mentioned before may not contain a new toner drum. Be sure to ask your supplier. It is our humble recommendation that you go with toner cartridges that have a new aftermarket drum, as opposed to a refurbished or recycled drum. Lastly, ask if the new drum is "high density". You want that. Color laser new compatible toner cartridges are just coming to market, and although early feedback seems to indicate a positive outlook, an evaluation of these cartridges is premature at this time. <b>Good for the Country, Good for the Environment</b> If you care about recycling or the good of the Country's economy, consider these facts: - 99% of new compatible toner cartridges are manufactured in the USA; most "OEM" brand cartridges are manufactured overseas - Nearly 40,000 tons of plastic are saved from our nation's landfills each year, by remanufacture of inkjet and toner cartridges - It takes on average 2 quarts of oil to manufacture a Brand New Toner cartridge but less than half of that amount to manufacture a new compatible toner cartridge <b>Your Printer Warranty and You</b> A legitimate concern of many people is whether using generic or remanufactured cartridges in their printer voids the printer's warranty. The answer is no. The following is a partial quote of the text of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Improvement Act, which deals with this exact question: MAGNUSON-MOSS WARRANTY IMPROVEMENT ACT United States Code Annotated Title 15 Commerce and Trade Chapter 50 Consumer Product Warranties 15 Section 2032 ... (c) No warrantor of a consumer product may condition his written or implied warranty of such product on the consumer's using, in connection with such product, any article or service (other than article or service provided without charge under the terms of the warranty) which is identified by brand, trade or corporate name; except that the prohibition of this subsection be waived by the commission if: 1) The warrantor satisfies the Commission that the warranted product will function properly only if the article or service so identified is used in connection with the warranted product, and 2) the Commission finds that such a waiver is in the public interest. In English, this means that no warranty may be voided by use of aftermarket products unless the manufacturer acquires a waiver that clearly shows such voidance would be in the public interest, or that their product will only function properly if the specified manufacturer parts are used. There is one catch, however: the manufacturer (in this case your printer manufacturer) is not compelled to repair their product under warranty if damage done to the product occurred as a direct result of using aftermarket parts. In other words, using generic cartridges is fine, and if your printer ever fails under conditions which have nothing to do with the cartridge you are using, no problem. However, if the damage is directly caused (however unlikely) by the use of a generic cartridge, the warrantor may elect not to repair it, although the warranty would remain in effect for all other warranty issues. <b>Conclusion</b> In general, aftermarket generic and new compatible or remanufactured printer cartridge products are an excellent way to cut significant costs from your every day small business or personal printing expense, while maintaining quality printing results. Those who need extremely high quality printing (such as photographers and artists) can, with a little trial-and-error testing of different generic cartridge products, find a product which provides the quality results you need. In all cases, be sure to buy your cartridges from an online supplier who 100% guarantees their product without question, and isn't afraid to answer your questions when it comes to the quality and reliability of their products. Written by David Amerman also published by <a target="_new" href="http://www.About.com">About.com</a>

How To Take Care Of Your Laptop Computer

As the proud owner of a laptop computer, you'll want to keep your machine in the best possible condition. Aside from cleaning your screen and dusting the keyboard, however, you'll need to take a few extra steps to maintain your laptop's health: -- Play it cool A laptop computer generates a lot of heat, especially when running the latest high-powered software. Too much heat and you risk damaging the internal circuitry. Always try to keep your laptop in a well-ventilated, cool environment. And ensure you don't block the fan grills on the sides, back, or bottom of the machine at any time. -- Handle the screen carefully Avoid touching or playing with your LCD screen. Yes, it might be fun to watch the waves generated by your finger against the screen, but LCD displays are fragile devices that must be cared for. Take care when cleaning the screen too, and use only approved cleaning materials. You won't want to pay the money for screen repairs or, even worse - a new machine entirely. -- Don't drop it Whatever you do, don't drop your laptop computer! Keep it safe inside of a carrying case when moving around or traveling. Don't leave it on the edge of a table or on an unstable support of some kind. One ill fated drop to the floor could spell death for your mobile office. Try to make sure the rubber feet underneath are in good condition and are still attached. This will prevent the device from sliding around accidentally. -- Be careful with those drinks... If you need to have a drink while working or playing, be careful not to spill it. Your laptop computer could suffer the consequences from just a few drops of liquid poured in the right places. While you probably do eat and drink around it regardless, you will want to occasionally wipe down the edges, the keyboard, the touchpad, and maybe even wipe down the screen to keep any dirt from accumulating. -- Just say no to viruses Security wise, make sure you obtain an anti-virus program. Secondly, keep it updated! Buying an anti-virus one month and not updating it for the next six really negates it purpose. Your laptop computer could be exposed to hundreds and thousands of new viruses every month if you don't update your virus definitions. Most anti-virus programs have automatic update methods, eliminating the need for you to have to remember to do it manually. -- Avoid Popups Pop-ups are particularly annoying on a laptop computer. Trying to close a bunch of windows without a regular mouse can be a nuisance. You'll want a pop-up blocker, such as the Google Toolbar (located at http://tools.google.com), to prevent these pop- up ads. Many intrusive forms of advertising, and even some viruses, can install software on your machine by using various forms of pop-ups. It's best to get yourself a blocker and avoid the situation entirely. -- Use a firewall Always utilize a firewall on your Internet or network- enabled laptop computer. Even if you use Windows XP's built- in firewall (or purchase one from such companies as Norton), your security will greatly benefit from it. Blocking out all the unnecessary ports and closing all the loopholes will prevent a hacker or virus from freely entering your hard drive. So there you go. Combine all of the above tactics and help your laptop enjoy a happier and healthier lifestyle! About The Author Joe Chianese is a technical writer and frequent contributor to <a href="http://www.HowToBuyALaptop.com" target="_new">HowToBuyALaptop.com</a>. For advice on how to find the right laptop computer for you, visit our website.

Tips To Select Proper Motherboard

Selecting motherboard is really simple. As name suggests "Motherboard" acts as a protective mother of CPU, RAM and other add on cards since these components stand firmly on motherboard. Number of devices have been integrated on motherboard over a period of time. Now a days motherboard with onboard features is more popular in Branded PCs. Onboard integrated peripherals are offered by many branded PC manufacturers to provide you latest technology if you buy a system from a big computer manufacturer recently. It is recommended to select motherboard with maximum number of ports preferably with 2 serial, 1 parallel and 4 USB ports. Most of the recent devices have USB port. Also check the upgradation options such as memory support and number of available PCI slots etc. Technology changes so rapidly that manufacturers add the new features such as serial ATA, USB 2.0 and RAID on the motherboard to stay ahead of the competition. Many manufacturers even provides FM radio on the motherboard to survive in the race making it fully entertainment machine. Important Motherboard Tips: 1) Do the survey by reading the reviews on motherboards and then look for either same motherboard or compare it with it's competitors product in the market. 2) Don't buy the costliest motherboard if you are not going to use additional features. Always check cost to benefit ratio and make the selection just by assessing the utility value. 3) If you are dedicated gamer or fan of overclocking, verify whether the space around CPU is spacious enough for you to install a larger heat sink-fan combination for cooling. Go for motherboard, which has the facility to overclock FSB in steps of 1 MHz and core voltage adjustment. 4) Confirm that chipset on the motherboard is compatible with the speed of the processor and speed of FSB. It is very important to check the compatibility to improve the system performance. 5) Select feature rich motherboard for future up gradation. Also ensure that it has enough PCI and memory slots for future expansion. 6) If planning for expensive motherboard go for the motherboard with onboard video chipset and an AGP slot. Don't forget to check whether AGP slot supports latest transfer rate. 7) Also see whether motherboard has onboard sound and integrated Ethernet. 8) Check the type of memory that supports motherboard. 9) DDR RAM is the most popular option today. Most motherboards have at least two slots. But expensive motherboards have 4 slots. The total amount RAM you can install is also dependent on the motherboard chipset. 10) The smooth transfer of data without errors is the most important function of the chipset. This function of the chipset decides overall performance of the system. That is why the maximum speed a processor that the chipset supports is very important. In case of future upgrades you will need to change only the processor. This will save your time and money. Krishna Pai is a webmaster and a writer. Get Computer Tutorials, reviews, Hardware & Software Tips, How to guides at <a target="_new" href="http://www.cheapest-computer-hardware-software.com/">http://www.cheapest-computer-hardware-software.com/</a> For more Computer tips join his "Build Computer ezine" at <a target="_new" href="http://www.cheapest-computer-hardware-software.com/build_computer_ezine.html">http://www.cheapest-computer-hardware-software.com/build_computer_ezine.html</a>

Just The Fax, M?am

For years, I smugly prided myself as a non-fax machine person. I felt it beneath my dignity to own such a technical contraption. The quill is more my style than a computer but, being practical, I reluctantly use a computer, casting wistful glances at the dust gathering on my quill. Unfortunately, in the world in which we live, it is necessary to fax some letters or documents to someone in some odd part of the world. I don't like it, but that's just the way it is. On the rare occasion when I must fax some document at an office supply store, I usually sneak in the back way. It has been my experience, when the fax man seeth me cometh, he always raises the price per page. This is just a small service he does for Yours Truly. Then, when paying for this service, the fax man usually says with an impish grin, "When are you going to get a fax machine of your own?" I always flash a smile back at him, but if he knew the thoughts in my head, he would charge me more per page. Silence truly is golden, especially for the person exercising the virtue. Actually, I don't trust machines. I know a mind somewhere is controlling all of these machines - a menacing, mischievous mind dedicated to the simple task of messing up my life. When I eventually break down and buy a fax machine someone will invent something to replace it and I'll have another antique on my hands to put alongside of my Underwood typewriter and boxes of 8-track tapes. This notwithstanding, I ended up buying a fax machine several weeks ago. I didn't want to, but I had no choice in the matter. My printer finally went the way of all printers. I hated to see it go. The left side was cracked where Noah, the original owner, dropped it. For years, it served me quite well. My next printer will have a big ink cartridge to fill. I hate buying replacement equipment. Rarely is the new any better than the old, just more expensive, not to mention complicated. But, necessity is the stepmother of all complications in life, and I set out to buy a new printer. I resolutely did not want to buy a fax machine. Under no circumstance did I want to buy a fax machine. Therefore, I ended up buying a fax machine. It is impossible to buy a printer anymore. In order to buy a printer you must buy a machine that prints/copies/scans/faxes. I think it's a pretty sneaky way to get me to buy a fax machine. Someone "out there" is set on me owning a fax machine even though I don't want to own one. This new machine does everything but vacuum the interior of my car. But it was the cheapest machine I could find. I bought the machine but determined not to use the fax part. After all, somebody has to stand up for what they believe. Not everybody should succumb to the latest trend. I was doing fine until ending up in the hospital. When I got out, I needed to fax a document to the hospital. Now I faced a taxing dilemma. Do I go to the office store and fax my document, or do I try out my new printer/copier/scanner/fax machine? Precedence finally gave way to convenience. I took my document to my new machine and figured out how to fax it to the hospital. Not being confident in my technical knowledge, I called the hospital office to check on the faxed document. Much to my surprise the person on the other end said in a very cheery voice, "Yes, I have the faxed document right here in my hand." I must admit, although I hate doing so, faxing from my house was much easier than going to the office store. I now knew how to fax a document anywhere in the world, but I had nothing to fax to anyone in the world. I just stood there looking at my machine trying to think of something to fax. Even though I knew how to fax a document, I still did not know how to receive a fax. Several days ago, a friend called and said he had a document he wanted me to have right away. He then asked the ominous question, "Do you have a fax machine?" I began to say no, but hesitated and confessed I had a fax machine but did not know how to receive faxes. It was humiliating to make such a confession, but it was true. "It's simple," he said, "hang up the phone and I'll dial again and let the machines talk to one another." This caused no small discomfort. To think these machines are talking to one another behind my back is most disturbing. What are they saying about me behind my back? Now that I come to think about it, I have heard sounds similar to snickering coming from the general direction of my printer/scanner/copier/fax machine. I don't mind Big Brother watching over me, but I do mind some machine making jokes with other machines about me. When it comes to "new things," God is the master. This is what He promises to do for us. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV.) Put that in your printer and fax it. Reverend Snyder is currently ministering at the "Family of God Fellowship" in Ocala, Florida. More of his articles are available for reprint at his website: <a target="_new" href="http://www.godspenman.com/">http://www.godspenman.com/</a> Rev. Snyder is available as a guest speaker. He writes a weekly column and is the author of "You Can Always Tell a Pastor; But Not Very Much" available at: <a target="_new" href="http://www.jamessnyderministries.com/">http://www.jamessnyderministries.com/</a>

Surge Protector: A Simple Mechanism Description

A surge protector [AKA surge suppressor] is an electrical plug-in device designed to distribute safe electrical voltages to other electrical or electronic devices. Surge protectors resemble power strips in appearance; however, they are more sophisticated and deliver a constant, continuous power supply. In addition to connecting multiple devices to a single power source, surge protectors provide protection from frequent problems that plague conventional utility power. The most common of these problems are surges (temporary increase of voltage) and brownouts (temporary decrease of voltage). These disturbances slowly degrade many power supply units and cause premature equipment failure. The rising demand on our nation's power grids is causing more brownouts than ever before (Gamble; Power Protect Your Computer). <b>The Inside of a Surge Protector</b> Toroidal Choke Coil: The toroidal choke coil is an electromagnet wrapped in wire. It filters out line noise as the hot wire passes through it. Metal Oxide Varistors (MOV's): An MOV has three parts: a piece of metal oxide material in the middle and two semiconductors joined to the hot and ground wire. As a protective connecting unit it shifts unsafe voltage levels to the ground wire. Neutral Wire: The neutral wire is common in modern wiring practices for safety. It is used in conjunction with the hot wire and the ground wire. Hot Wire: The hot wire holds the passing current which contains excess voltage. Fuse: A fuse is a resistor used to protect the wiring from getting too hot. Fuses &quot;blow or burn out&quot;, thereby preventing the electrical current from traveling further. Ground Wire: The ground wire protects users from getting an electrical shock. It receives excess voltage from from the MOVs. Most surge protectors contain a parallel circuit design whereby the extra voltage is fed away from the standard path to another circuit. Another design is a series circuit where the electrical current is slowed; moreover it detects high voltage, stores the electricity, and releases it gradually (Harris). The majority of the electrical currents diversion is done through the metal oxide varistor or MOV. The MOV acts as a pressure-sensitive valve: based on the level of voltage, the electrons in the semiconductors behave differently either creating lower or higher resistance. When the voltage is correct, an MOV doesn't do anything (Harris). <b>Specifications and Quality Considerations</b> Energy Absorption: Surge processors are measured in joules (the amount of energy they can absorb). The higher the number, the better the protection: 200 joules provides basic protection, 400 is good and 600 or high is superior protection. UL1449: Standard rated by Underwriters Laboratories as the minimum protection standards for surge protectors. It rates suppressors by the amount of voltage passage they allow. Protection Indicator: LED indicator as to metal-oxide varistors functioning. MOVs do not last forever ? one lightening strike can fry them out. Line Conditioning: Most surge protectors contain this feature. It filters out line noise using a toroidal choke coil to &quot;condition&quot; the current. Power Switch: There are manual on/off power switches as well as circuit switches. Circuit switches are useful for keeping some components running while others are shut off. Circuit Breaker or Fuse: A fuse is a resistor that can conduct current below a certain level. If the current is higher than acceptable, heat burns the fuse and cuts off the circuit. Breakers are more economical than fuses as they do not have to be replaced. Protection Guarantee: Read the terms and conditions carefully! It is important to understand your consumer rights in the event of damage to devices your surge protector neglects to protect (Kozierok). According to data published on Hewlett Packard's website, recent statistics reveal 63 percent of all electronics casualties are the result of a power related problem. Most affected are devices using computer chips and high-speed microprocessors. Unprotected computers can suffer hardware degradation and extensive damage when exposed to power surges (Power Protect Your Computer). The cost of a surge protector varies greatly depending on user needs. Basic models sell for as low as $10 but one should be cautious as to the capabilities these units offer. NOTE: It is important to connect all peripheral equipment to the surge protector for complete protection. This includes phone jacks, modems, cables, and any other external devices that will receive electrical current. All visuals have been removed from this article to comply with the publishing rules for this site. Additional Resources Gamble, T. &quot;Storm Season&quot; www.bestbuy.com 15 Sep. 2004 http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=pcmcat31600050019&type=category Harris, T. &quot;How Surge Protectors Work&quot; www.computer.howstuffworks.com 15 Sep. 2004 http://computer.howstuffworks.com/surge-protector2.htm Kozierok, C.M. &quot;External Power Problems&quot; www.pcguide.com 15 Sep. 2004, http://www.pcguide.com/ref/power/ext/probs.htm Power Protect Your Computer, www.hp.com 15 Sep. 2004 http://h71036.www7.hp.com/hho/cache/764-0-0-225-121.aspx T.L. McMullen<br> Equity Zip Financial<br> No More Fret - I'm Out of Debt!"<br> 888-300-EZIP (3947)<br> <a target="_new" href="http://www.equityzipfinancial.com">http://www.equityzipfinancial.com</a> - Guaranteed Credit Repair<br> <a target="_new" href="http://www.equityzip.com">http://www.equityzip.com</a> - Brixdale Inverse Mortgage

Getting to Know Inkjet Printers

Inkjet printers were born in the 1980s, replacing the popular dot matrix printer. Inkjet printers drop droplets of ink onto printer paper to produce text and images. The drops of ink are actually smaller than the width of a strand of hair, so don't expect to actually see individual droplets on your printouts. It's not like the older dot matrix, which produced much larger drops of ink. There are several major printer technologies- the two largest categories being impact and non-impact. As you probably guessed, impact printers work by actually touching the paper to produce text and images. Dot matrix printers fall in this category. Non impact printers never actually touch the paper. Both inkjet and laser printers fall into this category. So what makes an inkjet printer work? There are several key components found in all inkjet printers that make them tick. The most important and fragile piece of any printer is the print head. It contains the ink-emitting nozzles. The ink cartridges hold the actual ink that is fed into the head. The stepper motor powers the print head, propelling it back and forth across the paper. A stabilizer bar ensures that that the movements of the print head are controlled and precise. Paper is fed into the printer via a feeder. The paper is pulled inside the printer by several rollers. Of course, none of these components would function without power. Most printers use standard power supply. Your computer talks to the printer through interface ports, most commonly, the USB port. Bill Smith is an expert on printers and ink cartridges. Visit <a target="_new" href="http://www.buythebestbuy.com">http://www.buythebestbuy.com</a> to learn more about printers.

Your Hard Drive is Going to Explode ? Why a UPS is Essential

It's most peoples worst computing nightmare. You wake up in the morning, flip on the computer, and it doesn't boot. Sometimes the problem rears its ugly head as a horrific clacking noise. Other times it simply gives a read error. At this point, most people panic. The first thing you wonder is whether or not the data is recoverable. There is no universal answer to this. In some cases, a simple scan with some data recovery software is all that it takes to retrieve the contents of the drive. In other cases, if you want it badly enough, it will take thousands of dollars and a shipment of the drive to a clean lab where they will pull the platters inside of the drive and access them that way. Now you're probably wondering if there's a way to prevent this from happening. Well, you're in luck. Getting a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) is the very best and most effective way to prevent your data from pulling a disappearing act. While it is not fool-proof, having something that regulates the electricity flowing into your computer can reduce the risk of a drive failure by up to 70%. This figure goes up to around 90% if the computer is being used while in an electrical storm. (My computer repair business always gets a little boost after a thunderstorm, courtesy of the lightning wreaking havoc on people's hard drives.) Don't just run out and get any UPS. You want to get an intelligent one. The 'intelligent' UPS will regulate the power without having to hit the battery every time the voltage takes a dip which greatly improves battery longevity. They also include options to hook the power supply up to your computer via a serial or USB port so you can monitor what the power is doing. This also gives the option to allow for a soft shut-down if the power goes out and you are away from your desk. You can get an Uninterruptible Power Supply at most computer stores. Best Buy carries a fairly wide selection of them. As for brands, I've personally used APC with much success. Opti-UPS is another excellent brand. In fact, I have an Opti that is 6 years old and still works fine, although the batteries now have no life to them. (That's to be expected. Rechargeable batteries only last so long) Now that you know of the importance of a UPS I would strongly encourage you to invest in one. It is far better to spend $100 now on some preventative maintenance than having to spend much more later on data recovery. <a target="new" href="http://www.sootahcris.com">Kevin Souter</a> is a full time computer technician. He also operates some <a target="new" href="http://www.eradicatespyware.net">free spyware removal</a> and <a target="_new" href="http://www.tweaksforgeeks.com">computer repair</a> websites.

Adding USB 2.0

The process of adding USB 2.0 ports took no time and the backup system is mighty fast. If you add USB 2.0 ports with a PCI port card, then you'll still have your USB 1.1 ports, so whatever is plugged into those can stay. Rob Foster from the UK sent me a port PCI USB card since he had a few extras. Thanks again, Rob. When installing hardware or devices, most situations require loading the software FIRST before doing anything else. This one didn't - so be sure to check this out before attempting to put the card in. Before starting the process, be sure you have an open PCI slot, a standard slot that has one big connector with a small one behind it. Turn off the computer, if it is not already. Take off the CPU case. How this is done depends on the CPU. If you lost or misplaced the manual, I'm sure your computer manufacturer has info online. Google it, if needed. Slide the PCI card into the open PCI slot. At this point, you can cover up the CPU, but some people leave it off until turning on the computer and checking all is OK. When turning on this little feller, it found the new card right away and worked. I didn't even have to run the software. The card came with four USB ports, one of which holds the backup system. It took under two hours to back up the computer (get size), faster and easier than the tape back up. Well, it only took a year or so to get around to adding the USB 2.0 ports as that's about how long the back up system has been sitting here taunting me. <b><a target="_new" href="http://www.meryl.net/">Meryl K. Evans</a></b> is the Content Maven behind <a target="_new" href="http://www.meryl.net/blog/">meryl's notes</a>, <a target="_new" href="http://www.internetviz.com/">eNewsletter Journal, and The Remediator Security Digest</a>. She is also a PC Today columnist and a tour guide at InformIT. She is geared to tackle your editing, writing, content, and process needs. The native Texan resides in Plano, Texas, a heartbeat north of Dallas, and doesn't wear a 10-gallon hat or cowboy boots.

The Road Ahead

<P align=left>We live in an area that has begun to use Green<BR>Bins for household waste. Our regular garbage<BR>is picked up every other week and the only<BR>weekly garbage collection is our green plastic<BR>bins, to be filled with leftover food products<BR>and other organic waste. </P> <P align=left>When the program first started, I was sure<BR>we could never change our ways, but before<BR>long, depositing bones and leftover food in<BR>the bin became automatic.</P> <P align=left>Why am I telling you this? Because using the<BR>computer will also become easy for you the<BR>more you try. Sure, the learning curve is<BR>steeper than remembering which container<BR>to use for which type of garbage, but the<BR>idea is the same. Every time you perform a<BR>function or solve a problem on your computer, <BR>it will be easier than the time before.</P> <P align=left>This week, I read a book written by Bill Gates<BR>in 1996 titled 'The Road Ahead'. Gates said, <BR>"Computers frighten almost everyone<BR>(everyone but children), before they learn to<BR>use them. When people spend more time with<BR>computers, they understand them better.<BR>You can start by playing computer games or<BR>doing other simple things. Once you start<BR>using them, I think you'll like them."</P> <P align=left>With the Internet, we can keep in touch with<BR>old friends and make new ones; have virtual<BR>experiences of flying an airplane, driving a<BR>car, even dissecting a toad. Pilots and doctors<BR>practice their work without worrying about<BR>accidents. Every school can have a wonderful<BR>library thanks to the Internet. </P> <P align=left>Gates saw then how much our world would<BR>change because of computers. Banking and<BR>shopping online, distance learning, the ability<BR>to telecommute and work from home - all of<BR>these grew as software became better and<BR>more powerful.</P> <P align=left>Gates talked about his own futuristic house. <BR>Anyone in the house wore an electronic pin that<BR>told the house who and where you were. When<BR>it got dark, the pin would turn on lights nearby<BR>and turn them off when you went away. Music<BR>would play near you and the phone ring nearby<BR>only if the call was for you. A home control <BR>console activated choices of lighting, music,<BR>and temperature. That was in 1996, so who<BR>knows what his home is like now!</P> <P align=left>The book ended with a cartoon showing a mutt<BR>using a computer and saying "On the Internet,<BR>nobody know's you're a dog." How true - on<BR>the Internet, we are all on equal ground.</P> When in my 40's, the university library where I worked was computerized. The thought of using those machines at my age was so intimidating that I moved to another department. I transferred back a year later, determined to learn. <P></P> <P align=left>To my surprise, computers were easier to use than I imagined, and so enjoyable that I went back to school full-time.</P> <P align=left>(c) Carol Bremner 2003<BR><A href="mailto:cabremner@creativehomecomputing.com">cabremner@creativehomecomputing.com</A><BR>projects - hints - products<BR><A target="_new" href="http://www.creativehomecomputing.com">www.creativehomecomputing.com</A><BR>

Buying a Refurbished Dell Laptop

Dell offers a full line of refurbished laptops on their website, dell.com. Look for &quot;Outlet Refurbished Laptops.&quot; There you will find a full range of popular models that run just as reliably as a new machine ? for hundreds of dollars less than you would pay for new versions. This is because Dell refurbished laptops are inspected for &quot;good-as-new&quot; quality. The only differences are the red label on the bottom of the unit and a lower price. Dell's most popular refurbished laptops are Latitude and Inspiron. The Latitude series of &quot;notebook&quot; computers is no longer manufactured, but is still a great buy for someone looking for an up-to-date machine. Latitude is an apt name for these models: they afford you great leeway in updating, expanding, or otherwise changing the internal workings of the computer. With its black chassis and clean lines, it is a rather &quot;normal&quot; looking computer. It is a middleweight unit, but sized to fit any standard laptop case, along with AC/DC adaptor, mouse, floppy and zip disks, and other accessories. The Dell Latitude C600, CPX, and L400 are the three most popular models in the line. The Inspiron series of notebook computers is still manufactured today, with some modifications. Slightly older versions are still a great way to meet all your computer needs. Inspirons are not quite as expandable as Latitudes, but, with their jazzy black-and-silver chassis, have a distinctive look. Inspiron laptops are also a bit more affordable than Latitudes. Furthermore, Inspiron ranks among the highest performing laptops available, with famously long battery life The Dell Inspiron 1100 and 1150 are the two most common models in the line of refurbished laptops at Dell. If you are looking to get the lowest price on a Dell laptop, look for one that uses a Celeron processor instead of an Intel. Celeron is less expensive, and also uses less battery juice, than Intel. <a target="_new" href="http://www.i-refurbishedlaptops.com">Refurbished Laptops Info</a> provides detailed information on quality, cheap refurbished laptops by manufacturers like Dell, IBM, Toshiba, and HP, as well as refurbished laptop batteries and related products. Refurbished Laptops Info is the sister site of <a target="_new" href="http://www.e-rackmountcomputer.com">Rack Mount Computers Web</a>.

Easy to Execute!

Plug and play equipment or hardware solves the problem of driver installation, re-starting routines, and generally speaking, &quot;hassle&quot;, for those who are not technically proficient. If your computer supports &quot;Plug and Play&quot;, then, as the name suggests, you simply plug it in and play. For people who are &quot;word perfect&quot;, plug and play might sound somewhat misleading. Peripherals, such as your mouse, keyboard, monitors, scanners, network adaptors, or printers are included in this. This long awaited technology is made possible via your U.S.B. port. U.S.B. is an abbreviation for UNIVERSAL SERIAL BUS. Using this port, your computer detects such peripherals, and after detection, configuration is automatic, in so far as you have no further input. Prior to &quot;plug n play&quot;, you would have to insert a floppy disc or cd, to supply and install the necessary software or &quot;driver&quot;. To put it simply, your computer cannot see or indeed smell or intuitively know what a device, its properties, requirements and priorities are. Most computers have two USB ports, usually situated on the back of your unit. A U.S.B. &quot;hub&quot; will effectively increase this number. Basically, it is like an electrical adaptor which allows up to seven devices to be connected to it. If you are a big &quot;gadget&quot; fan, you can simply plug another hub into the first one, and so on. U.S.B. is classified as Serial communication, as opposed to parallel communication. This means that it transmits data/info/signal, if you like, one &quot;bit&quot; at a time. Conversely, it receives it in a similar fashion. This is done or executed, in one wire or cable. Did you ever notice the &quot;big&quot; or &quot;wide&quot; ends on your cables? These cables are parallel and transmit/receive data/info/signals, many &quot;bits&quot; at a time. Therefore, parallel communication needs many cables/wires and consequently more connections, at its port. U.S.B. ports and cables are smaller. Just pop around to the back of your P.C., and you will immediately notice the difference. On the machine that I am currently working on, I noticed that the printer has both types of ports and that the parallel port and cabling is the option that the technician used. The serial option would have worked just the same, at this level, where transmission speeds are of little relevance. In summary, Plug 'n Play is welcomed and embraced by everyone and is a major step towards &quot;user-friendly&quot; computing. About The Author Seamus Dolly is the webmaster of <a href="http://www.CountControl.com" target="_new">http://www.CountControl.com</a> His background is in engineering and analogue electronics. His studies include A+, Net+ and Server+. <a href="mailto:seamus@countcontrol.com">seamus@countcontrol.com</a>

Protecting Your Computer From Power Surges, Data Loss, Viruses, And Spyware

Protecting Against A Power Surge: Your computer is an expensive investment; you should protect it from a power surge. If a sudden rush of electricity hits, a surge protector will blow the fuse or trip the breaker, this is what saves your computer. You should be sure to use a surge protector with a phone jack to keep the phone line from being a way for the electricity to travel to your computer. You should know that a surge protector cannot safeguard you form a direct lightning strike. If you completely unplug your computer and modem during a thunderstorm, this is the only sure way to protect your computer against lightning strikes. How Do You Protect Your Computer From Loss Of Data? If your hard disk crashes it can't take all of your important saved information and software with it if you have backed it up. To protect your computer data everything should be 'backed up' by saving it to a floppy disk or compact disc, this is your best safeguard against data loss. So, periodically you should make copies of the information on your hard disk. Protecting Your Computer From Viruses and Spyware You must also protect your computer, data, privacy, and information from viruses and spyware; every time you install a new program, copy files, and download from the Internet you are susceptible. These days it is a must to have a good, reliable virus protection program. Be sure to get one that will review each new file and check it for viruses. Also, you should be able to get regular updates via the Internet because there are always new viruses that you will need protection from on an ongoing basis. About The Author B. Archer is a successful author and publisher of <a target="_new" href="http://www.A1-computers.net">http://www.A1-computers.net.</a> A great source of information about computers and computer accessories.

A Review of Refurbished HP Laptops

HP refurbished laptops can be found on their website hpshopping.com. Just enter &quot;refurbished laptop&quot; into their search field and browse through the current selections. (Note that Hewlett-Packard also owns and distributes Compaq computers.) There you can purchase a quality refurbished laptop for up to 30% off the new retail price. The HP lines are named Pavilion and Omnibook; the Compaq brand offers the Presario laptop at refurbished rates. The Pavilion line is by far the most popular. They are most suited to replace your home desktop computer, or assist any student in creating the perfect reports and multimedia presentations. They are slim, sleek, and very mobile ? usually under 5 pounds. In order of performance, the most common Pavilion notebooks are the ze4000, ze5000, and ze1200. They come as cheap as $1000 from the manufacturer. The Omnibook line is more suited to the serious home user and businessperson. They feature powerful, long-lasting batteries, interchangeable media bays, and ultra slim design ? usually less than 4 pounds. These can cost as little as $1200 refurbished. The 20-30% savings is immense. They come with Intel Pentium 3, 4, or M processors. The most common lines are the 6100, 6200, and 4100 models. Ask the manufacturer or private refurbished laptops dealer for details on which Omnibook would fit you. The Compaq Presario line is perfect for the money-conscience laptop user. One Presario model utilizes an Intel Celeron M processor to power the amazing graphics capabilities. It features 512MB of RAM and a jaw-dropping 40GB of hard drive space. It includes a DVD/CD-RW, which allows you to both play and record any DVD or CD that you wish. You can get all of these features for only $800, making it not the least expensive of refurbished laptops, but certainly a great deal. As with most other manufacturers who offer refurbished laptops, HP offers a 90-day warranty. <a target="_new" href="http://www.i-refurbishedlaptops.com">Refurbished Laptops Info</a> provides detailed information on quality, cheap refurbished laptops by manufacturers like Dell, IBM, Toshiba, and HP, as well as refurbished laptop batteries and related products. Refurbished Laptops Info is the sister site of <a target="_new" href="http://www.e-rackmountcomputer.com">Rack Mount Computers Web</a>.

Laptop and Notebook Theft Prevention

Laptops or Notebook computers are an expensive personal and business asset that are highly sought after by both small time thieves and large complicated theft rings. Keeping your laptop and notebook computers safely in your possession should always be in the back of your mind. Not only are these extremely expensive, they can contain very private personal information or business secrets that can hurt you if the information was ever brought public, or worse yet, sold to a competitor! Physical theft prevention should be your primary concern when you use laptops, and really most of the information is just common sense. Don't brag, or advertise that you have a laptop in your possession, try to carry your laptop in non-traditional laptop bags that make it obvious you have one. If you can fit it in your briefcase, or in a shoulder bag you are far better off from getting targeted. Asset tag your electronics devices and peripherals with permanent markings or engravings, large markings that make your laptop unique make your device less attractive because it will become harder to sell. Always be mindful of where your laptop is at. If you are using the washroom, or a payphone, don't leave it on a table, counter, this includes while you are at restaurants! If you are traveling in rental cars, try to get a car with a lockable trunk, that doesn't have access or a viewable trunk from the outside such as SUV's or hatchbacks. Don't leave items in plain sight that will entice people to steal from your car! If you are staying in hotels, try to use locking cables to permanent metal settings to secure your laptop if you go out, or ask the hotel to lock it up in their safe if you won't be using it for an extended period of time. In the event that your laptop has been stolen there is many different organizations that offer products and services that might help in a quick recovery or tracking of the device. Some products install a "call home" feature if the laptop is ever reconnected to an internet connection, or having serialized components that make tracking and recovery easier. Additionally there is some really interesting products that have movement and proximity alarms installed. For instance, you wear a device on your belt, and if your laptop is more than a certain distance from you an alarm will sound loudly. This is used in hopes of stopping criminals who snatch and run with your device! It's always a very good idea to install some sort of encryption software on your laptop, such as a PGP that will help keep your data private in the event it is stolen. It's always a good idea to plan for the worst and hope for the best! Remember, physical security mainly consists of using common sense to protect any attractive item that you may own. Be discreet, be mindful of your devices and you should be relatively safe! Ken Dennis<br> <a target="_new" href="http://KenDennis-RSS.homeip.net">http://KenDennis-RSS.homeip.net</a>

How to Change, Upgade or Remove an IDE Hard Drive

Hard drives - Hard drives are a little more complicated. First off, you have to know what you want to do with the hard drive. By this, I mean either you want it set to either SLAVE or MASTER. If you want to boot from the hard drive (load windows or whatever other OS off it) then you want it to be your master. If you already have a master, and you want to use this as extra space, set this hdd to slave. This setting change requires a jumper on the back of the hard drive to be moved. It may sound hard, but it's easy. These jumper configurations can be found on the back of the hdd; most have a small label which states which way is which. After setting the jumper, take the IDE cable that runs to your primary hard drive. This is the long, usually grey cable that runs from a slot on your motherboard to your primary hard drive. If you are putting your new hdd in as a slave, this cable should have a second connector on it not being used. Connect this to the new slave hard drive, but don't disconnect the cable from your other HDD. If you're putting a new drive in as master, then you need to take the cable running right to your old HDD, detach it, and connect it to the new master HDD. In both cases, you will need to connect a power cable to the HDD. This runs from your power supply, and you should have a few extra not being used. Connect one connector to the 4 pronged connector on the hard drive. Once the hard drive is all connected, make sure it is fastened to the chasis on both sides of the case. This can be done by removing the case, then bolting the hard drive on one side and then the other. This is important - if you only bolt one side of the HDD, it can lead to corruption of files on the HDD. I am a young, aspiring computer engineer into Internet Marketing, hardware, software, web design, SEO and just about anything related to computers. Please come check out my growing PC forum at <a target="_new" href="http://www.markspcforum.com">http://www.markspcforum.com</a>

Rear Projection TV Facts - Understanding the Pros & Cons of Rear Projection in the Home Theater

<b>Rear Projection Television - An Affordable Option</b> A great deal of consumer appeal for Rear Projection TV systems arise out of the shear simplicity that this product offers as an immediate solution to getting a bigger TV. No mess, no fuss, if you have the space, either visit your local big screen retailer - or better still, check at your favorite online electronics superstore - to order your product and get it delivered in just a few days; unpack the product and there you have a big screen TV in your living room ready for immediate use! <b>Rear Projection TV Facts:</b> As already stated, rear projection offers a most immediate solution to getting a bigger TV. Probably, this is also one of the main drivers behind rear projection television sales. Yet the real 'culprit' behind the popularity of rear projection TV systems does not arise out of some particular benefit associated with rear projection, but out of the fact that most big screen retailers seem to give the impression that rear projection systems are cheaper than a front projection setup. This may be true in retail stores, but not necessary so when buying online. The reality is that for a given budget level, prices online are such that front projectors will deliver a much more cinema-like experience for the same price bracket. Therefore, do not base your decision on price alone to decide between a front projection setup and a rear projection TV box. <b>Clearly, there is a market for both - the primary decisive factor should be your room size.</b> If you don't have a large viewing room, a 40" to 60" diagonal TV will probably be more than adequate rendering a rear projection TV the ideal affordable solution - as long as it fits in the available space. Size - or rather unit depth - is becoming less of a problem with modern LCD and DLP rear projection TV units. A typical 52&quot; diagonal widescreen DLP or LCD rear projection TV set requires no more than 15-inches in depth; this contrasts heavily with a similar size CRT rear projection model which would normally require between 22 and 24 inches in depth. What's more, considering that a similar size Plasma TV is still out of reach of most average household budgets, today's slim-styled LCD and DLP rear projection TV sets, with their lower prices yet high performance, are becoming the affordable 'immediate' big screen TV option in the television mass-market. <b>However prior to committing yourself to a rear projection TV,</b> it is important to be fully aware of a few limitations associated with rear projection systems, namely: limited screen size, limited viewing angle, glare problems, poor aspect ratio management, poor use of floor-space, etc. We take a look at each of these limitations in further detail below: <b>Screen size:</b> <Br> Rear projection TV systems come in screen sizes ranging from typical 42" up to a maximum of just over 70". This may or may not be a limitation. It is true that you can get a 100" projection with a home theater projector for the price of a high quality digital 50" rear projection TV, yet the screen size should be dimensioned to suit your room. If your room size does not support such big projections, rear projection is probably the way to go. <b>Viewing angles:</b><Br> Rear projection TV systems used to have a rather limited viewing angle - with the optimum viewing position being one directly in front of and eye-level with the unit. Move away to either side, and color, contrast, and brightness will degrade substantially. A narrow viewing angle will limit the number of people who can watch the set due the lowering in picture quality at the extreme viewing angles. Most modern systems support a viewing angle of circa 150 degrees - which should be adequate for normal home theater use. However, it is always best to check on this prior to your purchase as some products are worse than others. <b>Reflections:</b> <Br> It is common that any light source at a complementary angle to your viewing-angle will result in glare - in particular if the unit makes use of a screen-saver (a clear protective material that covers the fragile screen itself). Glare can seriously degrade the picture quality. The only real solution is to take away the offending light source; in some cases the situation can improve if one removes the screen-saver ? BUT remember that an unprotected screen is fragile and expensive to replace if damaged. <b>Floor-space:</b> <Br> Any rear projection TV is literally a large box with a relatively large footprint. It is true that modern slim-type models do exist that are no more than 15 to 18 inches in depth - depending on the screen size, yet the cheaper CRT-based rear projection TV sets will stand out by at least 24 to even 30 inches to allow for the necessary air-space between the back of the unit and the wall. Remember to take this into your calculations when planning your home theater as these two feet or so will have to be deducted from your available viewing distance. <b>Rear Projection TV Speakers:</b><Br> Forget all about them! Do not give any weighting to the speaker system coming with your rear projection unit. You would not be using them as you will surely want to replace these with your dedicated home theater surround receiver speaker system. Do not even think of using the build-in speakers of your rear television set as a center channel replacement. They will just interfere with the sound coming out of your dedicated system - hence do not pay anything extra for this as you will surely be switching off your TV sound completely during a movie show. <b>Aspect ratios:</b><Br> We have already mentioned a number of limitations associated with rear projection television, yet in comparison, these are just minor issues. The real serious limitation with a rear projection TV is <b>aspect ratio management.</b> This is the trickiest of it all. Standard television comes only in 4:3 but rear projection TV systems come in both standard 4:3, and in the 16:9 widescreen format. Once you choose your format however, you have to live with it - so once again, you have to choose wisely. The 4:3 (1.33) or 16:9 (1.78) referred to as the aspect ratio, is the ratio of the screen width with respect to the height of the image. All standard non-HDTV material is in the 4:3 format while most modern films come in one of the many widescreen formats - the most common being the 2.35, which in itself is not compatible with any of the fixed aspect ratio TV systems. <b>There are various ways to deal with this - including:</b> <ul> <li><b>Image stretching</b> to fill the available screen. <li><b>Use of black or gray bars</b> on top and bottom of a 4:3 screen to show the movie in its correct aspect ratio as originally filmed, but then the effective film display will be smaller. <li><b>Pan and scan editing</b> where only the most important portion of each frame is shown with the rest being discarded. </ul> Image stretching and horizontal bars can be extremely irritating while in the 'pan and scan' you are giving up film information to have a full screen view. Worst of all, prolonged use of horizontal bars - especially black bars - leads to tube burn-out in CRT based systems at huge costs to you. The incompatibility between screen formats renders the decision on aspect ratio a rather complicated issue when choosing a rear projection TV set. Surely, there is no such dilemma with a front projection setup, but if your only way forward is rear projection, then you will have to choose wisely. Here no one can help you in your decision - it is simply a matter of preference. The best way to decide on aspect ratio is by first determining what you will be viewing most. <b>Making the Choice:</b> Surely, there is a market for both front and rear projection TVs ? it is all a question of knowing what are the advantages and limitations of each with respect to your specific needs. <b>Andrew Ghigo</b> ? A Telecoms/Electronics engineer by profession, with specialization in digital switching and telecoms fraud management systems. Editor and publisher of <a target="_new" href="http://www.practical-home-theater-guide.com">http://www.practical-home-theater-guide.com</a> - a site dedicated to all home theater enthusiasts with the scope of serving as a comprehensive home theater guide to home theater systems, product reviews and home theater design. This article is an excerpt from a series of guides appearing under the <a target="_new" href="http://www.practical-home-theater-guide.com/Projection-Tv.html">Projection Television</a> section of the site.

Sony vs. Olympus: Digital Voice Recorders

Digital voice recorders have become increasingly popular over the last few years, as they offer a relatively cheap and reliable alternative to older cassette voice recorders. Digital voice recorders use memory - much like the memory used in your personal pc - to record sound, rather than tape cassettes. Newer recorders tend to have very large memory capacities, despite their small size. Though there are several brands of digital voice recorders to choose from, two stand out as the most popular at this time: Sony and Olympus. Here we attempt to compare two recording devices, one from each company. Hopefully this information will be helpful in deciding which recorder is more suitable for your needs. Olympus DM-20 Digital Voice Recorder The DM-20 is a popular new model by Olympus. It has received high marks in the past for it's large memory capacity (128MB Built-in flash) that provides about 45 hours of voice recording time. In addition, the device is capable of holding 120 minutes of high quality mp3 music. The recorder can hook up to both a mac or pc, so there isn't much of a compatibility issue in uploading/ downloading songs or voice recordings. Physically, the device is really quite sharp (picture below), and is relatively light - 3 oz. This is good news for anyone who travels; it can be easily placed in a pocket or hand bag. The device also has some nice features that make it even more attractive, such as reminder alarms (work much like your alarm clock), different play and play-back modes, files may be saved in WMA or DSS format, and an external microphone. The main draw back to the device is the lack of an on/ off switch - something that should certainly be there. You are forced to hold down the hold button for some time before the device will shut down. Other than this, however, the device is well worth your attention. It currently sells for $180 - $270 dollars, so shop around. Olympus DM-20 Digital Voice Recorder Sony's answer to the DM-20 is the ICD-MS515 memory stick digital voice recorder. This device uses removable Memory Stick Media that is very similar to the smart flash cards used in digital cameras and other devices. The ICD-MS515 comes with a relatively small 8mb memory stick that holds about 170 minutes of recording. This is much smaller than the capacity of the DM-20, but it is possible to simply upgrade to larger memory sticks. Some of the nice features of this device are the built-in microphone, the ability to work with Voice To Print Software (allows the conversion of voice recording to text), usb connectivity, and a voice e-mail system (allowing you to send audible voice mail). The device is also very light, weighing slightly less than 3 oz. It's proportions are very similar to that of the Olympus DM-20. Besides the low memory capacity (which can be upgraded at an additional cost), this a very solid and competitive device. It currently sells for around $200. Bradley James is a senior editor at <a target="_new" href="http://www.scinet.cc">SciNet.cc</a>, a website containing many helpful consumer electronics review articles. For more information on digital voice recorders, please visit our <a target="_new" href="http://www.scinet.cc/articles/digital-voice-recorders/sony-olympus.html">digital voice recorder</a> webpage.

Getting The Proper Laptop Screen Size

Are you sick of viewing everything on that small screen that your current notebook comes with? Do you want your next laptop to have screen size that you are more comfortable with? Well read on. In this article we will take a look at all the common screen sizes found on the many various laptops currently in existence, as well as which ones may be best for you and why. Does your current notebook feel like it is five inches too small? Well it actually may be ? Here are the most common laptop display sizes (in inches): 10.4 -- 10.6 -- 11.3 -- 12.1 -- 13.0 -- 13.3 -- 14.1 -- 15.0 -- 15.2 -- 15.4 -- 15.7 -- 16.0 -- 16.1 ?- 17.1 You may be wondering exactly how a screens size is determined. This is done by measuring diagonally across the screen. Many people think it is done by measuring horizontally or vertically ?- This is false. So what should you be looking at for your next laptop when it comes to screen size? I wouldn't go any lower than 15.0 inches. In fact most people say that going any lower than 15.0 inches is too uncomfortable. Fortunately pretty much every new notebook being produced has a bare minimum of 15 inches for the screen size. With this in mind, you basically have the choice of 15 inches all the way to 17 inches! What are the differences between the two, other than size? Well, some people say that a 17.1&quot; screen makes the laptop a little too heavy for their liking. If weight is a big issue with you, you may want to go for a smaller screen. There must be an advantage with the bigger screen then, right? Of course? You get a bigger viewing area, and most likely a better viewing experience. This is an even bigger issue if you play games, watch DVD's, or are a general multimedia user when it comes to your laptop. There aren't a whole lot of notebooks currently being produced with 17&quot; screens, but there are a few like the toshiba satellite P35 laptop. Simply looking at the specs of any given notebook can quickly tell you whether the screen size will suit you or not. By taking the time to recognize your needs when it comes to a laptop screen size, you can enjoy your next laptop and leave the hassle with your old one. ******************************************************<br> Cody Kahl is creator and writer of Toshiba Laptops Guide ? A site<br> dedicated to providing only the best <a target="_new" href="http://www.toshibalaptopsguide.com/toshiba-satellite-laptop.html">toshiba satellite laptop</a> information.<br> Cody believes in quality, and this free resource proves it.<br> ******************************************************

A Review of Brother Laser Toners

Brother is right up there with HP and Samsung as one of the most sought-after brands of laser toner. The Japan-based Brother Industries was first famous for its sewing machines. It went on to produce all kinds of office equipment, such as machine tools, fax machines, label makers, printers, and other office equipment. They began making dot-matrix printers in the 1970s. In the 1980s, after HP blew up the market, Brother began releasing their own laser printers to consumers, and to other companies under the name of OEMed. Brother has a great reputation for printers and printing accessories. You can buy new toner from Brother. There you will find plenty of personal, home, and small business laser toner cartridges and refills. You can also buy new toner refills in bulk, for middleweight to heavyweight business in need of massive amounts of toner on a daily basis. One popular Brother laser toner cartridge costs about $34 from their website. This will yield about 2200 pages at 5% printing capacity. This percentage means that 5% of the page is assumed to be covered in ink. If you print a lot of photographs, that number will be much lower. Be careful when buying Brother toner from third-party distributors. They will offer you lower prices under the umbrella terms of &quot;compatible&quot; or &quot;remanufactured&quot; laser toner cartridges. While some of these are perfectly reputable and suitable for a full range of printer uses, many others are below par. These phony cartridges will produce bad printing results and possibly damage your printer. Sometimes a third-party distributor might even package phony cartridges in real Brother packaging. You can find a list of authorized Brother retailers at their website. <a target="_new" href="http://www.e-lasertoner.com">Laser Toner Info</a> provides detailed information about later toner cartridges and refills, as well as reviews of laser toner products. Laser Toner Info is the sister site of <a target="_new" href="http://www.e-brochureprinting.com">Brochure Printing Web</a>.

The Printer Cartridge Game

Think you got a great deal on a printer? Like the rest of us, you probably paid $50 to $75 for a decent Epson or Lexmark printer. What's the catch, you might have asked? Most salesmen would say there is no catch. They'd probably go into a rant about how the printer market has gotten more competitive, driving prices way down. While that's a true statement, it isn't the primary reason for such inexpensive printers these days. So, why are printers so inexpensive? It's pretty simple ? printer manufacturers need you to buy their printer model so you're forced into buying their outrageously-priced ink cartridges. It's kind of like the relationship between a gasoline company and car manufacturer, except in this situation the printer company is supplying both the automobile and the fuel. Gas companies wouldn't make any money if no one owned an automobile. In the case of printer manufacturers, things are a little different. They don't make any money on selling printers ? they make their money by selling you the replacement ink cartridges. It makes a lot of business sense when you think about it. A consumer buys a printer every few years, but may buy ink as much as once every three months. Printer manufacturers would much rather have this steady stream of income. Consumers don't factor ink cartridge costs into the equation when they buy a printer. They look at the features and price tag. Sure you're getting a great printer and not paying a lot. But if you use your printer on a fairly regular basis, the cost of ownership over a year or two (thanks to high priced ink cartridges) may exceed $500. Before you buy your next printer, remember to do some research on printers, paying particular attention to the cost and longevity of the ink cartridge replacements. A little research ahead of time can save you hundreds of dollars. We don't recommend Lexmark printers because Lexmark ink cartridges are generally mc more expensive than those of other brands, like Canon or Hewlett Packard. Because Lexmark embeds a special chip right into the cartridge, the cost of buying replacement Lexmark ink is astronomical. Bill Smith is an expert on printers and printer repair. Check out helpful online printer reviews at <a target="_new" href="http://www.buythebestbuy.com">http://www.buythebestbuy.com</a>

Testing Flyback Transformer - How to Test and When to Replace It

Nowadays, more and more monitor comes in with flyback transformers problems. Testing flyback transformers arenot difficult if you carefully follow the instruction. In many cases, the flyback transformer can become short circuit after using not more than 2 years. This is partly due to bad design and low quality materials used during manufactures flyback transformer. The question is what kind of problems can be found in a flyback transformer and how to test and when to replace it. Here is an explanation that will help you to identify many flyback transformer problems. There are nine common problems can be found in a flyback transformer: a) A shorted turned in the primary winding. b) An open or shorted internal capacitor in secondary section. c) Flyback Transformer becomes bulged or cracked. d) External arcing to ground. e) Internal arcing between windings. f) Shorted internal high voltage diode in secondary winding. g) Breakdown in focus / screen voltage divider causing blur display. h) Flyback Transformer breakdown at full operating voltage (breakdown when under load). i) Short circuit between primary and secondary winding. Testing flyback transformer will be base on (a) and (b) since problem (c) is visible while problem (d) and (e) can be detected by hearing the arcing sound generated by the flyback transformer. Problem (f) can be checked with multimeter set to the highest range measured from anode to ABL pin while (g) can be solved by adding a new monitor blur buster (For 14' & 15' monitor only.) Problem (h) can only be tested by substituting a known good similar Flyback Transformer. Different monitor have different type of flyback transformer design. Problem (i) can be checked using an ohm meter measuring between primary and secondary winding. A shorted turned or open in secondary winding is very uncommon. What type of symptoms will appear if there is a shorted turned in primary winding? a) No display (No high voltage). b) Power blink. c) B+ voltage drop. d) Horizontal output transistor will get very hot and later become shorted. e) Along B+ line components will spoilt. Example:- secondary diode UF5404 and B+ FET IRF630. f) Sometimes it will cause the power section to blow. What type of symptoms will appear if a capacitor is open or shorted in a flyback transformer? Capacitor shorted a. No display (No high voltage). b. B+ voltage drop. c. Secondary diode (UF5404) will burned or shorted. d. Horizontal output transistor will get shorted. e. Power blink. f. Sometimes power section will blow, for example: Raffles 15 inch monitor. g. Power section shut down for example: Compaq V55, Samtron 4bi monitor. h. Sometimes the automatic brightness limiter (ABL) circuitry components will get burned. This circuit is usually located beside the flyback transformer. For example: LG520si Capacitor open a. High voltage shut down. b. Monitor will have 'tic - tic' sound. Sometimes the capacitor may measure O.K. but break down when under full operating voltage. c. Horizontal output transistor will blow in a few hours or days after you have replaced it. d. Sometimes it will cause intermittent "no display". e. Distorted display i.e., the display will go in and out. f. It will cause horizontal output transistor to become shorted and blow the power section. How to check if a primary winding is good or bad in a Flyback Transformer? a) By using a flyback/LOPT tester, this instrument identifies faults in primary winding by doing a 'ring' test. b) It can test the winding even with only one shorted turned. c) This meter is handy and easy to use. d) Just simply connect the probe to primary winding. e) The readout is a clear 'bar graph' display which show you if the flyback transformer primary winding is good or shorted. f) The LOPT Tester also can be used to check the CRT YOKE coil, B+ coil and switch mode power transformer winding. NOTE: Measuring the resistance winding of a flyback transformer, yoke coil, B+ coil and SMPS winding using a multimeter can MISLEAD a technician into believing that a shorted winding is good. This can waste his precious time and time is money. How to diagnose if the internal capacitor is open or shorted? By using a normal analog multimeter and a digital capacitance meter. A good capacitor have the range from 1.5 nanofarad to 3 nanofarad.* 1) First set your multimeter to X10K range. 2) Place your probe to anode and cold ground. 3) You must remove the anode cap in order to get a precise reading. 4) Cold ground means the monitor chassis ground. 5) If the needle of the multimeter shows a low ohms reading, this mean the internal capacitor is shorted. 6) If the needle does not move at all, this doesn't mean that the capacitor is O.K. 7) You have to confirm this by using a digital capacitance meter which you can easily get one from local distributor. 8) If the reading from the digital capacitance meter shows 2.7nf, this mean the capacitor is within range (O.K.). 9) And if the reading showed 0.3nf, this mean the capacitor is open. 10) You have three options if the capacitor is open or shorted. - Install a new flyback transformer or - Send the flyback transformer for refurbishing or - Send the monitor back to customers after spending many hours and much effort on it. * However certain monitors may have the value of 4.5nf, 6nf and 7.2nf. Note: Sometimes the internal capacitor pin is connected to circuits (feedback) instead of ground. Tv rca flyback transformer circuits usually do not have a internal capacitor in it. If you have a flyback diagram and circuits which you can get it from the net, that would be an advantage to easily understand how to check them. Jestine Yong is a electronic repairer and a writer. For more electronic repair articles please visit his website at <a target="_new" href="http://www.noahtec.com/electronic-repair-articles.htm">http://www.noahtec.com/electronic-repair-articles.htm</a>

To Upgrade or Not?

To upgrade or not? That is the question. At least, since the release of the new Athlon 64 FX-57, that is the question I have been pondering. Even though the FX-55, (which I am currently running), was everything I had hoped it would be, is the new FX-57 that much better? Well let's take a look. The Athlon 64 FX-57 has an increased clock speed of 200 MHz bringing it to 2.8 GHz, up from the 2.6 GHz found in the FX-55. AMD didn't stop there though, they added a few extras to improve performance. The chip's core is actually based on a revised K8 core code named San Diego (1 MB L2 cache), which bring's the size of the chip's die down to 90 nm from 130 nm. this is made possible by building the chip on AMD's latest SOI (Silicon and Insulator) technology. The FX-57 has an improved memory controller, making it more flexible in terms of allowing you to use different size DIMM's on the same channel. So is the FX-57 fast? It's screaming fast, but is it an enough of an improvement to warrent an upgrade? Well that depends a little on you. If you have to have the latest and greatest then this is the processor for you. With a $1000+ price tag, I would be willing to say that the Athlon 64 FX-57 is a little too pricey for most mainstream users or enthusiasts (myself included). Especially if you just dropped $800-$900 on an FX-55 just six months ago like I did. One other factor to consider is the future direction of processors. With an industry shift to dual-core processors, such as the Athlon 64 X2, the Athlon 64 FX-57 may be AMD's last installment in the single core processor market. Now having said that, the FX-57 still out-performs (in terms of gaming) even the fastest dual-core processor such as the Athlon 64 X2 4800+. This is largely due to the fact that most games are not built to take advantage of a dual-core processor, not yet anyway. So for the time being, the FX-57 will remain the fastest gaming processor on the market. Nicholas Spriggs is the author and creator of desktop-computer-guide and is dedicated to bringing you the most accurate information on computers and all things related<br><br><a target="_new" href="http://www.desktop-computer-guide.com">http://www.desktop-computer-guide.com</a> - Your guide to computers

Intel Celeron vs Pentium

The Celeron and Pentium Processors are two of Intel's best selling CPUs. They are found in a majority of home computer systems. When comparing the two processors it should be first understood that there are different types of Pentium processors - the original Pentium all the way to the Pentium 4 (the latest Pentium processor). The Celeron processors are more or less the same, although you will find them in a wide variety of speeds. The Intel Celeron processor was always designed to be a low-cost alternative to the Pentium processor line. It is much like a car company that offers various priced cars from the luxury sedan to the economy compact. The Celeron is simply a downgraded Pentium, that almost anyone can afford (it is essentially the compact). To begin, Celeron chips have a smaller L2 cache 9128kb compared with 512kb in the Pentium 4 Northwood, which translates into slower processing speeds. In fact, current Celerons have a clock speed limit of about 2.0GHz, where as the Pentium for is capable of speed in excess of 3.0GHz. In addition, the Pentium runs at a lower core voltage because it is more energy effecient (1.75V vs. 1.5V). In summary, the Pentium 4 is more powerful than the most advanced Celeron processor on the market. However, Intel has planned it to be this way. Many applications will work just great with a Celeron processor, despite a little less power than the Pentium 4. It is a way to save a little cash when buying a new pc - but don't forget the saying "you get what you pay for." Celeron processors are of good Intel quality, but they will never be as good as the Pentium. This Celeron vs. Pentium review was brought to you by SciNet Science and Technology Search Engine. SciNet is not affiliated with or specifically endorses the Celeron or Pentium processors or the manufacturer, Intel Corp. Please consult the Celeron and Pentium product information and configuration before you purchase either processor. It is also a good idea to seek other up-to-date product reviews and information as necessary. Bradley James is a senior editor at <a target="_new" href="http://www.scinet.cc">SciNet.cc</a>, a website containing many helpful consumer electronics review articles. For more information on Celeron and Pentium processor technology, please visit our <a target="_new" href="http://www.scinet.cc/articles/celeron-vs-pentium/celeron-pentium.html">Celeron vs Pentium</a> webpage.

Ten Things Everyone Should Know about Ordering an Inkjet Cartridge Online

It is true. You can save a lot of time and money by ordering your next inkjet cartridge online. Today, there are many reputable online printer ink merchants. They sell quality ink cartridges at huge savings. However, before you place an order, there are at least ten very important things you should know about ordering online. As the old saying goes, &quot;An ounce of education is worth a pound of cure.&quot; When you order online correctly, you'll reap huge savings in both time and money. If you order from the wrong online company, your headache could turn into a migraine. Here's the list... ten things you should know about ordering your inkjet cartridges online: Company Information Before you order online, find out how long the company has been in business. At a minimum, you want a company that has been around at least 2-3 years. In addition, you should have three ways to contact the company: <li>There should be a street address. A physical address is much better than a P.O. Box. <li>The company should have a toll free number so you can contact customer service for any questions about your order. <li>At a minimum, you should have an email address for contacting sales and support about your specific needs. Website Information All reputable online merchants go to great efforts to help educate you on exactly what products are available, how you can order them and how you can resolve any problems that may occur with an order. At a minimum, the following five informational items should help you: <li>Glossary of terms ? The website should provide a list of terminology that is commonly used on the site. These words should be listed and defined so that it is very clear to you what they mean. <li>FAQ- Frequently Asked Questions will save you a lot of time. These are the most commonly asked questions and answers that the company receives. They can help you have a clear understanding of what to expect from the company. <li>Refunds ? The Company should clearly state their refund policy. It should explain under what conditions you may receive a refund, exactly what you must do to get a refund and for what period of time a refund is available. <li>Exchange ? The Company should have an exchange policy. It should clarify what you must do to exchange your order, what the company will do and when it will be done. For example, if your account is to be credited, when and how will that take place? <li>Cancel Order ? If you change your mind and want to cancel your order, you should know how and when this can be done. For example, most companies will allow you to cancel your order before it has been shipped. Once the ink cartridges have been shipped, you'll need to ask for a refund. Easy Product Selection Finding the exact product you need for your printer should be quick and easy. The online merchant should allow you to search for your ink cartridge by name or number. It should only take a minute or two to locate and verify that the ink cartridge you have on the screen is the ink cartridge that meets your printer's specifications. Discount Prices One of the major reasons for purchasing your inkjet cartridges online is to save money. Depending upon your specific printer, you can expect to save up to 85% when you order your inkjet cartridges online. If you have a printer that is not extremely popular, your savings will be less. However, you will still save money by purchasing your inkjet cartridges online. Money Back Guarantee Every company that is worth doing business with will have a simple, no nonsense money back guarantee. That means if you're not satisfied for any reason with your ink cartridge, you should get a full refund on your purchase price. In some cases, online merchants will give you a better than 100% money back guarantee? for example a 110% guarantee. Any company worth doing business with will stand solidly behind their inkjet printer cartridges. Shipping Information Before you place your order, you should know exactly how much it will cost to ship your printer ink cartridges. Many companies offer free shipping. Others offer free shipping with a minimum amount order. For example, if you purchase $30 or more, they pay shipping. You need to know when your inkjet cartridges will be shipped. Most companies ship the same day, unless they receive the order very late in the day. In that case, do they ship the next morning or afternoon? Finally, you need to know how your printer ink cartridges will be shipped. For example, is it U.S. Postal, UPS or FedEx? Knowing how your ink cartridges are shipped lets you know what to expect. Privacy Policy Every company should have a stated privacy policy. It should tell you exactly what they will or won't do with the information you give them during the order process. For example, you may not want to receive unsolicited email or regular mail from other companies that sell printer ink cartridges. Secure Server A reputable online merchant will use a secure server for all payments. This insures that all your personal information is protected when you pay with any major credit card. In reality, a secure server is safer and more dependable than paying by mail. Many times you'll see a frequently asked question about site security. This should let you know if a secure server is being used. Order Tracking Many, but not all, online merchants offer a method for you to track your order. Although not essential, it is very convenient. It lets you know exactly where you ink cartridges are and when you can expect them. Referral from a Friend Last but not least. If you have a friend who has purchased printer ink cartridges online, ask them about their experience. It's no different than purchasing an ink cartridge from a local retail store. Ask them about the price, customer service, shipping and overall satisfaction. Now that you have reviewed a few pointers about purchasing printer ink cartridges online, it's time to get started. If you follow these guidelines, the chances are very high that you will experience the best service, warranty and products available for your printer... and you will save money in the process. About The Author Larry Andrew is an educational consultant, author and publisher of <a href="http://www.ez-printer-ink.com" target="_new">www.ez-printer-ink.com</a>. Purchasing printer ink, toner and inkjet cartridges on line should be fast, convenient and cost-effective.

Selecting an Ink Jet printer?With Low Operating Cost

Printer technology has made tremendous advances in the past five years. Speeds are up and print quality is great. Meanwhile, printer costs have declined. What has not improved is the cost of ink. Printer manufacturers expected to make their profit on replacement cartridges, and they do. But in charging high prices they created another industry that they have to compete with. Now there are generic or compatible replacements; you can buy refilled cartridges and refill kits so you can refill them yourself. Worst of all there are counterfeits. And there's a big market for all of them due to the sky-high price of OEM cartridges. The manufacturers are full of tricks. Some of them use tiny cartridges that don't hold much ink. Most of the standard cartridges are half full of ink. They sell high capacity cartridges at premium prices that are full of ink. They run promotions on printers that have sample cartridges that barely have enough ink to try out the new printer. These are all factors you have to consider when you buy a printer. There are makers who have addressed the problem in another way. All printers have a separate black cartridge for obvious reasons, but a few use a separate cartridge for each color. If one of the colors runs out you can replace it individually. This way you aren't throwing away good ink. One maker gives you the choice of a double size black unit that is more economical than two singles. Most printers use a cartridge with a built- in print head, but at least one has the print head built into the machine. The cartridges are only ink containers, consequently very inexpensive and easy to refill. The downside of this arrangement is that the print head is a wear item and it's quite expensive to replace. The point is that these two style printers are more economical to operate than the conventional type. There are some printers that will operate with only the black cartridge installed, and this is a good choice for students and others that only print text. If you don't need a fancy printing job, often you can set your printer on &quot;draft&quot; which saves a lot of ink. Be careful when you are buying a printer especially, but not exclusively at auctions; they're selling them without ink. A diligent shopper can sometimes find printers with and without rebates that are below the cost of the ink. This is a good way to go. For more information about shopping visit my web site: http://www.caveatemptorus.com/ I've tried refilling and using refurbished units with mixed success. Refilling is risky business. Maker's claim that it voids your warranty, this is debatable, but there is some validity to their concerns. There are different kinds of ink and using the wrong or an inferior ink can do damage. Many refurbs are poor quality so you end up returning them for replacement. At the moment my choice is a printer with print heads in the cartridges and I buy good quality generics. Keep in mind this creates warranty problems. If you have a problem printing, you can't get technical service unless you buy a set of OEMs. Written by: George W. Cannata the publisher of the web site: <a target="_new" href="http://www.caveatemptorus.com">http://www.caveatemptorus.com</a>, July 8, 2005.

Cheap Ink Cartridge

A cheap ink cartridge is sometimes the only way that people can afford to keep all of their printers ready for use. Internet email addresses are constantly loaded with a number of offers from various online merchants, but one such email that a consumer might not want to ignore is any one that offers a great deal on ink cartridges. Some of these deals can offer the consumer a substantial amount of savings on their ink cartridges for just about any printer. Buying a cheap ink cartridge is the perfect opportunity to have quality ink for your printer while enjoying savings that can be quite significant on a printer cartridge. Deciding to purchase a discount ink cartridge does not mean that the ink will be of lesser quality than most consumers are used to. Cheap is a word that some people will associate with being of lesser quality and in doing so, those people are missing out on some exceptional opportunities to save money. A cheap in cartridge is not necessarily a recycled or generic ink cartridge either. Most cheap cartridges are simply brand name ink cartridges being sold to consumers at a discount that are available in many offices or computer supplies stores. Before buying a cheap or discount ink cartridge, any consumer will want to make sure that they are, in fact, buying a brand name printer cartridge if that is important to them. Some printer cartridges that are advertised as cheap will be generic or something that is known as a universal printer cartridge ink kit. The universal ink kit comes with all color ink combinations a person will need for their printer cartridge as well as the needles that can be used to insert the ink into the empty ink cartridge. Some people complain that although the ink does work well in this particular type of cheap ink alternative the colors are not vibrant or crisp and sometimes even questionable. Buying a cheap ink cartridge is sometimes the only way a business or private home can afford to keep all of their printers in working order. To locate the kind of deals one can take advantage of with a cheap ink cartridge, a quick search in your favorite search engine should yield many results and options. About The Author: Kevin Lynch is the owner of <A target="_new" href="http://www.nu-printer-ink.com">nu Printer Ink</a> website, which has tons of resources with a variety of information, news and more.

Choosing The Right Bar Code Reader

The importance of a bar code reader in this day and age cannot be denied. A lot of practical and pragmatic applications for a bar code reader have been rendered essential by the changing times. Whether you're running a commercial establishment, a public or private library, a company that employs a lot of people, or a school that is attended by numerous students, a bar code reader would do wonders for your daily operations. A bar code reader would greatly help you in organizing your database, maintaining a good record of your inventory, monitoring and tracking the movement of items and people, and ensuring the security of your premises. These far-reaching benefits of using a bar code reader and simply fantastic! But not all barcode readers are built alike. A bar code reader may come in many forms, and some are just better than others. Well, at least for particular needs, that is. Much care and deliberation should be invested in the choice of the right bar code reader for your enterprise. Here is a guide that would hopefully help you in choosing the perfect bar code reader for your needs: * Know the reason why you need a barcode reader. Is it to keep watch of the items used for your trade? Is it to reduce staff time in automating certain processes? Is it to monitor the entry and exit of people to and from your premises? It is to track the movement of items to and from your storage facility? The choice of a bar code reader greatly depends on the purpose for its usage. * Check the numerous features of various barcode readers in the market today. A bar code reader is available in three forms. First, we have the laser-based bar code reader which makes use of light emitted from the bar code reader itself to identify and verify the barcodes of a particular item. Second, we have a charged coupled device (CCD) bar code reader which makes use of light emitted from the numerous light sensors in the barcodes which the bar code reader would gather and decode for identification and verification. Third, we have a camera-based bar code reader which takes a picture, literally speaking, of the barcodes, and identifies and verifies the same through the varying hues and contrasts of the bars of the latter. Each kind of bar code reader is good for particular industries. A laser-based bar code reader is perfect for monitoring the entry and exit of people to and from your premises, for example. A CCD bar code reader is perfect for tracking the movement of your company's supplies and tools, as well as permanent identification tags for employees and students. And a camera-based bar code reader is perfect for monitoring and regulating the movement of more sensitive items in your inventory. * Canvass. A better price for a bar code reader would always save you some cash for other investments. There will be barcode readers offered at lower prices from some sources, so it would be best to seek these out first and foremost. * Choose a credible and reliable company. A bar code reader company with an established track record of excellence would be a safer bet. A bar code reader would be a longtime investment, so might as well get things right the first time around. A bar code reader would serve your business for a long, long time. Choosing the right one, therefore, would be the essential first step for a rewarding partnership that would render the processes in your enterprise more convenient. Ewen Chia is the owner of BarCodeReader.info providing excellent bar code reader information, news plus completely *free* barcode fonts! ==> <a target="_new" href="http://www.BarCodeReader.info">http://www.BarCodeReader.info</a>

Preventing Tape Drive Failure

Contrary to popular belief, tape drives are generally robust and reliable. However, there are three common mistakes that people make that dramatically increase the probability of tape drive failure. Firstly, it is not well known that tape drives is differ considerably in terms of how long they are designed to operate each day. Each tape drive range has a specified duty cycle, which is the maximum percentage of time that the drive should be operational. For example, a drive with a duty cycle of 50% should be operational for no more than 12 hours a day, while a drive with a duty cycle of 100% may run continuously. Secondly, it is not well known that data must be supplied to tape drives at a sufficient rate in order to keep them streaming, or else the tape suffers from start-stop motion. It's easy to imagine the wear-and-tear this places on the tape, and how the integrity of the data stored on the tape can be severely degraded. Thirdly, poor handling and storage commonly causes damage to tapes and the drive. It's not a good idea to drop tapes or stack them in a pyramid on the floor; the tapes should be handled and stored carefully. Tape drives should be kept as far away from contaminants as possible; for example, they shouldn't be placed directly on the carpet or kept in dusty environments. Tapes should always be stored in a different location to the server, in order to prevent a disaster that damages the server from also damaging the backups on tape. At the very least, weekly tapes should be stored offsite. To reduce the chance of fire damage or theft, tapes should be stored in a fireproof safe. By following these simple tips, your tape backups should run reliably, and you'll avoid the costly exercise of replacing your tape drive. Linus Chang is a backup expert and the lead developer of BackupAssist -- <a target="_new" href="http://www.backupassist.com/news/tape-backup-software.html">tape backup software</a> that is simple and affordable, and perfect for small and medium businesses. Protect your Windows servers, including SQL Server and Exchange Server, to tape, REV drive, hard drive, NAS and more, at a fraction of the cost of other <a target="_new" href="http://www.backupassist.com/">backup software</a>.

When Good Color Goes Bad...

Even with the popularity of digital technology, and the availability of equipment and software associated with it, many printing firms are still slow to make the changes needed to upgrade their business. More so when it comes to digital photography. More often than not, most typical printing outfits are no set up to process digital files that bad results do happen. Mistakes are often made such as conversions of files to CMYK doing irreparable damage to the images, and the operator trying to rectify his mistakes by fixing it with a series of layers, selections, masks and adjustments. These further aggravates the already damaged file by introducing new problems like banding, and colors that look muddy, desaturated, neutralized, and unappealing. But this situation can be avoided and great results can be achieved. If you feel that you are not getting the best output for your digital camera images, here are a few key tips for you: Tip 1: PROFILES It's a must to ask your chosen printer whether they honor embedded RGB profiles. This would mean that they have the capacity to handle RGB color separation work. If they don't want to get your RGB file, or they seem like they don't care or understand what you're saying, then it's time for you to go to another printer. Tip 2: CALIBRATED Remember to use shops and facilities that regularly calibrate their displays. This can be done with a hardware calibration system. Tip 3: INK JET PRINTS To avoid second-guessing where the mistakes rest, it is better to just provide your printer with prints, especially to alert operators to potential problems. Tip 4: SHARPNESS Although well-sharpened images look a bit intimidating when viewed in Photoshop, especially at 1:1, your image will print well. Great sharpness is required when you're dealing with coarser screens and uncoated stocks. Tip 5: FOR POSITION ONLY Layouts showing FPO images cropped and scaled will help printers provide optimum and sharpened result to your image. Tip 6: COLOR CHECKER With each new set up for color reference, one printer suggests that you ask your photographer to do a shot of his Gretag MacBeth "Color Checker" target. Tip 7: RAW FILES Ask your photographer if he or she can provide you with digital camera raw files. These raw files will provide you with the greatest latitude and quality in the hands of skilled operators. The best way to go about this problem is to simply deal with printing companies whose prepress staffs understand the basics of color management. People who know and are experts on the advantages of digital raw camera files, and explain them to you when asked. If not, then it's better for you to change now. For comments and suggestions regarding this article please contact <a href="mailto:webmaster@ucreative.com">webmaster@ucreative.com</a> or visit <a target="_new" href="http://www.ucreative.com">http://www.ucreative.com</a>

Blu-ray: A Primer

Blu-ray is an optical disc format which is set to rival HD-DVDin the race to be the de-facto standard storage medium for HDTV. The <a target="_New" href="http://www.the-hdtv-tuner.com/hd-dvd-vs-blu-ray.html">HD-DVD vs Blu-ray</a> battle resembles that between Betamax and VHS and DVD+RW and DVD-RW. Currently, the major Hollywood film studios are split evenly in their support for Blu- ray and HD-DVD, but most of the electronics industry is currently in the blue corner. The key difference between these new players and recorders and current optical disc technology is that Blu-ray, as its name suggests, uses a blue-violet laser to read and write data rather than a red one. Blue light has a shorter wavelength than red light, and according to the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA), which is made up of, amongst others, Sony, Philips, Panasonic, and Pioneer, this means that the laser spot can be focussed with greater precision. Blu-ray discs have a maximum capacity of 25GB and dual-layer discs can hold up to 50GB - enough for four hours of HDTV. Like HD-DVD, Blue laser discs don't require a caddy and the players and recorders will be able to play current DVD discs. Codecs supported by Blu-ray include the H.264 MPEG-4 codec which will form part of Apple's QuickTime 7, and the Windows Media 9 based VC-1. The BDA says that although blue laser discs and players are already shipping in Japan, they won't ship in the US until the end of 2005 at the very earliest. It is likely that players will be very expensive initially, compared to DVD players. In Japan, they cost the equivalent of $2000. However, as with all new technology, prices will quickly fall - particularly as Blu-ray will be competing with HD-DVD for that space under your TV. Kenny Hemphill is the editor and publisher of <a target="_new" href="http://www.the-hdtv-tuner.com">The HDTV Tuner</a> - a guide to the kit, the technology and the programming on HDTV.

When Good Color Goes Bad...

Even with the popularity of digital technology, and the availability of equipment and software associated with it, many printing firms are still slow to make the changes needed to upgrade their business. More so when it comes to digital photography. More often than not, most typical printing outfits are no set up to process digital files that bad results do happen. Mistakes are often made such as conversions of files to CMYK doing irreparable damage to the images, and the operator trying to rectify his mistakes by fixing it with a series of layers, selections, masks and adjustments. These further aggravates the already damaged file by introducing new problems like banding, and colors that look muddy, desaturated, neutralized, and unappealing. But this situation can be avoided and great results can be achieved. If you feel that you are not getting the best output for your digital camera images, here are a few key tips for you: Tip 1: PROFILES It's a must to ask your chosen printer whether they honor embedded RGB profiles. This would mean that they have the capacity to handle RGB color separation work. If they don't want to get your RGB file, or they seem like they don't care or understand what you're saying, then it's time for you to go to another printer. Tip 2: CALIBRATED Remember to use shops and facilities that regularly calibrate their displays. This can be done with a hardware calibration system. Tip 3: INK JET PRINTS To avoid second-guessing where the mistakes rest, it is better to just provide your printer with prints, especially to alert operators to potential problems. Tip 4: SHARPNESS Although well-sharpened images look a bit intimidating when viewed in Photoshop, especially at 1:1, your image will print well. Great sharpness is required when you're dealing with coarser screens and uncoated stocks. Tip 5: FOR POSITION ONLY Layouts showing FPO images cropped and scaled will help printers provide optimum and sharpened result to your image. Tip 6: COLOR CHECKER With each new set up for color reference, one printer suggests that you ask your photographer to do a shot of his Gretag MacBeth "Color Checker" target. Tip 7: RAW FILES Ask your photographer if he or she can provide you with digital camera raw files. These raw files will provide you with the greatest latitude and quality in the hands of skilled operators. The best way to go about this problem is to simply deal with printing companies whose prepress staffs understand the basics of color management. People who know and are experts on the advantages of digital raw camera files, and explain them to you when asked. If not, then it's better for you to change now. For comments and suggestions regarding this article please contact <a href="mailto:webmaster@ucreative.com">webmaster@ucreative.com</a> or visit <a target="_new" href="http://www.ucreative.com">http://www.ucreative.com</a>

Blu-ray: A Primer

Blu-ray is an optical disc format which is set to rival HD-DVDin the race to be the de-facto standard storage medium for HDTV. The <a target="_New" href="http://www.the-hdtv-tuner.com/hd-dvd-vs-blu-ray.html">HD-DVD vs Blu-ray</a> battle resembles that between Betamax and VHS and DVD+RW and DVD-RW. Currently, the major Hollywood film studios are split evenly in their support for Blu- ray and HD-DVD, but most of the electronics industry is currently in the blue corner. The key difference between these new players and recorders and current optical disc technology is that Blu-ray, as its name suggests, uses a blue-violet laser to read and write data rather than a red one. Blue light has a shorter wavelength than red light, and according to the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA), which is made up of, amongst others, Sony, Philips, Panasonic, and Pioneer, this means that the laser spot can be focussed with greater precision. Blu-ray discs have a maximum capacity of 25GB and dual-layer discs can hold up to 50GB - enough for four hours of HDTV. Like HD-DVD, Blue laser discs don't require a caddy and the players and recorders will be able to play current DVD discs. Codecs supported by Blu-ray include the H.264 MPEG-4 codec which will form part of Apple's QuickTime 7, and the Windows Media 9 based VC-1. The BDA says that although blue laser discs and players are already shipping in Japan, they won't ship in the US until the end of 2005 at the very earliest. It is likely that players will be very expensive initially, compared to DVD players. In Japan, they cost the equivalent of $2000. However, as with all new technology, prices will quickly fall - particularly as Blu-ray will be competing with HD-DVD for that space under your TV. Kenny Hemphill is the editor and publisher of <a target="_new" href="http://www.the-hdtv-tuner.com">The HDTV Tuner</a> - a guide to the kit, the technology and the programming on HDTV.

A Short Introduction to Blu Ray

Blu ray is a next generation optical media format developed by the Blu ray disc association, a group of leading consumer electronics and technology companies such as Apple, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, Sony, TDK to name, but a few. The format was developed for high definition video, as well as storing large amounts of data. A single layer Blu ray disc can hold 25gb of data, which is the equivalent to over 2 hours of high definition television or more than 13 hours of standard definition television. There are also dual layer versions of Blu ray that can hold up to 50Gb of data. While current optical media uses a red laser to read and write data, the new format uses a blue-violet laser instead. Despite the different type of lasers uses, Blu ray drives can be made backwards compatible. The benefit of using a blue laser is that blue light has a shorter wavelength so that it can be focused on a smaller target area than a red light laser. This allows data to be packed in more densely allowing more space for data in the same sized physical space. Blu ray is called Blu ray because it uses a blue light laser to write data onto the disc. Blu ray is expected to replace VCRs and DVD players and recorders over the coming years because Blu ray offers so much more capacity. Although it will take time for Blu ray technology to be come wide spread because the cost of DVD drives and media is so much cheaper than Blu ray at this time. Chuck Red runs several websites including <a target="_new" href="http://blueraystore.co.uk">http://blueraystore.co.uk</a> and <a target="_new" href="http://blueray-media.co.uk">http://blueray-media.co.uk</a>

How to Add or Remove an IDE ROM drive

CD ROMS - If you're adding or removing an internal cd-rom, dvd-rom, or just about any internal ROM that has an opening CD door, read on. Almost all IDE devices such as CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, etc. including burners and dvd burners are all installed or removed in the same fashion. If you're removing your rom, first remove the scrues from both sides of the rom. Make sure both sides are removed or you won't be able to get the device out. Once the scrues are off, unplug the drive; both the IDE ribbon cable that goes to your mainboard and your power cable. You may also have another wire running from your cd-rom to your sound card. This wire enables sound to play from your rom drive to your sound card, so when you play a cd on your drive you can hear it. Yank all cables running to the drive, then remove it. Simple. To add a drive, first you must mount the drive in the correct position and remove the IDE bracket on the front of the case. An IDE bracket is just a simple piece of plastic on the front of your case. When removed, your drive can then be accesible from your case's front. Remove one such plastic bracket by simply pulling at it and it will come loose, then mount your drive inside the case with the door facing frontwards. Now, your drive will not stay in that position unless you mount it with some scrues, so do so to both sides of the drive. Then, connect an IDE ribbon cable to one side of the ROM. The other side of the cable should run to the secondary IDE slot on your motherboard. If you're not sure which is which, the primary is the one that runs to your master (primary) hard drive, and the secondary runs to your rom drives. You can connect up to two rom drives on one cable, as it will have one end that connects to your board, one end that connects to a drive, and a middle connector for another drive. Run a power cable to the drive as well. As for connecting a sound cable - it can be done, but it really is not required. Should you need to listen to music from your cd player, you're better off just copying the music to your hard drive, then listening to it. This will cut down on your used system resources, and for slower PCs skipping will be eliminated. I am a young, aspiring computer engineer into Internet Marketing, hardware, software, web design, SEO and just about anything related to computers. Please come check out my growing PC forum at <a target="_new" href="http://www.markspcforum.com">http://www.markspcforum.com</a>

Adding USB 2.0

The process of adding USB 2.0 ports took no time and the backup system is mighty fast. If you add USB 2.0 ports with a PCI port card, then you'll still have your USB 1.1 ports, so whatever is plugged into those can stay. Rob Foster from the UK sent me a port PCI USB card since he had a few extras. Thanks again, Rob. When installing hardware or devices, most situations require loading the software FIRST before doing anything else. This one didn't - so be sure to check this out before attempting to put the card in. Before starting the process, be sure you have an open PCI slot, a standard slot that has one big connector with a small one behind it. Turn off the computer, if it is not already. Take off the CPU case. How this is done depends on the CPU. If you lost or misplaced the manual, I'm sure your computer manufacturer has info online. Google it, if needed. Slide the PCI card into the open PCI slot. At this point, you can cover up the CPU, but some people leave it off until turning on the computer and checking all is OK. When turning on this little feller, it found the new card right away and worked. I didn't even have to run the software. The card came with four USB ports, one of which holds the backup system. It took under two hours to back up the computer (get size), faster and easier than the tape back up. Well, it only took a year or so to get around to adding the USB 2.0 ports as that's about how long the back up system has been sitting here taunting me. <b><a target="_new" href="http://www.meryl.net/">Meryl K. Evans</a></b> is the Content Maven behind <a target="_new" href="http://www.meryl.net/blog/">meryl's notes</a>, <a target="_new" href="http://www.internetviz.com/">eNewsletter Journal, and The Remediator Security Digest</a>. She is also a PC Today columnist and a tour guide at InformIT. She is geared to tackle your editing, writing, content, and process needs. The native Texan resides in Plano, Texas, a heartbeat north of Dallas, and doesn't wear a 10-gallon hat or cowboy boots.

Buying / Selecting Computer Components

This is the step takes the most time and consideration. Which parts do I buy? Which are best? There are many good places to buy computer parts. You can go to a computer retail store in your area. Although they often provide good warranties, you will pay a little more than you would in other places. Sometimes, a lot more. Case - There are two types of cases, Desktop and Tower. Desktop cases are short and fat (Which can fit under your monitor nicely.) And towers are tall and slim which are usually placed under the desk. Decided which one will fit in to your environment best. There are two different forms of computer cases. AT and ATX. you need to find out which one you need. AT form cases are used for older computers, Pentium 1 and before. And ATX form cases are used for newer systems such as Pentium 2, 3, 4 and AMD Athlon etc. Motherboard - The motherboard is the central component in the system. If you want to upgrade your processor / Memory / Video card, you can only upgrade if your motherboard supports it. It is always worth planning a head, So buy the best motherboard you can afford. Before you select a motherboard consider the following. What processor you want to use with it. What memory does it support. Has it got an AGP slot?? An AGP slot is used for special 3DFX graphic cards. What other expansion slots does it have?? You will need a minimum of 3 PCI slots. Hard drives run at special speeds. 33mhz, 66mhz, 100mhz and 133mhz, Check if the motherboard supports the speed of your hard disk. If your hard drive runs at 100mhz and your motherboard only goes up to 66mhz, then your hard disk will still run but not at its fastest speed. Motherboards come in two different forms. AT and ATX, Make sure this form matches the form of your case. Make sure you get a manual with your motherboard, This manual will tell you how to configure your motherboard. Processor - There are many different processors out but these are the main ones. Pentium 4 / AMD-Athlon- This processor is the most expensive but the fastest around. This processor is used in systems which need performance such as performance gaming / servers / Web designing. Current fastest processor speed is 3200mhz 3.2ghz Celeron / AMD-Duron - These processors are a lot cheaper than the Pentium 4 and AMD Athlon. Usually used in mid user systems, such as word processing / surfing the net / e-mail / gaming. Cirix - Cheapest processors on the market. But are miles behind in performance of Pentiums and AMDs. You will need to decide on what processor you need, Also make sure your motherboard supports it. Always make sure you buy a heatsink and fan to keep the processor cool. Warning, If your fan is not good enough for your processor, then your processor is very likely to overheat and crash your computer. And in the long run damage your processor. Memory - Memory is a big part of your machine, Check what your motherboard can take. Buy the fastest memory your motherboard will take. Buy at least 128mb, this is the bear minimum for these days. I would recommend 256mb. CD-ROM/DVD : Every computer needs a CD-ROM to load software. There are a few different types of CD-ROM. You can buy one that can write data to a CD-ROM. You can also buy a CD-ROM which supports DVD. Check what speed the CD-ROM is. Usual speed is 52x. Hard Drive- When selecting a hard drive there are two things to consider, how big is the capacity of the disk and how fast does it run. A 20gig drive will be more than enough for most users. Make sure the speed of the hard drive is supported on your motherboard, If it is not supported then the hard drive will not run at its fastest speed, Consider a motherboard upgrade. Video Card - There are loads of different video cards on the market, when selecting consider these points. Does it fix into an AGP or a PCI slot in your motherboard?? AGP is a special video slot, so buy a video card with an AGP form, Also check your motherboard has an AGP slot. How much memory does the card have? And how fast does it run?? I would recommend getting a video card with at least 32mb of memory. Sound Card - Just about every computer has sound, I would not recommend spending a lot of money on a sound unless you want your computer to support sur-round sound. Check what slot the card plugs into and if your motherboard has one free. Keyboard & Mouse - There is no need for much info here. But beware there are two types of connections for a keyboard and mice they are PS/2 and USB, Make sure your motherboard has available connections. Article <a target="_new" href="http://www.computing-forums.com/computer/buying-the-components-21.htm">http://www.computing-forums.com/computer/buying-the-components-21.htm</a> Jason Barrett <a target="_new" href="http://www.computing-forums.com">www.computing-forums.com</a>

USB Key Drives - Useful Tool

There are many different names for these drives, just so we are all on the same wavelength about what I'm talking about, here are a few of the other names: USB Key Drives, Thumb Drive, USB Pen, Key Drive, Microdrive, Flash Drive. These drives, regardless of what you call them, are an extremely handy tool for anyone who uses computers at different locations. USB drives are great because they are very small, and fit in your pocket, necklace, or keychain. They give you anywhere from 32 MB to 4 GB in storage, and require no software! You just plug it in to the USB port on a computer and boom, instance storage and transfer device. These drives save you a lot of time and money. It's a quick way to transfer personal documents, projects, pictures from home to the office and reduces the waste of burning CD's, or using diskettes. We moved away from the paper based office to the electronic office, now we are enhancing that more, my using reusable data transfer devices with much higher capacity and life span. USB drives provide a quick transfer between your devices, you don't need to waste money on blank CD's, DVD's, Diskettes, you just transfer it over, probably much faster than you could burn a CD, and you are good to go! These drives give us a low cost, environmentally friendly, high capacity, fast, and cross platform compatible device. With all these great reasons for having one, I can't see why more people don't use them! The prices are constantly dropping on this form of media and almost every computer used today supports USB devices. By the way, did I mention they look cool? Ken Dennis <a target="_new" href="http://KenDennis-RSS.homeip.net/">http://KenDennis-RSS.homeip.net/</a>

How To Take Care Of Your Laptop Computer

As the proud owner of a laptop computer, you'll want to keep your machine in the best possible condition. Aside from cleaning your screen and dusting the keyboard, however, you'll need to take a few extra steps to maintain your laptop's health: -- Play it cool A laptop computer generates a lot of heat, especially when running the latest high-powered software. Too much heat and you risk damaging the internal circuitry. Always try to keep your laptop in a well-ventilated, cool environment. And ensure you don't block the fan grills on the sides, back, or bottom of the machine at any time. -- Handle the screen carefully Avoid touching or playing with your LCD screen. Yes, it might be fun to watch the waves generated by your finger against the screen, but LCD displays are fragile devices that must be cared for. Take care when cleaning the screen too, and use only approved cleaning materials. You won't want to pay the money for screen repairs or, even worse - a new machine entirely. -- Don't drop it Whatever you do, don't drop your laptop computer! Keep it safe inside of a carrying case when moving around or traveling. Don't leave it on the edge of a table or on an unstable support of some kind. One ill fated drop to the floor could spell death for your mobile office. Try to make sure the rubber feet underneath are in good condition and are still attached. This will prevent the device from sliding around accidentally. -- Be careful with those drinks... If you need to have a drink while working or playing, be careful not to spill it. Your laptop computer could suffer the consequences from just a few drops of liquid poured in the right places. While you probably do eat and drink around it regardless, you will want to occasionally wipe down the edges, the keyboard, the touchpad, and maybe even wipe down the screen to keep any dirt from accumulating. -- Just say no to viruses Security wise, make sure you obtain an anti-virus program. Secondly, keep it updated! Buying an anti-virus one month and not updating it for the next six really negates it purpose. Your laptop computer could be exposed to hundreds and thousands of new viruses every month if you don't update your virus definitions. Most anti-virus programs have automatic update methods, eliminating the need for you to have to remember to do it manually. -- Avoid Popups Pop-ups are particularly annoying on a laptop computer. Trying to close a bunch of windows without a regular mouse can be a nuisance. You'll want a pop-up blocker, such as the Google Toolbar (located at http://tools.google.com), to prevent these pop- up ads. Many intrusive forms of advertising, and even some viruses, can install software on your machine by using various forms of pop-ups. It's best to get yourself a blocker and avoid the situation entirely. -- Use a firewall Always utilize a firewall on your Internet or network- enabled laptop computer. Even if you use Windows XP's built- in firewall (or purchase one from such companies as Norton), your security will greatly benefit from it. Blocking out all the unnecessary ports and closing all the loopholes will prevent a hacker or virus from freely entering your hard drive. So there you go. Combine all of the above tactics and help your laptop enjoy a happier and healthier lifestyle! About The Author Joe Chianese is a technical writer and frequent contributor to <a href="http://www.HowToBuyALaptop.com" target="_new">HowToBuyALaptop.com</a>. For advice on how to find the right laptop computer for you, visit our website.

How To Choose a Computer Mouse

Computer Mice Every computer user can hopefully identify their mouse and the importance it plays in the daily operation of their computer. Mice are nothing new and for the most part are nothing overly complex, but the average user may not be familiar with all of the options and technologies that may go into these little devices. This Tech Tip will take a look at some of the features of mice that people may take for granted, or may otherwise be unaware of. Tracking Technologies Mechanical mice - Mechanical mice were the first ones used on computers, and can still be found for sale, despite the advances of tracking technologies. These mice feature a hard ball on the underside that rolls as the mouse is moved, and rollers inside the mouse allow the physical motion to be translated to the pointer on the screen. Some &quot;ball mice&quot; are a bit more advanced and replace the internal rollers with optical sensors, but the same principle applies. Mechanical mice require occasional maintenance to keep the ball and rollers free of lint and other debris, and with numerous moving parts there is always a potential for problems. The use of a mouse pad is recommended for these mice as they not only provide a clean surface to work on, but also provide the needed resistance for the ball to roll smoothly. The precision of mechanical mice is not particularly good, and although they may be fine for typical desktop work, they were never quite up to the task of detailed graphics work or serious game playing. Optical mice - Optical mice replace the whole ball/roller assembly of mechanical mice with a beam of a light and an optical sensor. The beam of light shines down on the surface below the mouse and the sensor uses the light to track the movement. The images included with the listing for this optical mouse (http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=HTM-39GWT&cat=MOU) provide a glimpse at the bottom of the mouse, where the light and sensor can be seen. Optical mice have several advantages over mechanical mice. There are no moving parts to break or otherwise cause problems. The need for maintenance is greatly reduced as the bottoms have no openings or rollers to collect lint. Although mice generally aren't heavy, the elimination of the ball and roller mechanism allows an optical mouse to be much lighter than a comparable mechanical mouse. The precision of optical mice is also much greater than mechanical mice, and the resolution can go from the low hundreds to the high hundreds (as measured in dpi, dots per inch). Another advantage is that the need for a mouse pad may be eliminated with an optical mouse, as they do best while tracking on any smooth, flat surface. A clean desktop is generally good enough, but those looking to take the precision of optical mice to the highest level may opt for a performance &quot;mousing surface&quot;. There are several precision mousing surface manufacturers, such as XRay Pads (http://www.xraypad.com/) and FUNC Industries (http://www.func.net/), that design pads to appeal to game players and others who demand the best performance. Laser mice - Laser technology is the latest and greatest in computer mice tracking, and takes the advantages of optical to a new level. Most of the attributes of a laser mouse have been described in the optical mouse section, except for one. Instead of a fairly wide beam of light, it uses an extremely narrow beam of laser light. The Logitech MX1000 laser mouse may be the mouse for you if you are looking for extreme precision. According to Logitech, the laser technology used in the MX1000 provides up to &quot;20x more sensitivity to surface detail-or tracking power-than optical.&quot; Hard Wired Connection Technologies Serial ? Serial mice are fairly difficult to come by these days, as are the ports they need in order to operate. This technology is quite old and slow, and the popularity and convenience of USB has all but eliminated the need for this interface on your typical PC. But, there were mice that sported the 9-pin connection needed to connect to a serial port, and many PS2 mice used to include an adaptor for Serial ports. PS2 - PS2 mice were the standard for a long time, as all motherboards provided two PS2 ports for connecting a keyboard and a mouse. USB technology has become so widely used that the slower and less convenient PS2 ports are on the verge of extinction with the Serial port. That said, not many mice are still sold that only support a PS2 connection, but there are still some available. USB ? Most mice can now connect via USB, and include an adaptor to be used on a PS2 port, as well. It seems that just about any mouse now uses USB to connect, whether it is a wired mouse, or any variety of wireless mice that we are about to look at. Wireless Connection Technologies Radio Frequency ? The most common type of wireless mouse uses radio frequencies to communicate motion to a receiver that is connected to the PC. This generic wireless mouse (http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=RF-M308-RC-USB&cat=MOU) operates on the 27MHz frequency and the mouse itself is powered by AAA batteries which are not included. As you move up the price scale of RF (Radio Frequency) wireless mice, the packages will generally include an integrated rechargeable battery, as does the Logitech MX1000 discussed previously. Other features of higher end RF wireless mice include extended range, greater precision, and a receiver that doubles as a battery charger. Bluetooth ? The Tech Tip on Bluetooth discussed the basics of this wireless technology, and how it was a good fit for 'lower speed' devices, like a mouse. Logitech and IOGear are two manufacturers offering products for Bluetooth users, in addition to more traditional mice. The Bluetooth mice are also battery powered, and use the 2.4GHz radio frequency to communicate with an included receiver/charger or other Bluetooth adaptor. RFID ? A truly unique approach to wireless mice has been developed by a company called A4Tech. The A4Tech ND-30 RFID wireless mouse must be used with the included mouse pad in order to function, but there are no batteries in the mouse, and no cords on the mouse to get in the way. It works by using electro magnetic induction between the pad (which is plugged into a USB port) and the wireless, non-powered mouse. You never have to worry about replacing / charging batteries, and the weight of the mouse is greatly reduced since the power features are no longer necessary. Features Buttons ? Most mice (except for a Macintoch's) include at least two buttons. The use of these is fairly well understood, but other buttons may be featured on a mouse to further simplify common tasks. The Logitech MX 510 mouse features a total of 8 buttons which can be programmed to execute functions of the user's choosing. Scroll wheels ? Many mice now include a scroll wheel between the two main buttons which serves to allow up/down scrolling of documents and web pages. The scroll wheel may also serves as a third button on some mice, and clicking the scroll wheel will activate commands in many applications. More advanced scroll wheels are found on some mice that allow for left to right scrolling, which may be useful on a wide spreadsheet or large image. Extra features ? Many mice provide more than the basic functionality we have come to expect. Some provide a reduced foot print in order to make them more portable for use with a notebook computer. Some are designed for multi-tasking and provide an integrated flash memory card reader. Then, there are others that just look cool with a bit of a light show, or that actually keep you cool by including a small fan in the palm rest area. Final Words On the surface, computer mice are fairly simple devices that may not receive the attention they deserve by end users. Selecting a high quality, ergonomically designed mouse can do wonders for productivity and comfort, and the options available should allow anyone to find the right mouse for their personal preferences. Jason Kohrs<br> <a target="_new" href="http://www.geeks.com/pix/techtips-28APR05-.htm">How to choose a computer mouse</a>, <a target="_new" href="http://www.geeks.com/pix/techtips-28APR05-.htm">computer mouse use</a>, and <a target="_new" href="http://www.geeks.com/pix/techtips-28APR05-.htm">info on computer mouses</a>.