You're Electric: Why Normal Gloves Don't Work On Touchscreen Devices

We've all been in this situation at least once:

It's miserably cold outside and you need your phone or other touchscreen device for some reason. Perhaps you're lost, maybe you want to text a friend, it could even be, perish the thought, to actually make a phone call. As you fumble with the touchscreen you realize that your increasingly vigorous swipes, pinches and taps are in vain. Battery dead? Nope, your device flashed to life when you pressed the physical power button. So you take off your gloves and, voila, it magically works again... then your fingers go numb.

So why don't normal gloves or mittens work with touchscreen devices?

You're electric

The answer lies in the type of screens that almost all handheld devices now use, which are known as "capacitive touchscreens". Unlike "resistive touchscreens" (think old Palm Pilots with a stylus, some points of sale machines in checkout lines, and certain screens in hospitals and restaurants), which rely on pressure against the screen to register touch, capacitive touchscreens require contact with something that can conduct electricity (e.g., your finger, certain special styli, etc) to function.

In a nutshell, capacitive touchscreens work like this: humans conduct electricity and touchscreens have an electrical charge (or field). When you touch the screen you distort the screen's electrostatic field at the point (or points) of contact which triggers the (hopefully) intended action in the device (e.g., opening an app, typing a letter, zooming in, etc). By wearing regular gloves you block your body's natural conductivity so that the charge can't pass through the glove and register on the screen.

Breaking through (non-capacitive) barriers

So how do you avoid getting frozen fingers?

To date, this issue with capacitive touchscreens has been solved by either (1) removing parts or all of the non-conductive barriers (fingerless gloves), (2) using a conductive stylus, (3) installing aftermarket adapters into the gloves or mittens (conductive buttons or sewn in conductive thread), or (4) wearing custom gloves with conductive elements or features manufactured specifically for this purpose.

Although each of these solutions has it's own drawbacks, I've found that with the increase in options in the conductive glove market, touchscreen gloves are quickly becoming the most effective (and affordable) option. Plus, if you're adventurous you can even make your own DIY touchscreen gloves by repurposing an old pair and sewing in some inexpensive conductive thread. So don't despair, you needn't have cold fingers any longer. There are now conductive gloves for every style, activity and budget.

Matthew is the founder of TouchscreenGloveReviews.com, an online resource that provides reviews, articles, and search categories to help users find the perfect touchscreen gloves for any activity, style, and budget.

To read more about touchscreen gloves and to find touchscreen glove reviews, go to http://www.touchscreenglovereviews.com/ and follow @TSGloveReviews on Twitter.

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Learning About Google Goggles

At first Google Goggles sounds like a tongue twister, but in fact it is was of the cleverest applications available. The app was first designed for Google's android Operating System (OS) for its mobile phones. But as the popularity grew in this app it became available on Apple software with future hopes for it being on Blackberry smartphones in the near future.

It was released in October 2010 and straight away it impressed. This app lets you take a photo of something like a famous landmark and then it will search Google of what it is. So if you take a picture of Big Ben it will then recognise what the picture is of and then search Google to tell you what it is about. It can act as almost a portable tourist information centre which can come in extremely useful. The beauty of this app is that it doesn't just work on landmarks it works on just about everything. It acts as a barcode scanner so you can scan the barcode of a pack of crisps then it will perform a Google search and come up with all the information about the product; to think of how many products there are in this world it is truly amazing. It can also scan the logos of products and then it could bring up the company website just like that. The app also features a QR code scanner. QR codes are basically a different form of barcodes but these carry more information. The app allows you to use these to get contact information of your friends so you do not have to manually type it in. As well as this it can be used on products to get information on products like barcodes but it can also be used to gather just about any information if it has a QR code.

Goggles also features a translator which is like no other. You can scan a menu which may be in French and then the menu will appear in English on your screen so you do not end up order the wrong thing. This works with all the major languages and can help you with directions as well so you don't get lost. It can be used for practically anything making the app one of the most helpful apps when you are exploring.

In December 2011 Google Goggle announced a partnership with the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This partnership enabled Goggles to scan the artwork around the museum and come up with the information about each painting. Each painting sent a user to a direct link on the MMAs actual website so you were instantly receiving reliable information about what you are looking at. This showed that there are no limits to this app. At the same time the app allowed you to scan DVD covers, CD covers and most 2D images to get the information about whatever you are scanning. So if you scan a CD it may come up with the tour dates of that artist and then let you book tickets.

When the app was updated they included something new that made the app even cleverer and this surprised many people. The app now allows you to solve a Sudoku puzzle. All you have to do is allow the app to scan the puzzle and then it will do the rest on screen and come up with the results. This allows you to pretend that you are a hidden genius.

If your phone can have the app installed it is definitely worth installing as it is revolutionising the way you become a tourist. This app can also be used just to give your general knowledge that you may not have already had.

James S. Doughty wrote this article with the assistance of website optimisation specialists Williams Commerce. The company have an in-depth knowledge of their industry which really helped James while he wrote.

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Information Technology: Foundation of Business

Hardly any business today is independent from using information technology. The technological innovations in computer hardware, software applications, internet and wireless connectivity led to business efficiency. Various types of business entities became largely dependent on these technological operations for their day-to-day operations.

From simple word processing software to sophisticated encrypted database system, various types of businesses are relying on information technology to transact with clients and business partners. Significant portion of the transactions and wealth of many businesses are now in electronic or digital format. Hence, it is not surprising why big corporations invest significant amount of money on information technology.

Business infrastructure does not only refer to buildings and other concrete structures. It also refers to the main support systems of a business such as technological infrastructure. Unlike concrete and metal infrastructures, technological infrastructures need to change more frequently. This is in order to adapt to the rapidly changing economic environment. Business entities that are capable of fast technological adaptations are more capable of competing on the global scale.

Information technology is crucial to business infrastructure. It can be considered as the nervous system of business. This is particularly true for large corporate businesses that have many branches and varied operations. A fast food business, for instance, rely on the supply logistics of mass-produced ingredients such as burger patties. The efficiency of fast food logistics is dependent on how the individual restaurant branches communicate with the inventory chain. All of these are possible because of computer the networks and databases that are updated in real time.

Information is both a commodity when it comes to business operations. It is a commodity because business entities purchase it in the form of software applications. Information also corresponds to the inventory or stocks of products. For some businesses such as online businesses, information is a commodity that they buy in the form of high traffic keywords. From smart phone software applications to database of prospective clients, information is a commodity that has a wide range of value depending on the practical use.

On the other hand, information is also a currency in literal and indirect sense. Bank accounts, transaction revenues, balance sheets, and other information mostly have electronic counterparts. Majority of these actually exist as purely encrypted information in some computer networks. The simple payment of fares in commuter trains, for example, can now be conveniently done using a smart phone. Utility bill payments can also now be done online through secured servers of banks. Of course, shopping can also be done through the internet. All of these involve the transfer and recording of information in the form of electronic money.

Businesses that have advanced IT systems are likely to be more competitive globally. Paper-less and cash-less transactions are now becoming a norm of global trade.

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Secret Behind Technology Blogging: A Best Niche In Blogging

It is no secret that there is a secret behind technology blogging; it is one of the best niches in blogging. Blogging about technology is one of the best ways to get ahead in modern society. In fact, technology blogging is the best niche in blogging these days for anyone who wants to start up a successful business.

If you plan to create a new business or any successful business ventures, one of the best ways to do so is to consider the technology niche in blogging.

The Secrets of Niche Blogging: Technology

These days there are so many technologies to choose from, it's hard not to blog about them. Some popular examples of technology blogs include:

iPhone how to guides and tutorials

Information and technology news

Technology updates and rumors

The latest technological breakthroughs

Android

Windows and Mac

Technology Editorials and Opinion Pieces

Technology blogs are the perfect accompaniment to a day job although many people find running a niche technology blog can be exciting and take up a bit of time on the side.

How To Run A Successful Secret Technology Niche Blogging Business

It doesn't take very long to get a niche technology blog up and running. All one need to do is set up a blog account, which is easily done through WordPress or any other free blogging module.

Typically it helps to add a new blog post at least once or twice a week, if not daily. This helps to compete with ultra high-ranking websites. The technology niche is one of the simplest niches to write about.

There are tons of information readily available about most forms of technology. There is always something new in the news about the latest iPhone, or what some star or celebrity has done with their Mac, or latest technology device.

The other approach to technology is writing about how you made money using technology. Most people want nothing more than to learn about how they can make money using technology. And, that is essentially what you do when you create a niche technology blog... make money using technology.

Another great niche in the technology arena is a blog focusing on general technological advances and information. However, the competition for a niche that broad however, may be very high, especially when it comes to purchasing AdSense revenue. If you can narrow your technology niche down significantly, to something very narrow, then you will reap the benefits.

Good, narrow niches are well thought out. Some examples may include very detailed subjects and niche topics, including:

iPhone covers and cases

Android Travel Phones

Mac laptop covers and cases

Windows technological breakthroughs

The more narrow the subject material, the more likely you are to select keywords that bring in targeted audience members. There is also less likely to be competition for your keywords. You want to pay as little as possible to attract AdSense revenues. This is how to make the most bang for your buck when blogging on technology.

Remember that the secret is out; technology is a great niche to take advantage of. People are constantly seeking new and exciting information about technology. So discover the areas you can write better about, and dig in. Discover for yourself the secret behind technology blogging and find a good niche in the technology blogging that you and your business can get benefit from.

Xtendedview and Techtushar are two good technological blogs where you can get up to date information about technology.

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Where To Get PC Repair Help In A Hurry

If you're working at home, you're probably using your computer for any number of things both for business and personal. And at some point you're probably going to need some PC repair.

And if you're the type of person who really doesn't know a whole lot about your computer besides moving the mouse or hitting a few keys on the keyboard, you may not even think about a computer actually needing any kind of repair at all.

But no matter how well you maintain your computer system by having the right kind of antivirus software installed, cleaning out old files and even blowing dust out of the computer once in a while, everyone encounters some type of problems at one time or another.

In my case, I was having a technical problem in the audio system that had me all kinds of puzzled for a few days trying it figure it out. I had been using a headset and separate microphone that plugged into their respective jacks in the front of the computer.

Knowing I needed to upgrade to a headset with its own boom mike, I opted for a headset with a USB connection. It was really nice as a headset but I when I tried to record with a couple of my programs using the microphone, my voice wasn't being recognized.

I tried for days trying to figure it out. I finally went out on Google and did some searching and found out that the USB connection was overriding my sound card, or something to that effect, and so that particular headset was not going to work.

Fortunately that particular headset came with the split jack option connection. Once I disconnected the USB headset and plugged the new headset into the mike and headset jacks, I was all set - problem solved.

Even something so simple as the wrong type of connection into your computer can cause a conflict so it's always good to be a little more knowledgeable about your computer system beyond the keyboard and monitor.

And even more so, you need to know where to get the PC repair help you need. Sometimes it's not even the computer that needs repaired, but the peripherals that need to be changed out.

The first thing you can do when you need some computer repair help is to look in the Help files of your own computer. Windows users can find help files for specific programs you're running. Go to the Troubleshooting section of the different files and see if the problem you're having is listed there along with some possible solutions.

If you're not having much luck with those files, head on over to YouTube and type your problem or question in the search box. It's amazing the things that you can learn on YouTube about computers. If you're having some technical problems with Internet crashes or connection or communication problems, you can find a lot of IT support videos on YouTube also.

For specific product-based problems, jump on Google, Yahoo or Bing, or whatever your favorite search engine is, and go right to the product website and check their frequently asked questions page. Some products even have forums where you can browse for specific trouble-shooting areas and get some answers.

If you haven't had any luck with any of these resources, you can do a search for some business services that actually specialize in computer repair. Give a couple of them a call and see if maybe they can help you at least detect the problem you're having.

Sometimes the problem might be something as simple as a conflict between two software programs. Or like in my case, a conflicting peripheral plug-in.

Yes, even us old hat experienced people run into computer technical problems that can make you scratch your head. But knowing where to get the PC repair help you need is often most of the battle right there.

Karen Musselman writes about working at home and offers tips on a variety of home business topics from computer repair to getting the best deals on printer ink. Karen also has online marketing tips and information on her blog at Working At Home With KSMusselman. Visit today for more information and stop by her YouTube channel too!

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Impressive Technology

Photopolymer Plates

The process is a simple theory, photopolymer properties alter under exposure to UV light. A similar technology exists in the coating on aluminium lithographic printing plates, both are exposed to UV light through a film (positive or negative) and in the case of 'positive' litho plates the exposed area is washed away but in the case of photopolymer the unexposed material is washed away while the exposed portion is hardened, therefore film negatives are used. Photopolymer is available in a variety of forms and thicknesses with different features, the principle feature for letterpress is the 'shore hardness' which can range from low 20's to around 85 for certain steel backed plates, the harder plates (60 upwards) being suitable for deeper impression work. There are certain issues to keep in mind - every part of the processing cycle is important and any variable makes a difference. Each plate type according to it's own specification will require different exposure times, washout times and temperatures, oven temperatures for drying and post exposure and drying times. It sounds complicated but it is surprisingly straight forward.

The Process

A film negative is made of the desired image or design to be printed or 'letterpressed'. A portion of photopolymer plate is cut corresponding to the image size then placed in the exposure tray. The film negative is overlayed ensuring the film (emulsion side down) is in good contact with no air bubbles or pockets between the film and plate which will cause UV leakage and a blurred image. The vacuum blanket is rolled over the film and plate, drawer closed and the exposure time begins starting the vacuum and UV lights. After exposure the plate is placed in the washout unit for several minutes (depending on plate type) in water around 20ºc. Soft brushes rotate to wash away waste material and the plate is immediately dehydrated to remove excess water and placed in the drying unit for the appropriate time at a temperature between 60ºc and 80ºc. After initial drying is complete plates are post exposed to UV light without the vacuum (as no film is used at this point) and placed once more in to the dryer, the second drying time is important to ensure the plates are properly 'detacked'. The plate is now finished and can be mounted on double sided adhesive ready to place on a precision ground metal base on the press, the whole process taking around 30 - 40 minutes. For letterpress the preferred plates are 'foil' (meaning plastic) backed rather than steel backed which are difficult to cut and work with, particularly for multi-colour work. Of the foil backed plates available the KF range by Toyobo is one of the most popular and widely used and particularly the KF95 (0.95mm plate) and the KF152 (1.52mm plate). It has to be remembered that the deeper plates like the KF152 need extra exposure time so the UV can penetrate to the floor of the plate and properly cure or harden the polymer. Failure to do this can result in weak plates that don't last the print run with fine details gradually disappearing from the inked impression. The plate must then be packed behind to compensate but this is problematic and not desirable. Even in well made plates there are limits to the degree of fine detail achievable in a photopolymer plate, lines below 0.3 pt may well not hold through the production process.

Developments

Important developments in technology have made the polymer plate system more feasible in recent years at both entry level and for large lithographic businesses both enjoying advancements towards a more 'computer to plate' (CTP) process. In lithography this is a slightly different process using a variation of the photopolymer plate system known as Flexography which focuses more on accurate halftones required by modern presses. For both Flexography and Photopolymer for Letterpress, CTP has been forwarded by the development of new polyester based films. Developments in laser films do not seem to be successful for this kind of high end work but inkjet films achieve consistent industry standard results with DMAX >4 though it is necessary to use a software RIP to achieve this. The success of the polyester films lies in the greater accuracy of modern inkjet printers (the minimum requirement would be an appliance like the Epson 4900 which is still a relatively modest investment) and in the science of the film product. We've tested a variety but endorse the Folex product Reprojet P HD available on 30 meter rolls or cut sheets. The film works not by holding sufficient ink to be a dense black and thus reach the DMAX target but rather by the filament within the structure of the film working with the ink to deflect light and cut it out from the polymer. We have found in testing that exposure times greater than required can result in UV leakage (particularly if the ink is too light) but then plate makers should be working to the guide times specified by plate manufacturers so this is not an issue. The film will hold a remarkable amount of ink which combined with the film's properties give excellent results. Trying to print film without a RIP like Waasatch, Filmgate or EFI just using the Epson onboard drivers will result in floating (ink literally floating on the surface) and wastage. These RIP's are and added expense to small print shops but there is a cheaper option in Accurip which we've tested running at droplet size 13 out of 15 and the results are excellent. We've also used EFI and are about to test Waasatch. Any of these RIP's perform the important task of taking control of the way ink is laid down as well as the amount whereas onboard printer drivers will put the ink down, in simple terms, too much too quickly.

Rising Demand

With the resurging interest in letterpress and particularly the artform side of this printing process, photpolymer plates have been in increasing demand in the UK and in particular plates that allow a deeper impression in to thick paper for the luxury stationery market. Although polymer plates have been available for a while the KF152 for deep impression work has not been distributed in the UK in recent times. There is now a distributor and Lyme Bay Press are providing KF152 plates as the sole distributor and a plate making service as well as technical support for those with printing problems, encouraging new growth in the letterpress community.

Conclusion

It may seem a little odd that Europe seems to be at the front of this technology, one normally thinks of Japan or the USA for innovation but for once legislation may have been a help rather than a hindrance. Europe has increased it's expectations of industry meeting environmental requirements in a way which is forcing improvements in the workplace. Traditional film making uses chemicals which are hazardous in use and difficult to dispose of, perhaps this has increased the demand for earlier film products to improve. Many litho printers (us included) will have used laser plates at one time or another for simple short run one colour jobs, it's quick and easy, printed straight from the desktop. The problems are damping issues which make these plates difficult to run but now it's possible to develop positive metal plates using inkjet film. Each year the report from DRUPA is the progress the printing industry is making in CTP. There are now printers which inkjet metal plates directly, though the investment is significant the time saving element is very desirable. There is much talk about the 'digital presses' which can inkjet 11,000 sheets per hour with ultra sharp dots. The inevitable question is the cost per impression which still means the digital route has not eclipsed the traditional press but it will come. To get back on target, our conclusion has been after vigorous research and testing, recent developments have made it possible to produce Litho standard Flexographic or Letterpress Photopolymer plates of a very high standard through CTP processes at a very affordable rate both in terms of initial investment and production, sufficient to make this a viable commercial interest.

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Scary Applications Within 3D Printing

3D printing has the power to change the way that we look at quite a few aspects of the manufacturing world. This technology will vie some people an edge over there competitors in many aspects, while it will inhibit some people. At the same time, this technology will help quite a few industries, such as the marketing industry for being able to produce very comprehensive diagrams, and visuals. Other industries such as the medical world will experience a revolution, for being able to create new prosthetic pieces, and specialized implant. Crazy applications such as organ replication are also knocking on the door through technologies such as 3D printing. In a nut shell, there are going to be some serious changes due to the technology known as 3D printing.

What kind of applications should we be expecting? Like I mentioned earlier, there are some awesome advances and industries being hit. The medical world is already beginning to experience a harsh shift for the better because of 3D printing. Engineering firms and companies are already taking advantage of the cool capabilities of 3D printing. These applications include making special parts, but they are also great for testing new products and doing prototyping. Consumers and 3D designers are starting to see their models come into existence through 3D printing in addition to those applications. Odd businesses are spreading all over the world because of 3D printing now. Concept teams are definitely taking advantage of the applications from 3D printing; many of these applications revolve around producing visuals of characters, props, and various parts for concept development teams and project managers to see. There is a ton of possibility for these companies that exist revolving around 3D printing, and this technology is already starting to change the word. It will continue to do just that.

However, things aren't always going to be awesome because of this technology. There have been few criminal cases due to 3D printing, but as this technology continues to gain momentum, there will be a larger following. As this following grows, there will be the addition of criminals, and "sketchy" behavior. Already, some handcuff keys have been manufactured through a 3D printer. Other criminal applications have come about, such as specialized ATM card skimmers. These skimmers give its users the capabilities to steal credit and debit card information from unsuspecting participants. The idea of weapons manufacturing is also becoming much more prominent as time progresses. There may be other manufactured parts that come about, with some form or intention to replicate something that is in existence. What I mean, is that some people will try to fake certain things.

All in all, 3D printing is an amazing form of manufacturing technology, and I'm glad that it is around. The applications that are in existence today have done a good bit of help to various industries across the world. However, the government is likely to jump in to regulate this technology within the next decade or two, due to the vast capabilities of 3D printing.

If you enjoyed this article, you might want to learn about 3D Printing, or possibly you'd like to join a 3D Printing Community.

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The Prelude to an Audio Transcription: Making a Recording

The recording of a large-scale meeting, conference or focus group more often than not takes care of itself, with responsibilities left to those with high-tech equipment and experience of handling those types of situations. However, if you're an individual further removed from the corporate world tasked with hosting a small-scale meeting or more likely a one-on-one interview - be it for business or research purposes - recording the event could well be left down to you, and believe me, there's a bit more to it than simply pressing 'record' and 'stop' at the start and finish.

Here are the three main aspects you have to take into account before your meeting or interview takes place:

Location

A lot of people choose to conduct interviews and minor meetings in a more informal setting away from an office environment, however this should always be done with caution. Background noises like people talking and music playing can be disruptive to the recording, while recording outdoors if pursued brings with it its own set of problems like noise from traffic and airplanes. If sticking to an office environment as is sensible, make sure it is in a quiet office away from the busy hub of work. It may be the case that the clients, colleagues or interviewees are not present and that it is done over the phone, but the same rules still apply.

Equipment

The equipment used is dependent on the type and scale of the meeting or interview. When meeting people in person, using a digital recorder is best for capturing the longest lasting, highest possible quality of recording. Analog recorders are a great deal more limited in this way and do not have capacity to record the excessive length of recordings that their digital counterparts can store. Telephone calls are gradually being phased out to record these types of conversations partly due to the issues that they bring like bad connections, static, dropped words and dropped calls. Skype is viewed as more reliable for long-distance communication, but again bear in mind that it must be used in conjunction with a high quality computer and headphones to garner the best results.

Preparation

Once adequate equipment has been acquired, you're going to need to test it out beforehand just in case. You might even have multiple options like sets of headphones available, so it's a good idea to test and compare everything in advance of the scheduled recording. This should preferably be in the form of a mock interview or meetings, with friends or colleagues substituting those who will really be involved in the event.

All of these factors are geared towards producing the best possible recording for transcription services to work with and create an audio transcription of interview or meeting proceedings. Professional transcriptionists are trained to deal with obstacles in audio recordings, but you can be only be guaranteed a transcription of the utmost accuracy if you present them with a recording of pristine quality. Good luck!

Robert Davies is Marketing Manager at London Translation Agency, who provide high quality transcription services as well as linguistic solutions.

http://www.london-translation-agency.co.uk/

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Asus Laptops That Are Worth The Purchase

Today, computers have become an essential part of anyone's life. Number of companies have contributed in manufacturing computers, laptops and other gadgets globally. Big brands such as Microsoft, Asus, Apple and many more have offered personal computers whether it is a desktop or a laptop at very affordable price. A person who has a job, can easily link a computer to his/her business to develop it.

People have to make many considerations while purchasing laptops for business or any personal use. Today, ASUS is a well-known brand name for its motherboards, cellular phones, portable computers and net books. Laptops are mainly categorized into four types based on interest, Business, Entertainment, Gaming and Mobility. Asus has uniquely crafted all their laptops to offer them to versatile market.

Business Purpose Laptops

Any company's main purpose would be mainly to help business processes with their advanced features. The advanced features will make one's professional life fully secured, reliable and comfortable. But to consider Asus laptops as the best for businesses, they have to pass out some tests. Fingerprint recognition, smart card access and shock absorbing technology for hard disks to protect data in any accidental drop are the key features of Asus's business purpose Laptops. But the conspicuous feature is its advanced anti-theft feature. In case, someone steals this laptop then anti-theft feature helps to track down the laptop. The B53 and P53 are the most famous business laptops from Asus.

Entertainment Purpose Laptops

Nowadays many people have started making use of laptops for relaxation and entertainment. Asus had come up to fulfill the requirements of users who love to use latest advanced features. K and N series are possibly the most popular entertainment laptops when it comes to Asus. There is a wide market of entertainment available for everyone. Buyers will get what they pay for. Asus entertainment laptops have all ensuring amazing audio/video quality at very affordable prices. These laptops also offer latest graphic cards which will make your casual gaming experience better.

Asus Mobility Laptops

Mobility is another reason which directly increases sales of laptops. Nowadays people want light weighted portable laptops which make them quicker and promise to feel lighter. Asus has the latest U series ultra-thin and ultra-slim laptops with 8 hours of battery life.

Asus Gaming Laptops

The "G Republic of Gamers" series from Asus have become identical with being the king of laptops. Laptops of G series offer the best gaming experience due to their advanced specs at amazingly affordable prices. Asus has used the designs based on the coolest and classic objects of the world. These laptops have power to bring game's experience out in your face as they make use of latest 3D technology with complete 3D TV connectivity.

These four types are the reasons why Asus Laptops are preeminent for everyone. One just needs to find out his/her needs and then a smart decision can brighten his future. The only drawback is that buyers don't get all features in one laptop.

To know more about the brand visit here: http://tmbattle.com/

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256GB SSD - Boost Your Computer's Performance

If you are dissatisfied with the performance of your computer then you should immediately upgrade it. The best way to do this is with the help of a good 256GB SSD. SSDs (Solid State Drives) are widely acknowledged to be better than HDDs (Hard Disk Drives). SSDs score over HDDs because they are:

- Faster
- More powerful
- Energy efficient (less heat is generated)
- Quieter

You'll find many great options for compact and powerful 256GB SSD available in the market these days. Not only will your computer work faster with the help of the right SSD but you will also have a lot more space to store a whole lot of data. If, like most users, you use your computer for work and entertainment then you will appreciate the fantastic read and write speeds that the SSD offers you.

The Crucial CT256M4SSD2 is a very popular option for a variety of reasons. It uses 25nm NAND flash technology to offer you amazing speed of operation. This drive also has the truly impressive second-generation SATA 6Gb/s interface which also enables your computer to work at very fast speeds. It will boot must faster than before. It will also load applications at much faster speeds than before. The stats speak for themselves:

- 415MB/second sequential read
- 260MB/second sequential write
- 50K IOPS for random 4k read

When compared to other SSDs available in the market (and the others are pretty good as well), the Crucial CT256M4SSD2 scores because it offers amazing performance at a very reasonable price. You can easily do data transfers even for applications that require extra bandwidth. You can use this versatile storage device along with your smartphones, desktops, workstations or laptops with a great deal of ease. This is also a very sturdy device that is designed to be resistant to shock and vibration. You can easily use this SSD in environments that are less than ideal. It will work perfectly well even if the ambient temperature is very high or low.

Be sure to study the specifications of the SSD before you actually purchase it. Even the least expensive options are not exactly affordable. However, if you are not satisfied with the speed and memory of your existing computer then this is a very good buy. In any case, you will easily find cheaper 256GB SSD options that are better than the most expensive HDD.

Find out how you can improve the performance of your computer with a 256GB SSD. Read about the advantages of having a Crucial CT256M4SSD2.

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How To Know If A Colocation Data Center Is Right For You

We all know the importance of being connected today, especially for businesses, that's why I'd like to help you by answering one of the many questions you might have about what your business needs. Our specific topic is on colocation data centers. What are they and are they the right choice for you and your business?

First, let me start by explaining exactly what a colocation data enter is. Colocation means that the data center is co-inhabited, or in other words, several people and businesses use the same center. This is especially useful for small and mid-sized businesses, saving them time, money, and undo stress. With a colocation center, everything is taken care of for you, like the cooling system, security, and physical space needed. The biggest benefit would be the cost. When you share a server with several other people and businesses, you also share the cost of keeping it running, whereas with a dedicated server (only you use it) you have to do everything yourself, which requires a lot more money and a much larger IT department.

Now that you know a little more about colocation, is it the right choice for you? Generally speaking, most businesses only need a relatively small amount of band width and storage space, so paying a lot for a dedicated server can be a huge waste of money. On the other hand, with a colocation center, you are only paying for what you need. Think of it as renting a home in a mansion, why pay for the entire mortgage, when all you really need is one room? Colocation data centers give you flexibility; you can get a service package that will give you exactly what you need, no more, no less.

There are a lot data centers out there, some good, but a lot of bad, so it is really important that you make sure that the one you go with offers the following: a climate controlled environment, 24/7 customer service, physical security, human monitoring services, and a backup power supply. Climate control is more than just air conditioning, it's also fire protection with sprinklers and fire prevention systems that will detect the potential for a fire before it starts. Their physical security should include guards and some sort of PIN or biometric system in place for accessing an individuals locked cage or cabinet. Human monitoring is crucial, you always want an actual person on hand to make sure everything is running and if any failures happen that they are dealt with immediately. Power supply may not seem important, but just think what could happen to all your data if there was a power failure and no backup power supply. They must have a backup generator in case of such an emergency.

I really hope this information will help you to figure out if a colocation data center is right for you, and what to look for in a center.

Jennifer Blunt is the author of this article on London data centre.
Find more information, about Colocation data center here

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Why IT Training Is Important

Computers and the Internet have become larger and larger parts of people's everyday lives, which is why it is important that people are familiar with technology. While many children and young adults have been immersed in IT almost from birth, there are many people who did not grow up with technology and who should consider IT training classes. It is important for people to have a solid understanding of IT related subjects because it affects many aspects of their lives, including their ability to get jobs. Taking an IT course is not as difficult as many people believe.

The Need for IT in The Workplace

As businesses become increasingly dependent on computers and networks to manage day-to-day operations, it is also key that their employees have a strong foundation in using these types of technology. While most employers will train staff on how to use different programs and systems, many companies still require applicants to have a working knowledge of computers before they will consider employing them. This means that for people to be able to find jobs, it is becoming increasingly necessary to have an understanding of IT.

The vast majority of billing, payroll, account management and employee records systems are now handled through computers. Additionally, many companies now require staff to handle sick time, vacation leave and insurance through computer systems to automate these processes. Further, many companies are now only accepting applications and resumes through the Internet and email. People without basic IT skills will find it increasingly difficult to find employment.

The Importance of IT In Daily Life

In addition to needing to be able to deal with computers and the Internet to be able to succeed in most jobs, these skills are also becoming relevant in day-to-day life. The most convenient way for people to manage their bank accounts and pay bills is online, and many credit cards are also trying to get people to move away from paper statements and mailed in payments. In an effort to get people to move towards online banking, many companies have begun charging fees for people to make payments over the phone. While there is no question that people can get by without technology, it does provide a huge amount of convenience and can save people an enormous amount of time.

Where To Take IT Courses

Part of the reason that many people avoid IT classes is because they assume that they will have to go through extensive coursework or enroll in college. However, there are a number of computer and technology classes that are available for people of all levels of experience. Many community colleges allow people who are not seeking degrees to enroll and take introductory computer courses.

Another common option for people is to look for computer and technology based courses offered through local libraries and community centers. There are even a number of free courses that are offered by nonprofit organizations to help people become tech savvy so that they can find employment. While the idea of taking IT classes may be daunting to some, there are a wide variety of options that can educate people and help them become comfortable with computers and technology.

Knowledge Center Inc is IT training company providing IT certification and computer training courses. KCI is based out of Ashburn, VA and serves DC Metro area. KCI offers CompTIA, Cisco,ITIL, CISSP and Microsoft certification courses

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What Can You Expect From a Sports Line Marking Service?

Sports line marking is an industry which flies somewhat under the radar. Although millions of us across the world benefit from the services provided by professional line marking companies, we rarely take the time to appreciate quite what a fine job they do.

There are a number of suppliers who have developed their own specialist line marking equipment which can work on practically any surface from grass surfaces to concrete surfaces. There are a wide range of applicators available, some which work manually, whilst others are electrically powered for larger surfaces. Not only does this make quick work of almost any task, they are also simple to use, leaving groundsmen to merely plug the paint into the machine and away they go.

Services are used by a wide range of clients, from schools and public sector organizations to some of the world's most famous sporting venues. One of the services which is becoming more and more popular is the painting of intricate team logos, associations or sponsors onto the field of play. For any of you who like your cricket, particularly in South Africa, you will surely have seen the Castle Lager logo emblazoned on many of the pitches for thousands to see.

In the majority of cases, a graphic will be supplied to the company by the customer. This graphic can then be reproduced by the line marking team, along with any text that should accompany the graphic. These graphics can be recreated extremely accurately due to the vast array of paint colour options available, creating a thoroughly professional finish.

As well as paints for grass, most suppliers will also manufacture paints which have been specifically designed for use on hard courts or artificial grass. The leading manufacturers of line marking paints take their environmental responsibilities particularly seriously by producing xylene free and ozone compliant aerosol paints, which work alongside specialist applicators and stencils.

The machines for use on indoor sports pitches are not quite so advanced as grass marking machines, as often the area which requires marking is smaller and lines more intricate. Traditionally this can be best achieved with a pedestrian wheel applicator or hand applicator.

The industry is particularly fast moving, with the industry's leading suppliers committed to ongoing investment in research and development. The very best will even have their own team of in-house chemists, who are constantly striving to improve the performance of their products.

Bowcom is one of the world's most respected line marking companies, synonymous with providing the highest quality line marking paints, concentrates and applicators. For faultless grass and hard surface line marking, take a look at the website or contact Bowcom today.

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Why Power Is Essential to Everyday Life

In recent times, the human race has become increasingly dependent on everyday items and luxuries that need some sort of power to keep them going. Everything from TV, to the internet, to cookers, vacuum cleaners, transportation and beauty products all now have to be powered by something, usually electricity, but in the case of the cooker, sometimes gas. But are we overlooking power and taking it for granted?

To look at how we view power, we need to look at how our lives were without power, when we had to do many of the household tasks, such as washing clothes, cleaning the floors and cleaning the windows by hand, without the use of today's gadgets which makes these jobs so much easier and much quicker to do. The appliances and the gadgets that we have now have were created because of these times, and so that people could do everyday tasks with the help of machines, and still have some time to themselves at the end of the day.

Without power, there would be no cars, no trains, no buses or taxis - we would all have to walk to work. Without power, there would be no TV, no MP3 players, no DVD players, no cinemas, and perhaps most worryingly of all, no internet. Can you imagine a world without the internet? Without important news stories being broken on sites like Twitter and Facebook, hours before official news channels have verified and reported the story. Without the internet, keeping in touch with loved ones around the world would consist of writing letters, instead of emails. You also wouldn't be able to phone anyone, as the phones wouldn't work, and your smartphone would not only be unable to call people, but you wouldn't be able to send and receive emails or read the news because, there would be no internet.

Of course, the realities of a world without power may seem extreme, that is because they are, and very unlikely that the human race would go back to having no power as before. However, the modern equivalent of having no power would be when there is a blackout, or a power cut. These things happen when there is something like a sudden power surge, or the national grid is put under intense pressure when people are using a lot more energy - winter is a prime example of this. Because the winter can get very, very cold, a lot of people take advantage of their central heating systems or portable heaters in their homes, which use up a lot of energy. More energy usage per household in a single area leads to more pressure on the appropriate power reserves, as more and more people attempt to keep their homes warm.

When the demand for power is especially great, power generators can be very useful in creating power that can be used by the public. Power generator rental companies exist for this very reason, and they can be used by power companies and even the public to ensure that they have enough power to keep them warm during the winter.

So, next time you switch on your TV, imagine how this small gesture has a big impact around the world, and how lucky we are to have power.

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Web Design Overview For You And Business

When getting your business online the design of your website is extremely important. This can be the difference between you being successful on the internet and you failing on the internet. Many people choose to get a professional in to design their website and it is probably the best thing that you can do.

Web Design covers many areas all of which require a very skilled individual or a highly skilled team to do this correctly. It is about making sure your website looks good and making sure it is easy to use. This may sound simple but it is definitely not, it requires detailed coding through HTML (Hypertext Mark-up Language) and CSS (Cascading Style sheets) both which take a lot of time to complete properly. It is worth planning your website before you make any changes at all.

By designing your website correctly you can make sure visitors stay on your website. It is estimated that a person will decide within 7 seconds whether or not they will stay on the site or not and this means that the first impression that you give off is extremely important. You've got to think about what you can do to make your website different to all of your competitor's websites. If you have paid somebody else to make your website they will sort this out for you but if you have any ideas it would be worth passing these over so that they bring your ideas to life. As well as making sure that your customers like your website it is important that you like it as well. With a better design you attract more customers through your website and this can help you grow. The number of people on the internet means that your growth is basically unlimited so having a well-designed website will make or break you.

A well designed website can make you seem professional which is important. Think about it, when you have been browsing the internet and you have come across a website that looks cheap were you impressed and tempted to use their services? The answer to that is probably no because a well-designed website that looks professional creates the impression that the business operates in a professional fashion which many customers take very seriously. Once you have got a website that is well designed you can leave it like that for years to come so it is a one off cost that will benefit you for years. With the website looking brilliant people are more likely to spend money on your website which means there is a high return on your investment and that is very important no matter what you invest in. In addition to this a well-designed website is likely to feature on other websites as some people will talk about it on forums and other businesses that compliments yours may want to refer their own customers to you.

You may not have thought of this but if your website is well-designed it can appear higher up in a search engines results. The reason for this is that search engines like Google send bots to look at websites and they take into consideration how easy the website is to use and they also look at the content you have and this can affect your rankings. This makes wed design a win win situation as by attracting more visitors through a well-designed website you can also appears higher up in a search engines natural results which is free.

Web design has to be done correctly before you but your business on the internet a bad website could possibly create a bad reputation for your company which the creates a domino effect as people become unimpressed with what you have to offer.

There are so many different SEO services providers out there that James S. Doughty struggled to find an experienced one to use as a resource. He eventually found Williams Commerce, a well-known company that have operated for a few years helping their customers.

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Save Time And Money With Teleseminar Services

Teleseminar services are an electronic alternative to attending a physical seminar. This approach to education, career development and information dissemination has numerous advantages. Some of these are listed below.

Advantages for Attendees:

- Transportation costs are eliminated. This is especially important when current gasoline prices are taken into consideration.

- Attendees do not need to pay as large a fee to attend. This is because they are only reserving a slot in a digital communications channel. Ordinarily, the attendee would be paying for his share of the conference room, catering and potentially a hotel room.

- Attendees can receive information and interact while working on other tasks. This is, to many people, more relaxing. It helps to save valuable work time, which could improve profits.

Advantages for Seminar Hosts:

- The cost of hosting a seminar is drastically reduced. It is not necessary to book a large venue such as a hotel conference room, catering is not needed and transportation costs for seminar staff are eliminated.

- Feedback can be more easily collected and reviewed at a later date. This is in contrast to attendees raising their hand to speak. Afterwards, this information would have to be manually recorded and reviewed. This is not only less efficient, it also introduces a great deal of potential for transcription and interpretation error.

Hardware and Software Required for Teleseminar Use

- A computer, tablet or high-end smart phone is typically required.

- Most teleseminar services are hosted on a service such as Skype, GoToMeeting or Google+. In the case of Google+ and some specialized teleseminar software, support for the Adobe Flash format is vital. This is a feature only available on newer smart phones, such as those using ARM A8 and A9 Cortex processors. Most desktop and laptop computers are capable of running Flash content efficiently with just a simple software installation.

- An Internet connection such as Cable, DSL, Fiber or a T-Carrier line. Dial-up is not recommended. The best connection for teleseminar use provides at least 8 megabits of downlink bandwidth and at least 2 megabits of upstream bandwidth. Ideally, clients will be able to "ping" to the server and back with a latency under 100 milliseconds.

Getting the Best Teleseminar Performance

An inadequately optimized computer or network connection can result in poor performance during a teleseminar. The following tips will help you to achieve higher frame rates, less compression artifacts and higher-quality audio sampling.

- End all unnecessary processes. These can put a detrimental burden on the CPU and system memory.

- Check network traffic in your operating system's "Resource Monitor". The Network tab will allow you to view uplink and downlink traffic on a per-process basis. Custom software also exists to throttle back other applications' utilization of the Internet connection. By doing this, you will be able to maximize bandwidth available to the teleseminar software. Note that in some browsers, flash-based teleseminar interfaces will not show their CPU, memory and network utilization in the browser's process itself. Instead, look for a daughter process with a name like "Plugin-Container". In the case of Java-based teleseminar software, look for a process with a name like "JRE", which stands for "Java Runtime Environment".

- Configure your teleseminar software to match your available Internet connection speed. You can approximate this by using an online speed test.

Use teleseminar services that bring in bring in profits for your entrepreneurial endeavors. Read more about teleseminar services that will increase your online profits. Go here and get more teleseminar tips and info on services like Instant Teleseminar.

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Why The Maker Movement Loves 3D Printing

3D printing has the power to truly change the way that we look at manufacturing within the near future. Some people believe that personal 3D printing is going to be around within the next few years, and to some degree it already is around. Let's talk about how 3D printing is already, and will continue to effect the maker movement that we've come to cherish.

First off, what is the maker movement, and what does it have to do with 3D printing? The maker movement is a "wave" of consumers, engineers, students, and every day people who are taking part in making things! These people come from various background, some of them are entrepreneurially based. Some are ex-programmers. Others are 3D modelers. Other people within the maker movement have backgrounds in electrical engineering. Some people within the maker movement have no particular background. There are quite a few backgrounds to look at, but most of them revolve around some form of engineering, or programming. What are these people doing? What does it mean to participate in the maker movement, and what does that have to do with 3D printing?

Typically, the maker movement involves the creation, fabrication, or "making" of various parts, products, and systems. People at a household level are already out there creating their own custom parts, systems, or programs. 3D printing plays a huge role in the maker movement, because it gives these "makers" the option to manufacture solid pieces from a 3D design. There is quite a bit of prototyping involved with this movement, and 3D printing is definitely there to show for it. What are some of the final products from "makers" within the maker movement?

Lots of people have a basic knowledge about wiring systems, and electronics. Lots of these people are building their own miniature computers and robots, while writing the code for them. 3D printing comes into play by producing some very particular products for those applications. Some people focus mainly on the actual produced piece, rather than the code. It is easy for people on the consumer level to get their hands on the manufacturing technology known as 3D printing through various services, and various inexpensive printers that are in circulation today. There are tons of opportunities through this manufacturing technology.

When engineers, programmers, inventors, and various makers can get their innovative hands on the manufacturing technology that gives them a chance to manufacture whatever they like, the maker movement is in business. Oh wait, that's already here today. That is why there is starting to be a ton of growth within this industry. There are so many options to create new things, new ideas, and new products due to this manufacturing technology and because of this movement. This movement and 3D printing go hand in hand together, because they both promote the use of manufacturing on a small scale, such as within your basement or your garage. They promote the growth of technology, and sending in new ideas to the public.

If you enjoyed this article, you might want to learn about 3D Printing, or possibly you'd like to join a 3D Printing Community.

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Implementing Network Maintenance

At its simplest, a computer network is two or more devices that connect together in order to share information with one another. While most computer networks are composed of desktop and laptop computers linked by a wifi or wireless connection through a server and various routers, these are merely generalizations. As network maintenance has gotten simpler and numerous additional devices have become available to both the public and private sector organizations, the old "rules" about networks have faded somewhat.

Network maintenance is the process by which a systems administrator keeps the network up and running on a constant or nearly constant basis. With so much data running between potentially thousands of tablets, desktops, laptops and other kinds of devices on a network, there are numerous opportunities for failure. As well, a loss of electricity or a device issue on a network's server can cause all manner of different failures that can give an administrator a troubled day.

Because there are so many ways a network can be bothersome, managed network services are becoming increasingly popular for many businesses. In the same way, these services have been popular for home Internet users for a long time. Simply put, not everyone has to have a dedicated server, given the difficulty of keeping one running and the costs associated with such a device. Because of both the difficulty and the level of expense involved here, many people choose to outsource their networks and allow an outside systems administrator to run the show.

For example, many people would not even know the first thing about network monitoring despite the apparent obviousness of its name. When an individual monitors a network, he or she keeps track of who accesses what information, when this occurs and from where the person logged on. In the case of inconsistencies or other potentially shady occurrences, a deeper investigation and even the revocation of privileges can occur. One of the most vital aspects of network security management is the ability to limit who gains access to what devices and information.

*Your network allows you and your employees to stay connected regardless of where you physically are in the world

*Using the right people is vital to keeping your network operating effectively, which will help your entire business operate better

These limits are vital to properly understanding network security. While in an ideal world all information would be available to everyone, there are very good reasons why this cannot happen in the real world. For one thing, information is easy to use against a company if it is proprietary and could cause the company's business model to fail. In the same way, the use of personal identifying information on a person such as bank account numbers or their Social Security number could be financially devastating to the person.

The careful control of information requires strict and constant vigilance on the part of a systems administrator, and this tends to be expensive on the individual level. As the old saying goes, good help is a difficult thing to find. Fortunately, through outsourcing it can be far easier to locate and maintain a group of individuals who are reasonably qualified for the task. Notwithstanding the veritable army of IT professionals who constantly keep vigil over nearly every network in existence, there are problems these people can not foresee and must thus attempt to stop and digitally chase after the culprits only once they have happened.

The entire field of cybersecurity is dedicated to protecting information on the connections between digital devices. While it is maddeningly complicated, it ultimately comes down to the five basic questions: who, what, where, when and why?

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The History Of The Internet

Most of the world now revolves around the internet and many people would be lost without it. It has not been around forever though and it has been constantly developed ever since its launch and now it is truly something amazing that the majority take for granted.

In the 1950s electronic computers were developed and these had a link with another terminal away from the computer and these were first examples of the internet. The early stages of the internet only consisted of point-to-point networking which basically information is going straight from one computer to another; a bit like how a telephone works. This stayed the same until the late 1960s which was when packet switching was experimented with. Packet switching had a shared network available to multiple computers although this was relatively basic back then. Through the early packet switching only basic messages making this rather limited.

As this developed a man called Robert Taylor tried to develop the Arpanet and on the 29th October he made an interconnected link between a research centre in Stamford, USA to the University of California, Los Angeles. This was a distance of over 300 miles which was quite an achievement. The only problem with this that only 2 letters were sent over the network and then it crashed but it was a huge step forward and it was a good base to develop from.

Less than 2 months later on the 2nd December 2 more nodes were added with the University of Utah and the University of California, Santa Barbra being added. The University of Utah was over 700 miles way and this shows how quickly the network was developing. This network worked without crashing and continued to develop. By 1981 it had 213 hosts with a new host being added every 20 days. This was a huge growth and showed that it was possible to have a network between multiple computers. Although back then it was expensive to run and this could have limited it a bit.

As this was going on many other networks were developed and not many were as successful as the Arpanet. Nasa created a network that was more successful than all of the other networks and it was truly outstanding. They developed the TCP/IP which connected scientist all over the world. By 1989 it had connected 20,000 scientists in all seven continents proving that the link between computers was not limited at all. These networks could only send messages to other computers and the idea of a website was merely a dream.

As more networks became successful people began looking at ways that the networks could be merged or moved over to one big network. Nasa's network continued to grow and other organisations began to use it. CERN (European Organisation for Nuclear Research) tried to develop it further and with the help Tim Berners-Lee they helped incorporate this network and create the internet in 1989. Tim Berners-Lee is universally recognised as the inventor of the internet today.

Back when it was first invented it was fairly basic and what you could do was fairly basic. The first website was built within CERN in France in 1991. This website held information about the project of creating a World Wide Web and the address of this website was http://info.cern.ch/ and this website is still used today. The website also held information on how to use a web browser and other information required so that the internet could be used. In 2004 Tim Berners-Lee received a knighthood to recognise his achievement.

Ever since then the internet has been developing and now you can share practically anything over the internet and you can connect to anyone around the world. In December 2011 there were 2.3 Billion users on the internet which is a huge growth from the two computers sending 2 letters over a distance of 300 miles.

James S. Doughty needed a really great source of information while he wrote this article. He used experienced SEO agency Williams Commerce as his source because they have the knowledge he needed to make his article factual and engaging.

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Laptops Under 300 Dollars - The Easy Way To Buy On A Budget

Have you ever tried to get blood out of a stone? Then you must have tried to buy a decent laptop under 300 dollars. It is real tough let me tell you. If you do manage to find one going at this sort of price new, then I will put money that it is a poor relation to its more pricey cousins. Low RAM, slow, cheap hard drives, dodgy web cams and many more faults that shows how the corners have been cut.

So what's the answer, besides saving more money? Well the answer to cheap laptops is looking beyond buying a new one. Yes, new laptops less than $300 are nice to have. We all love the feeling of breaking open the seals and smelling that brand new plastic. The joy of removing the packing and hugging it close and saying "Mine, all mine!" Mind you that might just be me. But you get the picture.

Why not think about the advantages of going second hand and buying used or refurbished models, which means you can have a lot more technology for your money. It's not so full of fear and danger as you might think.

First of all, try to steer your mind away from dodgy back room dealings and the image of the slightly sweaty second hand car salesman with the awful hair do. These days, reputable companies and business have seen the benefits of offering quality affordable solutions for those of us living on a tight budget.

Not only can you go online and see hundreds of top of the range laptops at low prices this way, but you can, at places like Amazon, also see reviews of the sellers themselves. This is no eBay flame fest, but a structured review process put in place to regulate their marketplace.

Of course you still need to do your research. Check out the reviews for that model and also make sure you read and understand the different codes for quality. Some might have cosmetic damage whilst others are just ex-display.

So don't discount shopping for nearly new at Amazon. Have a sniff around and you will be amazed at what you can find. You will suddenly see that laptops under $300 or less don't have to be clockwork duds that let you down. You could actually end up owning a top Dell, HP or Asus laptop for a ridiculous knockdown price.

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Mobile Phones - A Technological Trend Across the World

Technology employed in every sector of life has made this world a global village today. Journeys between two countries which used to take days to get over are a matter of just a few hours now on account of excellent transportation facilities. Mobile phones are one amongst all these wonders of science. Contemporary man cannot imagine life without mobile phones. They have become a part of every individual's life. Whether it is a school going child or a mere auto-rickshaw puller, cellular phones have found a place in every man's pocket!

The rate at which mobile phone services have progressed couldn't even be thought of a few years back. A few years back mobile phone was a device meant to make or receive phone calls over a wide range of area. Today, the meaning and reason for using a cell phone has changed immensely. It is not just about making and receiving phone calls anymore. Mobile phone companies along with the network companies have services such as text messaging, MMS, email, Internet access, short-range wireless communications like Bluetooth, business applications, gaming and photography to offer. Text messaging which has become an integral part of every single youngster's life today is just one service amongst all the above.

Text messaging has gained immense popularity over the years. It is the most commonly used data application on mobile phones. The scheme of free text messages in bulk further increased the rate at which text messages were being sent initially. Text messages no longer remained restricted to exchange of mere written messages but even videos and images. A time came when messages sent to a particular number was shown on television a while later. With the popularity of text messaging emerged the desire to make it more interesting. Eventually, ready-made messages of all types in all possible languages flooded the markets. Today, there exists a huge collection of ready-made short messages for every occasion, festival, event and reason. Whether the requirement be that of a birthday SMS or mere best wishes to a close friend, there is a message available in the form of booklets or in the internet for every mood and occasion.

Mobile companies have made things even easier for the public by introducing variety of message services like Birthday SMS, shayari, jokes, diet SMS and many more which when activated would deliver the kind of message demanded to the customer every day for a month. Therefore, one need not even search the internet or the bookstore for a particular kind of message! All you need to do is demand and the service is right there.

Jennie Kakkad is an inspiring writer who beholds about 5 years of content writing experience. She strives to provide articles and blogs that satisfy your desire and accomplish your purpose. Her process of delivering a credible output involves various stages like research, understanding, judgment, analysis, and creation.

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Optical Character Recognition: Some Advice

A properly done OCR (Optical Character Recognition) task is not simply about text extraction, it also implies a set of operations meant to optimize the OCR process and increase efficiency in overall document-management practice.

To put it in other words, operations commonly considered as "adjacent" can actually really improve or totally destroy text recognition making your later life either comfortable or a living hell.

Here are just a few things to keep in mind:

(1) Before scanning

when placing the paper in scanner make sure the pages have the correct text orientation so you won't have to later waste time by either having to wait for the OCR software to automatically determine the orientation or, even worse, to have to make this operation manually, via file-by-file checking.
make proper scan settings to insure best quality for OCR (for example, 250 or 300 dpi resolutions are considered optimal for most of the documents).
test OCR output for a few pages before starting a batch scanning operation to make sure your settings are optimally fine-tuned.
select a lossless file format (such as TIFF) and do not be afraid of big sizes if the documents are important to you: storage space is not an issue these days and you can later convert the files to any other format for handling (or sharing) purposes.

Actually, for important document archives, maybe the best idea would be to store the "original" files into TIFF format then move them on an external storage device or media (external hard-disk or DVD) and use for current work a duplicated archive containing files converted into a format that you consider optimal for your needs ( JBIG2, PDF... ).

To a certain extent, this approach would be similar to how camera RAW format works for the professionals in digital photography domain.

(2) After scanning

use relevant filenames for resulting files and not mind if filenames tend to become lengthy: it isn't hard to do using automated file naming tools and, even if it might take a bit more of your time at file creation stage it can be a really life saviour later. And make sure that the filename contains important data, such as the language of the text, to name just one important detail for OCR.
do not hesitate to use image enhancement techniques: the quality of the paper documents cannot be controlled nor the hardware (like a scanner) particular details which might influence output quality (just an example among dozens: tiny scratches on scanner's glass).

To overcome them, professional document imaging software vendors provide their users with a wide range of image correction features such as brightness/contrast/gamma, median filtering and auto-deskew.

Founded in 2003, ORPALIS is a privately held and fast growing company, producer of Document Imaging toolkits for developers (SDKs) and applications for end users.

ORPALIS develops and maintains the comprehensive document imaging toolkit series released under the brand "GdPicture", which is now a worldwide known and respected leader in imaging technologies. http://www.gdpicture.com/

In 2011, ORPALIS released PaperScan, marking the beginning of a new line of products meant for end-users.

ORPALIS software are used by hundreds of thousands of customers in all over the world. Customer list includes companies like IBM, Dell, Philips, Siemens, Xerox... http://www.orpalis.com/

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Photo Editing Sites That Can Come In Handy

It's not like I am totally a computer freak or anything, but every time I am on my computer, I try doing or learning things I really enjoy or like. One of such things is photo editing. Now let me mention one thing very clearly, I am definitely not a 'geniously brilliant' person when it comes to computer stuff ( and I don't think I even want to be one:p) but I do all these stuff just for fun and do as long as I feel interest for these. To put in simpler words, my hobby for something remains as hobby until it becomes stress.

One thing to mention is that when I am talking of things like editing or gif or stuff like that, most of the time I do not include Photoshop on the list. Don't get me wrong, it's just I know PS does wonders ( once you know how to make it do so) and it's probably the best so far for editing and things like that for beginners as well as experts. But as a learner, I had hard times doing the same things I wanted because of not having a PS as I mentioned in my previous post. This is the very reason that even after I've started using PS I try finding out newer software and things till this date that can pretty much live up to the expectations of a learner or someone not having access to one.Okay, so I would like to share some of the photo editors here that are some of my favorites till now.

1. PicMonkey

Picmonkey is so far on my favorite photo editor's list. Those who have used Picnik already know the features it offered. Well Picmonkey does offer almost the same. However it doesn't have seasonal features unlike Picnik. That means you cannot have special editing options for Halloween, or St. Patrick's Day etc. Apart from that, for me it is just excellent.

2. Ipiccy

After Picmonkey, this is my second favorite site. This is just a wonderful site for editing and stuff. Very much like Picnik or Picmonkey, this site offers more features in addition. Even the view is very much Picnik-ish so I think you'll love it once you get used to it.

3. Lunapic

This is an awesome site for not only editing but other stuff as well. You yourself can have a look at the home page to see what features it offers. This is my favorite site too, specially because you have a image blending option available. If you follow the instruction appropriately, you can successfully create wonderful blended images. If you don't have PS or don't yet know how to use it to blend photos, then I suggest you to give this site a try.

4. Pixlr

If you have finished editing photos as a beginner and want to do a little bit more then just adding effects or frames or stuff, then this is really a very good place for that. As you will notice, there are three options in the home page and you can choose to edit using any of the options you prefer. The 'Advanced' one looks like a paint window but you can do a lot more than just painting and cropping things there. 'Efficient' one also provides you with a lot of options to select in order to edit, modify or blend pictures. One good thing here is that you can customize most of the effects and settings according to your wish. The last option, 'Playful' one is quite similar to Picmonkey, only with some extra effects and frames to use.

5. Free Online Photo Editor

It's a pretty good site for editing as well. The feature I specially like here is the Glitter Text option. There are other sites for this too but somehow I find this more interesting and easy to use, once you are habituated to it.

There are millions of other sites that lets you do editing and things like that. But just do a little surfing before you sign up or install any unknown software.

This is an article on photo editing. Find more articles on editing and things like this on Muna's Blog http://thoughtsuntoldnafsa.blogspot.com/

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HDMI Cable - How Much Should You Spend

If you have visited your local electronics retailer recently hoping to get a good deal on HDMI cables then you may have found the salesperson to be rather pushy when it comes to trying to get you to buy the most expensive cable that they carried. Whether the salesman was getting paid on commission or simply did not understand what separates a good HDMI cable from a bad one, the truth is that spending a lot of money will not necessarily get you a better product. When it comes to purchasing HDMI cables, there are more important things to consider than price.

Because an HDMI cable delivers a digital audio and video signal from one device to another, there is very little risk of your HD television suffering from signal degradation. Simply put, the cable will either transmit a signal or it will not, there really is no in between. Analogue cables could suffer from distortion, electronic interference, or signal degradation if the cable was exceptionally long which meant that it was a good idea to spend a little more on a high-quality cable. With an HDMI cable, however, spending more is generally not necessary.

If you are looking for the highest quality cable that you can find, you will want to purchase one that has good quality insulation, gold plated tips, and supports full 1080p. The installation is important, especially if you intend to run your HDMI cable from one room in your home to another. Although there is very little risk of the signal degrading, the longer the cable is the greater the chance that electronic interference could disrupt the signal that is being transferred. Good insulation and a high-quality rubber coating on the outside of the cable also protect it from damage from pets, kids, or the weather if it is outside.

Choosing a cable of gold plated tips will ensure that you get a good, uninterrupted signal since gold is easily one of the best conductors. Although gold tipped cables may cost just a bit more, they are well worth the added cost. Finally, it is a good idea to carefully check all the specifications of the cable that you are interested in to make sure that it supports full 1080 HD. An older version 1.2 lead may only be capable of 720p. Although this may not be a huge deal if you have an older TV, if you have a newer television you will be missing out on its full potential.

The author has experience in HDMI Cable and HDMI Cables

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Top Web Design Mistakes You Must Avoid

As you use the internet, you probably notice that some websites just aren't attractive. While quality web design isn't difficult, many website owners fail to achieve it. It's important to create a website that is user friendly. After all, you want to keep visitors coming back. A poorly designed site will quickly drive visitors away. To ensure you design your website the right way, here is a look at some of the top website design mistakes you need to avoid.

Mistake #1 - Providing Poor Navigation

One of the biggest mistakes to avoid when designing your website is providing poor navigation. If visitors are unable to get around your site easily, they probably will simply leave and find another website. Good navigation can actually keep visitors on your website longer. While you want to keep navigation simple, it needs to be very effective as well. Go with navigation that is user friendly, since it can actually make or break your site.

Mistake #2 - Making Visitors Wonder Where They've Landed

Don't make visitors wonder where they've landed. Each page on your site should clearly show visitors that they are on your website. This is especially important when visitors land on pages without first coming to your home page. Make sure every page links back to your home pages as well.

Mistake #3 - Very Long Pages

Very long scrolling pages are another big mistake to avoid when working on web design. Most users aren't going to want to keep scrolling unless they really think there is something good below. It's a good idea to split up pages if you can. If splitting the page won't work, make sure you have navigation and content options at the top of the page to make it easy to navigate through the long page.

Mistake #4 - Slow Download Times

People today don't have a lot of patience. They want to get the information needed quickly. This means that slow download times are going to be costly. If your website takes a long time to load, most visitors will simply leave and find another website that meets their needs. This means that you need to focus on fast download times when working on your site's website design. This can be done by reducing image file sizes and by limiting the number of images used on each page of your site.

Mistake #5 - Including Too Many Ads

Visitors don't come to your site to see the ads. While ads offer you a great way to earn money, they can be distracting to visitors. Using ads is fine, but make sure you concentrate your designing efforts on the content of the site, not on the ads. Make sure you have a good balance between your content and the ads you include on your pages.

Mistake #6 - Failing to Update Information

Last, failing to update information is another big web design mistake you must avoid. Visitors don't like seeing information that is already outdated on your website. This means you need to review and modify your website regularly to avoid giving people information that is outdated.

Creating an appealing website is important. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can make sure you create an excellent website that is easy for visitors to use and enjoy.

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The Craze for Android Phones

If you are not using an android phone nowadays, you are either new on this planet or your grandmother warned you in the dream not to get it. These phones, better known as Smartphones, use the android technology which has so many features and applications with cutting edge and advanced technology. Android is an operating system based on Linux and was first developed by Andy Robin, a Google employee and since then it has enjoyed tremendous fellowship worldwide. Android mobiles are now the most-sought-after mobile device in the world.

They provide opportunity for downloading various applications and tools online, free of charge or at affordable rates. If you are downloading from android directly, there are lots of free applications for you and if you are doing so through a third party software store, you are definitely going to get a competitive price. However, these third party applications are developed in line with clients' requirements without the need for a license and mobile phone manufacturers have incorporated many of these applications into their products with a little extra cost on the product for buyers to bear.

Furthermore, android phones are manufactured using advanced technology that allows so many applications to run conveniently at the same time. Manufactures seize this opportunity to produce phones with combined programs and these types of phones are in high demand right now. They are user-friendly, multi-tasking and multi-functional, with many of them running by customizing 2D and 3D graphics designed using OpenGL ES 1.0.

Android mobiles are designed with modern security features and are easier to use. They use a browser that relies on the engine for open source webkit and installed with SQLite for saving data. In addition, they are facilitated with media supportive formats such as MPEG4, MP3, MP4, AAC, H.264 and so on. There are various add-on features like 3G, Wi-fi, camera, Bluetooth, GPS navigator and so much more.

Other features of an android phone include memory storage capacity, emulator, performance profiling, plug-ins and debugging tools. Others are dual core application processor, Amoled display, sleek design, touch screen, sensor, USB port, etc. Additionally, other features to expect in an android mobile are RAM capacity of 256MB, ROM of 512MB, video recording resolution of 320x240 (QVGA), 16GB expandable memory and many more.

You will agree with me that the smart days are here and smart phones are here to stay but only those that get the best deal will get the best phone. So, be on the look out for the best deal.

Get the best deal of Android phone from China.

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Top 5 Laptops of 2012

High-end laptops are just what you need to experience desktop performance even if you are traveling. These notebooks are not just the best in features this year but also has a great value for your money. Here are my top 5 laptops of 2012 list:

Asus A52F-XA1

The Asus A52F offers an extensive deal of features at a reasonable price. For about $899, it has a feature which let you control what programs you can load on boot therefore reduces boot time, improves memory usage, and increases speed. However, you will smudge this laptop often because it catches fingerprints fast, and it has a very low webcam resolution and is not sensitive to low light. Asus is light, at about 5.8 lbs and is thin: 15.2 x 10.2 x 1.4 inches (WxHxD) which is perfect for traveling. It has 15.6 LED-backlit screen and runs in Intel Core i3.

Asus 17 inch Gaming Laptop

If you need want performance and a laptop that can play most games, this Asus 17 inch gaming laptop is worth a buy. It has 640 GB of Hard disk in 7200 RPM and uses ATI 5870 graphics with 1 gigabyte DDR5. It uses an intel core i7 chip perfect for an exceptionally fast gaming laptop. This Asus 17 inch gaming laptop has backlit keyboard and weighs about 8 pounds.

HP Pavilion

HP Pavilion is a high-end laptop that has a great value for your money. It is a laptop made for students and small business owners because it weighs at only 7.2 pounds. The screen size is 14 inches, perfect for a portable laptop and has 500GB of hard disk at 7200 RPM. The webcam uses TrueVision cam that has a built-in microphone. What is unique about HP Pavilion is its fingerprint scanner so nobody except you will be able to use the computer.

Acer Aspire

Acer aspire is a budget laptop that does not sacrifice performance. It has 250GB SATA hard drive at 5400 RPM, has 3GB of RAM, and runs in 2.20 GHZ AMD V Series V120 CPU. It has 8x DVD RW drive, and a webcam with a built-in microphone. This 15.6 laptop weigh at about 5.74 pounds which is back-friendly.

Apple MacBook Pro

Although Apple MacBook is expensive, it offers great performance that only Apple can give. The processor is a 2.4 GHZ Intel Core 2 Duo and has 4GB of DDR 3 memory. It weighs at about 8.9 pounds, which is quite heavy for a laptop and has a screen size of 13.3 inches. A great feature of Apple MacBook Pro is that it has a backlit keyboard which will let you use the laptop even in the dark. What I like about the MacBook Pro is that it is stable, and more secure than all other laptops I listed above. It has a fewer issues and most issues are handled before we customers can even get a hang of it.

Arnel Colar is a freelance writer who writes anything that can provide knowledge to the readers around the world. He writes articles ranging from environment preservation, social education, finance and loans, money, and anything that he can think of. With good research, convincing details, and creative insights added with passion, articles can become a masterpiece.

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How to Find Online User Manuals

Whatever the reason, you'll be happy to know that today there is a huge range of online user manuals available. With these online resources, you'll be able to find just about any type of manual, for any type of product. Best of all, they are entirely free to find, use and download, so there's no cost or stress at all.

To get started finding online user manuals, the first thing you want to do is find a website which has a comprehensive collection of manuals listed. The biggest of these websites will have literally hundreds of thousands of different products represented. You'll also see that there are specific sites catered to different product types or categories, brands or niches. So depending on what exactly you're searching, you'll be able to choose from one of the large sites or the smaller sites to suit your own needs.

Once you're at one of those websites, there will typically be several different ways to browse. You can browse by category and product type, so for example, you can start looking up online user manuals for all digital cameras or power tools, and then dig down into narrower sub categories and topics. Alternatively, you can decide to browse by brand, and go right to the brand you need, such as Panasonic or Sony. From there, you'll be able to find all Sony televisions, for example, and then find the model that you have so you can see that specific document.

Some of these sites will also let you favorite or store some of these manuals in your own online account. That way, you can keep a copy of all of the manuals you need, and you can even organize them according to where the product is in your home, what type of product or category it is, and more.

Of course, remember that to find online user manuals you can often try to go straight to the company's official website. The problem is that they often don't list their manuals, or have them available for download! That's why these websites and online databases of manuals is so incredibly useful for everyday people in need of a bit of assistance or information with one of their products.

So the next time you're stuck and don't know how to complete a task, fix a broken product, or properly maintain it, don't stress out or waste time searching your home up and down. Instead, just pull up your internet browser, find a website with a collection of online user manuals, and be prepared to be amazed at the huge collection of products and brands represented.

Philippe is an internet entrepreneur who specializes in developing free user friendly websites. For more information about free instruction manuals check out his newest website http://www.onlineusermanuals.com/

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What to Do During a Power Cut

Wherever you are in the world, the chances are that you've experienced a power cut or two in your life time. While they are sometimes an unfortunate part of modern life, power cuts can be a very unsettling and distressing experience as they are usually so unexpected. So, how do you get through a power cut? Here are a few ideas.

Have a Torch
While this many sound like very obvious advice, a torch really is your best bet during a power cut, as it will help you see where you are going in the darkness. Remembering where you keep the torch is also very important, as there is nothing worse than stumbling around in the dark, trying to find a torch that may or may not be there. However, it's important to remember that if you experience a power cut during the day, a torch won't be needed, unless you work in part of a building that is lit entirely by artificial light, such as a basement.

Check Your Electrics
Once you've located your torch (if necessary) check the electricity supply into your home - it could be that something just needs to be reset, and then you'll have power again. Similarly check for any burnt out fuses or other glitches that could have caused the loss of power.

Check With Your Neighbours
Once you've checked your circuits and you're sure that the power cut isn't due to anything in your house, then call around at your neighbours houses or apartments or houses, and see if they're having the same problems as you. It will be highly likely that they will, as you and your neighbours will no doubt be supplied by the same power grid. Remember, phone lines will still be active during the power cut, so if its late at night, or you don't want to venture out your house, then you can always call your neighbours and find out if they're experiencing the same problems.

Phone the Power Company
Once you've done all this, put in a phone call to your power supplier and try to find out what's going on. Usually in the case of a black out, most power companies will add a message to their automated services telling their customers that they are aware of power supplies in a certain area. If you hear this message and your area is mentioned, then the company have sent engineers to look at the problem, and power will usually be restored pretty quickly, as its in the power company's interests to make sure that their customers aren't without power for too long.

Get Estimates
If the power cut is going to last a while, the power company will arrange for emergency temporary power by hiring a diesel emergency generator until the problem is fixed. If this happens, try to get an estimate from the company about how long it will take and then sit tight, go round to a friend's house or simply curl up in bed with a good book and until power is restored.

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