2006-02-05

Become Your Own PC Repairer

If you are like me, you have probably owned quite a few personal computers. You are sure to have had the occasional problem, and rushed the machine off to the repair shop. At the time, the cost of repairs may have seemed a bit high in proportion to the original cost of the machine, and you might not have been quite sure what was actually done.

You can learn to do your own diagnosis and repair work. It is worth while knowing what is going on inside the box, even if you do not do the work yourself. With a good understanding of the likely causes of the hardware problems, you can be a lot more confident that the repairs carried out were reasonable and necessary.

To begin with, a good source of technical information is necessary. You can always ask at your local electronics shop, but if you really don't know what you are talking about, the embarrassment can be a big turn off. There is an excellent book available called 'Upgrading and Repairing PCs' written by Scott Mueller. (link located below) This is the most complete and most readable 'how-to' book I have found, and if you only buy one book on the subject, Scott's is the one to get you hands on.

The next step is to choose a few projects to get familiar with the hardware. The best way to begin building up your skills is to pull a computer completely apart, and then put it back together. If it still works after that, then you have made a pretty good start. At this stage, you may be thinking 'hang on a minute, I paid a lot of money for my system - No way am I going to risk messing with that baby'.

No, as a beginner, you definitely should not. You can get hold of some old computers to tear apart and rebuild. Old computers are seen as worthless, and you will find Pentium 1 and 2 machines being discarded as rubbish, even though they are still in good working order. Even a Pentium 3 can be bought very cheaply, and most of these are pretty good performers. A word of warning - be careful how widely you spread the news of you new interest in old computers. You will be surprised how many 486s and older are sitting in cartons in garages and basements; your friends and family will really be delighted to give you an amazing collection of electronic junk.

Get familiar with the various parts, and how they fit together. Learn to identify the different styles of processor chip, RAM, disk drives and other components.

As always, safety is paramount. The computer components themselves operate at low voltages, but you still have the mains strength voltage coming into the back of the computer. Always power off and unplug when you are working on the computer, and be suspicious of any signs of overheating or of burning smells. Enjoy your tinkering.

Upgrading and Repairing PCs Interested in laptops? For best deals on factory name brands -
-Click here. Even more information about laptops

2006-01-22

How Does VOIP Work?

VOIP is Voice over Internet Protocol. Standard telephone lines are referred to as PSTN or the Public Switched Telephone Network. PSTN works on circuit switching. A good example of circuit switching is the old switchboard operator who would connect callers to receivers by the use of electrical circuits. VOIP is Packet Switching. Packet Switching consists of data packets, or packets of information being carried across the Internet, from your computer to either another computer or PSTN telephone.

VOIP operates in different forms. For instance, you can use VOIP when you use an Instant Messaging program with voice on your computer. These are very popular and now Yahoo, AOL, MSN, ICQ, and even Google have VOIP Instant Messaging programs. The benefits of these programs are that they are free to download off of the Internet, and by using a microphone and your speakers; you can talk over the Internet with any of your buddies. As long as your friends and family members download the same program, you will be able to talk with them as long as you like, and absolutely free. You can talk to anyone, anywhere in the world with VOIP Instant Messengers.

Another method of VOIP technology is to use a VOIP service provider for your basic telephony needs. A very familiar company is Vonage. For a monthly fee, you will receive VOIP services, the same as you pay for your regular telephone services. You can choose to use your VOIP service over the Internet, or you can choose to connect your VOIP to your standard telephone. By connecting a VOIP phone adapter to your modem and standard phone, you will be able to use your VOIP service and your telephone as you would with any other telephone service provider.

Many people prefer to use a VOIP service provider because the cost of local and long distance calling with VOIP is very inexpensive. Many providers offer unlimited calling plans. There are other features that are often bundled with your service plan. Features such as Voicemail, Caller ID, Call Waiting, Call Transfer, and 3 Way Calling are often included for free in your selected VOIP plan. By choosing your VOIP service provide and installing a phone adapter, you will be on your way to making low cost VOIP calls in minutes.

You can also purchase a specialized VOIP phone. These phones come in both cordless and corded styles. The cordless VOIP phones work the same as standard cordless phones. Many of these phones also come with conferencing features and are suitable for small or home business needs. Another form of VOIP telephones are the VoWiFi phones. These are wireless VOIP phones. This is the same technology as VOIP, only you are not limited to a plugged in connection. You can use your VoWiFi phone wherever there is a wireless High Speed Internet Connection. These phones are more expensive then mobile phones, and haven’t had all of the kinks worked out yet. However, they are still a cost effective choice for those who would like to save a little money.

VOIP has proved to be a viable source of telecommunications. Many companies are now offering VOIP services and those who aren’t have plans to do so. Companies such as Verizon and Sprint offer VOIP services. Other companies are working on creating VOIP phones and VoWiFi phones.

There are Hybrid phones on the market, which allow for both VoWiFi and Cellular calling. These phones have many people excited. They can work in a network range as a cellular phone, and then, they can work as a VoWiFi phone, avoiding all roaming charges.

The FCC has issued some regulations regarding VOIP and the ability to call 911. Because VOIP uses the Internet and not a landline phone, when a call is made to 911 from a VOIP connection, the operator who receives the call receives none of the caller’s pertinent information. This includes address or location of the call. Some service providers do not supply 911 at all; others have what is known as Enhanced 911 services. To use these services you may need to activate your service, as well as register your information with 911. However, you will need to sign a statement when you apply for your VOIP services stating that you understand your 911 capabilities may be limited.

2005-11-27

Learn To Get Free Traffic

Every webmaster and affiliate marketer all wish and seek the same thing. To increase web site traffic for free. It's a good goal as a lot of free advertising can be very effective if used properly, will deliver quality free traffic. If you don't know how to get free web traffic then this short overview will point you in the right direction.

There are a lot of free traffic resources online today that it is overwhelming for most new business owners. While there is literly thousands of free traffic programs out there some are a complete waste of time.

Read More Here.

2005-10-24

Electric, Classical, Acoustic - Which Guitar Is Best For You?

Author: David Arnold Livingston

No one could really pinpoint the exact year as to when
the guitar was created. The lute, harp and lyre are
the three stringed instruments from which guitars
evolved. The features of guitars vary for each musical
period. The guitar is one of the most popular musical
instruments today to bring out soothing music or to
perk up one's energy level. Bands and gigs will not be
complete without guitars. Guitars are also used as a
means to free hidden and unexpressed feelings and
emotions or it can as well be a medium to spend time
meaningfully together with loved ones and peers.

There are various types of guitars that can suit the
intended purpose of the user such as the twelve strings
guitars, six strings, classical guitars and electric
guitars. Twelve strings made up the twelve strings
guitar to achieve a rich tone compared with the
standard six string guitars. The courses of strings
are played together though the sound produced are
different from the other. On the bass course are two
strings tuned an octave apart and on the treble courses
are the other pairs of strings that are tuned together.
The third string in the third course can be tuned by
using unison strings or the distinct high-pitched
octave guitars strings. The style of standard six
string guitars can allow the user to have easy contact
on the higher frets on the finger board. This type
needs an access on the frets to produce the desired
sounds and effects.

Classical guitars of the olden days have cat gut which
later on developed into nylon strings. These types of
guitars have a flat fingerboard and wide neck. Other
guitars experts suggest that classical guitars are the
best types for beginners since it has greater string
gauge and lighter string tension but still the decision
is on the buyer since the classic guitar may not suit
their preferences and style. Classic songs and music
are best played using classical guitars.

Electric guitars are made up of different materials and
use various components to produce the needed sound.
Alder, Mahogany, Walnut, Maple and Ash are the commonly
used types for the body of electric guitars. The woods
and the construction, the types of strings, quality of
components used, length of cables and the overall
condition of the environment determine the quality of
the sound produced. Electric guitars are used in
various forms and styles of music may it be pop,
country, rock and roll, jazz or blues.

In buying guitars, the user must make sure that the
chosen guitar will match his budget, playing style and
skills. An electric guitar is easier to play compared
with an acoustic guitar. Acoustic guitars can produce
audible sounds without using amplifiers. It makes use
of either the nylon or wound steel rings. There are
also acoustic and electric guitars that can be played
with the presence or absence of an amplifier.

Package deals are at times offered for beginners which
may include a guitar together with other options like a
tuner, pics, strap and case. The soundboard of the
guitars must be carefully inspected to determine the
type of sound produced. Producers of good quality
guitars are usually the well-known companies in the
industry like Taylor, Gibson, Yamaha, Fender, Ovation,
Martin and Ibanez. There are wide selections of style
and design to choose from to match the buyer's
distinctness and uniqueness.

David Arnold Livingston is a music lover and enjoys guitars.
Visit: http://ufguitar.com/
for lots of great information about guitars.

2005-10-04

Three Ways Music Can Help You To Lose Weight

Hi there! I found this excellent little article on using music to lose weight. After reading it I thought it was pretty neat so I want to share it with you now. Enjoy and if needed I hope it helps you shed a few. I sure could use it lol :-)

Joe Sansoucie

Three Ways Music Can Help You To Lose Weight

Music is the key to the soul. It can lift you up and put a smile on your face or alternatively it can bring you down and reduce you to tears. Music is powerful and fortunately you can use it to help with your weight loss.

The interesting thing about music is that the same track or song can induce different emotions in different people. If you met the love of your life during a particular song, then you probably enjoy it and feel happy when you hear it played on the radio. Another person may have been cruelly dumped by their boyfriend during that same song, played at the same time somewhere else in the world, chances are this song brings back all that pain and hurt the breakup caused.

Have you ever played upbeat music loudly when working out or been to a nightclub and found yourself dancing all night because the music was so good? Music not only generates positive emotions but it can also help to motivate you. Music can bring out the best in all of us, it makes you feel good and encourages us to move or dance. So how can music help you to lose weight?

Here are my top three tips to use music with your diet.

1. Choose your favourite music album and as soon as you wake up in the morning put it on. Listen to it as you have breakfast and get ready for your day. It will put a spring in your step and help you to be positive, you will feel capable of anything and that feel-good feeling will carry you through the day. Being positive and happy makes you much more motivated and you will find sticking to your diet easy.

2. Put music in your car. Listening to the radio can help to relax you after a hard days work. If you get home stressed out and grumpy, you are much more likely to go to the cupboard and overeat. Play music in the car, as loud as you like and have a good sing. Putting all your frustrated energy into singing will help you feel relaxed and give your mood a much needed boost. You will get home refreshed and energetic rather than exhausted and feeling down.

3. If in the evening you are bored watching television you will find yourself going to the cupboard to snack on foods. This is a really bad time for all dieters. Turn off the television and put some music on, do your household chores, have a dance with your children, play games or invite friends over for coffee. Not only are you not overeating but you are also spending quality time with your family or friends.

I cannot tell you which is the best song to listen to or even which album motivates people the most. The choice is yours. It will be different for everyone and will probably depend on many factors, age, taste in music, life events, lifestyle, etc. What I can say is have a good look through your music collection and choose several albums, this way you won’t get bored too easily and will enjoy the music. Try listening to songs you used to love when you were younger, it brings back happy memories and encourages you to lose those extra pounds

Think about buying a personal walkman or an MP3 player, both are small are portable ways to listen to music when you out and about. It might even motivate you into going for a long walk.Get some fresh air into your lungs and enjoy it. Don’t look at it as exercise, it is simply getting out of the house to stretch your legs.

Good luck with your slimming and I hope the music tips help you with your weight loss.

Danielle Rivers is the author of Weight Wellbeing Diet Book For more information and advice on weight loss visit

2005-09-14

How To Change Your Electric Guitar Strings

How To Change Your Electric Guitar Strings
by: Mantius Cazaubon

Many guitarists, especially beginners, struggle with changing
electric guitar strings. But it really is a simple exercise.
Here's a straightforward guide you can follow:

Tools.

You will need a small needle nose pliers to cut and bend the
strings, and a string winder to help you wind the strings
quickly.

Remove the string.

You should change each guitar string one at a time. That way, you
will avoid warping the guitar neck, and you will be able to
quickly tune the new string to the other strings.

I usually remove the 6th string first. Use your string winder and
turn the tuning peg until the string becomes very slack. Now cut
off the twisted end of the old string so that it slips easily out
of the guitar. Then wind the top section of your string out of
the tuning peg.

What you do next will vary depending on the type of electric
guitar you have. The one I'm using, the strings go through the
body. Remove the old string. Pay close attention to the way your
old string comes off, and do the opposite when putting a new one
back on.

Relace the string.

Now let's put back a new string. Feed the string through a hole
in the body of your electric guitar, or the tail piece. As said
earlier, it depends on your particular electric guitar. Get the
ball end of your string in place.

Now pull the string over the bridge, over the nut of the neck,
and up past the tuning peg. Make sure it isn't slack. The new
string is very long so you will have to cut some of it off. Leave
enough string for a few winds around the tuning peg. Two inches
above the peg should work.

Pull the string through the hole of the tuning peg and begin
winding it. The string shouldn't be slack. To keep the tension,
place your fingers under the string. With the guitar facing you,
wind the tuning pegs on the left side clockwise. Wind those on
the right side anticlockwise.

To speed up the winding process, place your string winder over
the tuning peg and wind until the string becomes tight. Then take
off the peg winder and use the tuning peg to tune the string.

Now that you've changed and tuned your 6th string, you can just
repeat the process for all the other strings.

Breaking in.

Since the strings are new, they can stretch and go out of tune
easily. They need to break in. You can speed up the breaking in
process by stretching the string yourself. Give the strings a few
gentle pulls or do some spirited strumming.

You will find yourself having to tune your guitar quite a bit
after replacing your strings. But after one or two days
everything should be okay.

About The Author

Mantius Cazaubon offers a buying guide to helping you choose an
electric guitar that meets your needs on his site,
http://www.electric-guitars-guide.com/. Visit
http://www.electric-guitars-guide.com  for electric guitar
lessons, tips, and reviews.

2005-09-01

Hurricane Katrina

I received this, read it, agree with it and now offer it to you to pass along. Boy! Some people. Joe Sansoucie.

I normally don't write about things like this, but sometimes
you have to speak up about things that are just plain wrong!

I have been watching the news about Hurricane Katrina as I am sure
you have been too. My heart goes out to these people and I pray
they get the assitance they need as fast as humanly possible.

What makes me sick are the emails I have been receiving over
the past few days from people "claiming" to help. Maybe they
are sincere maybe not. I don't know.

Case #1 - A Scumbag Marketer

One marketer sent out information about how you can help. I
clicked on the link because I want to help out as much as I
possibly can.

Here's what made me sick to my stomach...

He had the nerve to actually require you to enter your name
and email address into an optin box in order to get the info!!!

What a marketing SCUMBAG! I normally don't talk like this, but
this one really got on my nerves. Why not just give the info?

Is this guy really that bad off that he has to profit
from these poor people? That's about as low as it gets!!!

Case #2 - Buy My Crap and I'll Donate (I don't think so)

I am certainly not going to buy anyone's stuff and HOPE that my
money goes to these people. Think about it, it first has to go
to this person and then they have to take out their supposed
costs and then, MAYBE, they'll forward they money on to a worthy
charity.

I DON'T THINK SO!!!

What is this person thinking? Hmmmm... if I use this DISASTER
which has left thousand of people HOMELESS... I can get my
product into the hands of more people... YOU IDIOT!

Again... another person who seems to be high on crack!

If you want to by a product, then buy a product. If you want
to donate, then donate directly to the source. PERIOD!

You don't have to buy a product in order to donate your
money to worthy charity or organization. Just do it.

Let me make my stance PERFECTLY CLEAR!

YOU DON'T PROFIT FROM OTHER PEOPLE'S MISFORTUNES!

These people are devastated, they lost their jobs, their homes,
some lost their loved one's lives, or maybe even their own life
due this major catastrophe...

How dare these people try to profit from this distaster!

I urge you to NOT support these SCUMBAGS!

If You Want To Help The Hurricane Efforts

Here's two links to legitimate organizations to  donate your
money to if you want to help.

    FEMA - http://www.fema.gov
    Red Cross - http://www.redcross.org


Feel free to pass this message on to someone else.

Locals Raise 500,000 For Flood Victims.

Driving home tonight after visiting a friend listening to the radio, I heard that local southern California residents had raised half a million dollars for flood victims today at the Anaheim Pond and I believe he said Dodger stadium in Los Angeles.

The radio station KLOS 95.5 and one other I couldn't catch because of freeway noise were responsible. Half a million dollars in one day! Wow. Amazing how fast and how readily these folks stepped up to the plate to lend a hand financially to help the folks in the south.

The DJ explained that folks just drove up, rolled down the window and handed either a check, cash or in some cases bags of loose change. If you wish to help wherever you live, contact your local Red Cross to make your donation. I am sure any amount will be fine.

The official site for the Red Cross is listed below.

http://www.redcross.org

2005-08-15

Computer Industry Almanac Inc.

I found this great site called the Computer Industry Almanac Inc.

Very interesting topics and information.

"Computer Industry Almanac Inc. publishes market research reports for the PC, Internet and wireless
industry. Previously, Computer Industry Almanac Inc. published two reference books. The company was founded in 1986."

I thought maybe you would find this useful. Enjoy!

2005-08-08

Stupid Computer Tricks!

I frequently purchase a copy of PC World. While Ann and I were shopping today I went ahead and got the latest copy. In the CD that came with the magazine, there was an article titled: Super-Duper Tools For Your Toolbox.

In this article was a small paragraph under the heading of Dig This with a link out to a web page called Stupid Computer Tricks. You must check out the photo's of computers that came into this service department.

Really funny Stuff! I like too many of them to pick a favorite but if you have ever successfully built a computer or you have ever worked in the field as I have, you will absolutely love these!

A few left me rolling on the floor! Like this one!

Just click next from there! Enjoy! 

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