BoSox Deal Ramirez as White Sox Land Griffey

The Red Sox traded Manny Ramirez at the deadline today, shipping the disgruntled outfielder to the Dodgers in a three-way deal that sends outfielder Jason Bay from Pittsburgh to Boston, reports New England Sports Network. Earlier, Ken Griffey Jr. agreed to a trade from the Reds to the White Sox, boosting the odds that the 20-year veteran will finally play in a World Series, Fox Sports reports.

The Marlins were also in the race for Ramirez, the subject of escalating rumors as the deadline approached and his attitude steadily worsened. The Red Sox will pick up the $7 million remaining on his $20 million salary for this season, SI.com reports. The Pirates will receive reliever Craig Hansen and outfielder Brandon Moss from Boston as well as LA infielder Andy LaRoche and a minor league pitcher.

RushmoreDrive.com to make search culturally relevant to blacks online

(April 14, 2008) Cheap computers and Internet connections have helped people get online in greater numbers in recent years. Now Barry Diller's IAC/InteractiveCorp wants to make money by helping minority groups connect more easily to specific sites.

IAC last week introduced a new search engine, Rushmore Drive, meant to give the black audience a quick way to find information that other search engines -- including IAC's own Ask.com -- might bury beneath pages of less relevant results. The strategy will eventually extend to other ethnic groups, in what analysts said is the latest stab at diminishing Google's dominance in the search market.


Rushmore Drive, which gets its name from the location of the building in Charlotte, N.C., where the Web site was originated, offers search results that, at first glance, border on stereotypes. A search query for "Thanksgiving recipes," for instance, yields sites featuring recipes for sweet potato pie and collard greens. But according to Johnny Taylor, the chief executive of Rushmore Drive, the results are based on years of search data from IAC's Ask division.

Rushmore Drive analyzed search results for 3,000 of the most popular search terms in areas with large black populations and found that when people in those areas searched for recipes, they were much more likely to click on pages with soul food. Those searching for hair products, dance, cars, fraternities and sororities also ended up on vastly different Web sites than people who lived in areas with smaller black populations.

Rushmore Drive moves the Web sites preferred by black people near the top of the search results. The top four results are ads that Rushmore Drive distributes on behalf of Google and Ask.

Mr. Taylor said the company has already bolstered its paid search advertising revenue with banner advertisements from Buick and Coca-Cola, among others. Those sites run ads in Rushmore Drive's news section, where about 10 contributing writers offer their perspective on current events.

Rushmore Drive is the first of what will most likely be more ethnically focused search sites, Mr. Taylor said.

The big question, of course, is whether audiences will go through the trouble of visiting a new search engine, rather than typing in "African-American hair care products," or "soul food Thanksgiving recipes" on Google and other sites.

Ask.com met with critical success when it unveiled search refinements two years ago, and despite a big marketing campaign that included television ads, its market share increased by just half of a percentage point in the last year, to 2.5 percent, according to Nielsen Online. Meanwhile, Google's share increased from 55.8 percent to 58.7 percent.

A Google spokeswoman, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the company's policy, said that Google welcomed competition "that stimulates innovation and provides people with more choice."

Mr. Taylor said that IAC would also put an undisclosed, but significant amount of money, into promoting Rushmore Drive, in an effort to reach the roughly 12.4 million blacks now online in the United States, according to Nielson Online.

In addition to buying ads on radio, magazine and Internet properties frequented by blacks, the company will soon embark on a "gospel brunch tour" with performances by the singer Regina Bell at black churches in eight cities. Organizations like the National Urban League, the National Alliance of Black School Educators and others have also agreed to promote the service among members.

Mr. Goodman of the Yankee Group said that IAC may not find huge success with Rushmore Drive. "But I think its future is pretty bright," he said. "Diller has been fairly clear with his Johnny Appleseed strategy, where he's putting a whole lot of microconcepts into the market so you don't have to have a billion dollars invested in one idea or one company."

Other IAC initiatives under development, Mr. Goodman said, included a children's site aimed at environmentally conscious families and a site for news aficionados.

Editorial Web sites aimed at African-Americans were, before last week, wary of the Rushmore Drive project, thinking it might be a competitor. But Calvin Wong, senior vice president for advertising sales for Community Connect, publisher of BlackPlanet.com, among others, said that editorial sites could benefit.

Fighting Off Viruses: Advancements In Antivirus Software Suites

by: Nial Robbins

Protecting your computer from a virus is getting harder and harder each day. While it may border on the paranoid, it goes without saying that you can’t leave your guard down for one second. Even corporate giant Microsoft has found its own systems compromised on more than one occasion.

Remember the “good old days”, before the advent of the Internet and downloadable programs? Life was simple then in terms of computer viruses. With the primary way in which a virus could be transmitted being limited to floppy disks, the ability to catch and eradicate the virus was a lot easier. By today’s standards, it used to take quite a while before a virus was able to infect a computer and slow down the system. The antivirus software of that time was typically able to identify and eradicate viruses before they caused too much damage. Additionally, computer users were pretty savvy on how to protect themselves in terms of scanning all floppy disks before copying them to our desktop.

The Internet helped change all that. The Internet provided a conduit by which viruses could move from host to host with lightening speed. No longer could a computer user just worry about floppy disks as points of entry, but they now had to worry about email, email attachments, peer-to-peer file sharing, instant messaging, and software downloads. Today’s viruses can attack through multiple entry points, spread without human intervention, and take full advantage of vulnerabilities within a system or program. With technology advancing everyday, and the convergence of computers with other mobile devices, the potential of new types of threats also increase.

Protecting Your Computer

Luckily, the advancement of antivirus software has kept pace with current virus threats. Antivirus software is essential to a computer’s ability to fend off viruses and other malicious programs. These products are designed to protect against the ability of a virus to enter a computer through email, web browsers, file servers and desktops. Additionally, these programs offer a centralized control feature that handle deployment, configuration and updating.

A computer user should remain diligent and follow a few simple steps to protect against the threat of a virus:

1. Evaluate your current computer security system.

With the threat of a new generation of viruses able to attack in a multitude of ways, the approach of having just one antivirus software version has become outdated. You need to be confident that you have protected all aspects of your computer system from the desktop to the network, and from the gateway to the server. Consider a more comprehensive security system which includes several features including antivirus, firewall, content filtering, and intrusion detection. This type of system will make it more difficult for the virus to penetrate your system.

2. Only install antivirus software created by a well-known, reputable company.

Because new viruses erupt daily, it is important that you regularly update your antivirus software. Become familiar with the software’s real-time scan feature and configure it to start automatically each time you boot your computer. This will protect your system by automatically checking your computer each time it is powered up.

3. Make it a habit to always scan all new programs or files no matter from where they originate.

4. Exercise caution when opening binary, Word, or Excel documents of unknown sources especially if they were received during an online chat or as an attachment to an email.

5. Perform regular backups in case your system is corrupted. It may be the only way to recover your data if infected.

Recommended Antivirus Software

There are numerous applications available to consumers. With a little research, you can pick the program that is right for you. Many programs provide a trial version which allows you to download the program and test its abilities. However, be aware that some anti-virus programs can be difficult to uninstall. As a precaution make sure to set up a System Restore point before installing.

Here are a few programs which typically receive high marks in terms of cost, effectiveness, ease of use, and customer service.

The Shield Pro 2005™ provides virus protection and hacker security through ongoing support and updates. When a virus breaks out, The Shield Pro 2005™ promises to provide a patch within 2-3 hours and a fix for the virus within 5 hours. You can set your computer to update viruses weekly and run a complete virus scan.

BitDefender 9 Standard provides antivirus protection, as well as Peer-2-Peer Applications protection, full email protection, and heuristics in a virtual environment. This provides a new security layer that keeps the operating system safe from unknown viruses by detecting malicious pieces of code for which signatures have not been released yet.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus Personal 5.0 program is simple to install and use. The user only needs to choose from three levels of protection. It allows updates as frequently as every hour while promising not to disrupt your computer. The program also offers a two-tier email protection feature and round-the-clock technical support.

PC-cillin Internet Security combines antivirus security and a personal firewall—for comprehensive protection against viruses, worms, Trojans, and hackers. It also detects and removes spyware and blocks spam. It even guards against identity theft by blocking phishing and pharming attacks.

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition is a free downloadable antivirus program that has received high marks for its reliability. In the past, free downloadable antivirus programs have been viewed skeptically because of issues relating to its reliability. However, AVG from Grisoft, remains one of the best-known free anti-virus programs available. While AVG can not be installed on a server operating system and there is no technical support, it still makes a good choice for many home computer users. The best part is that since it is free, you can try it with no further obligation necessary.

NOTE: You have full permission to reprint this article within your website or newsletter as long as you leave the article fully intact and include the "About The Author" resource box. Thanks! :-

About The Author

Nial Robbins owns the work at home directory website located at:http://www.NDR-HomeBiz.com Come by and visit us today! Also, be sure to check out our "top pick" work at home opportunity at: http://www.NDR-HomeBiz.com/pips.html

Protecting Children Online With Internet Parental Controls

Written by: Kelly Hunter

The World Wide Web is a fascinating place. It has obliterated geography in terms of education and business. It facilitates learning by allowing kids to see things and experiences aspects of different places they may never get the chance to see in the non-virtual world. The Internet can bring people together who otherwise would never know each other and create a virtual universe that is totally cohesive, with every kind of information imaginable literally available at your fingertips. Sounds great, doesn’t it?

Unfortunately, the Internet has a dark side. It is full of material that is inappropriate for children and all kinds of predators. Leaving your kids alone to fend for themselves on the Web is exactly as dangerous at leaving them in a crowed airport or shopping mall. You don’t know where they’re going or who with. The news is filled with horror stories about kids who have been taken advantage of on the Internet, but you don’t want yours to miss out on all the positive aspects of the technology. The first line of defense in keeping your kids save on the Web is to teach them how to use it safely.

A lot of online dangers can be dodged simply by reminding kids of one of their earliest learned lessons: don’t talk to strangers. The kinds of people who want to harm kids have all kinds of tricks up their sleeves. They may try to lull your child into a false sense of security by pretending to be someone she knows. Make sure your child understands that it isn’t a good idea to give out personal information such as their address, phone number or the name of their school. The less information a potential predator has, the harder it will be for him to actually locate a victim. It might be a good idea to establish a secret password and share it only with friends and family so your kid has a way to identify people who are safe to chat with.

Chat interfaces and instant messaging are great tools for keeping in touch with friends and conduct business, but they are also direct connections between your child and possible pedophiles and other predators. Most instant messengers have settings that will only allow people on a pre-approved list to approach your child. That way you can let the kids chat with family and friends while keeping the bad guys out. You can visit http://www.internet-parental-control.org to find more information on online child safety measures.

You can’t watch your kids every minute they are online, and you can’t always count on them to do what you have taught them to do. Parental control software is a great back up. Most browsers will allow you to customize age-appropriate settings for each child in your house. You can choose what kinds of Web sites you want your kids to access and block them out of the ones you don’t. It’s a great way to provide a virtual safety net for your family. If the parental controls supplied by your Internet Service Provider, check into installing additional software that will evaluate each site your child attempts to access. You set criteria by which the software judges each Web page and assigns a rating, much like a movie rating. Your kids will only be able to look at sites with ratings you have deemed appropriate.

About The Author

Kelly Hunter operates http://www.internet-parental-control.org.

Source: articlecity

7 Must Know Ways To Prevent Spam

Written by: Timothy Rudon

Spam is the bane of everyone’s existence. Unsolicited mail flooding mail boxes has caused many problems world wide. The widely accepted definition of spam is “Electronic communication that contains material of a commercial, solicitational, or illegal nature, directed as part of bulk distribution to any address.”

The first step towards fighting spam is to learn how spam works. A useful source is CAUCE or the Coalition Against Unsolicited Commercial Email and the SpamCon Foundation. Log on to the World Wide Web and read about ant-spam laws, government stand against spam, and coalitions that are working towards prevention of spamming. Be sure to take part in anti-spam community efforts by joining forums and groups.

Spam can be prevented from entering your mail box by:

1. Determining the IP address of the sender and blocking it.

2. Use blacklist services like SBL (http://www.spamhaus.org/sbl) that maintain lists of IP addresses that are know originators of spammers. Blacklist services are efficient in blocking spam as they use the latest methods in preventing spam.

3. Use the spam guard services offered by email services like gmail and yahoo.

4. White list services where only mail from known addresses are approved by the recipient.

5. Use heuristic engines that look for keyword patterns that match know spam rules and block messages that contain known patterns. Well known heuristic engines include SpamAssassin that has a high detection rate.

6. Networked vigilance an open source initiative that involves continued maintenance of a data base and then the mail server asks a centralized VR node, Vipul’s razor for spam listings.

7. Using Bayesian filtering engines like SpamBayes , http://www.spambayes.org/. This has its uses as well as downside.

Spam can also be blocked by configuring anti-virus software to scan emails for viruses. Desist from leaving your email address over the internet and signing up for freebies and news letters. Use a separate email account for this purpose. Stay abreast of anti-spam efforts and adopt the latest possible anti-virus software and firewall systems. Never open mails from people unknown to you and immediately report spam mails to the mail host/provider. Try standalone spam filtering software like Qurb eTrust Anti-Spam, iHate Spam, Spam Bully.

Experts at PC World reported that almost 75 percent of email is spam mail and that in their study they found that SpamCatcher was one of the most affordable and simplest of anti-spam tools. Another notable product was InBoxer which works only with Out Look.

Fighting spam is a world wide war and efforts are being made by software manufacturers, search engines, lay persons, as well as others.

About The Author

Timothy Rudon is a writer for http://www.1855antispam.com , the premier website to find antispam, anti antispam spam, antispam software, antispam new york, solution virusand, antispam exchange, antispam microsoft, antispam free software many more.

Source: articlecity

How To Find Free Internet Marketing

by: Mark Walters

New ecommerce businesses are caught up in SEO and web optimization. They view Google as the holy grail of making profits via the internet. Their internet marketing budget is sank into buying traffic, optimizing pages, and establishing major PayPerClick programs with the major search engines. All the work, and expense, involved in following the pack, is virtually unnecessary in today’s ecommerce world.

Marketing the Website

Submitting to search engines is only the first step toward a strong Internet Marketing campaign – it should never be the full focus. There are several ways to market a website.

- search engine optimization
- Pay Per Click
- Search Engine Submission
- Generating Inbound Links and increasing Page Rank
- Building Content
- Adding Social Networking Tools such as forums

Each one of these tools have a benefit. Recently a blog community went from PR0 – PR4, and receiving 300 000 hits a month with a budget of $50 a month. The blog community invested $20 a month in a PayPerClick program to ‘boost’ their exposure on Google and be accepted and ‘ranked’ faster.

www.communati.com submitted the website to more than 3000 search engines, free, using www.webceo.com. Despite the ‘old’ search engine hype, this should only be done once or twice a year. They embarked on an article writing, forum promoting, and encouraging members to ‘put the word out.’ The inbound link campaign increased their Page Rank to PR4 within 5 months, an incredible feat.

Next, communati added social networking features like points and a chat. The important ‘trick’ to remember is that search engines give more rank to pages inside the website, not the index or home page. Building links to the home page is becoming a waste of time. Five articles with specific topics that contain high keywords, links to the rest of the ecommerce website, and ‘hooks’, will generate more PR than links to a buy now page, the index page, or a page with heavy images and graphics.

Marketing the Blog

All websites should include a blog. Not because a blog is necessary, or because people read them. The number one reason for putting up a blog is to increase keyword density, but keep in below the 5% ‘red flag’ level. It also generates dozens of extra content pages, increases the number of ‘in house’ links which are also important to increasing page rank.

A blog can also be submitted to blog directories. The best way to submit is using a service. When an Internet Marketing manager submits a blog to a directory, they must include a backward link. When they use a service they can submit to about 1000 directories without back links. The price ranges from $200 - $500. http://www.lazyurl.com/, http://www.submitcomfort.com/

One advantage of a blog is that it is submitted to the blog directories every time someone writes a new post. Web sites that are submitted more than 4 or 5 times a year may find themselves banned. However, a blog can ping the search engine several times a day without risk of being banned.

In turn, the blog search engines ‘ping’ the big search engines who give the ‘new’ content high page rank for the first few hours.

Marketing The Podcast

No podcast on your ecommerce website? Why? Submitting it to the podcast directories is another way to generate free exposure. The podcast only needs a few streaming or downloaded files to qualify. Podcasts can also be listed on dozens and dozens of free services, each building links to the main site, as well as increasing the exposure to the website. AmigoFish.com, Digg Podcasts , Podcast Pickle , http://podcasts.yahoo.com.

The most popular podcatcher software is iTunes, which is available as a free download from www.apple.com/itunes/download.

Promote Video

Does your product Appeal to younger people? Then load video at facebook, youtube, etc and then submit those videos. Don’t make a dry workshop or seminar style tutorial, but make it interesting. It is amazing how many younger people click in keywords, and then use the ‘search video only’ link to view relevant videos instead of reading articles.

The list continues. Submit your newsletter, forums, and chat directories. A single article can be submitted to more than 50 000 article submission ‘free content’ sites. No cost involved, except time, and the exposure will create a ripple effect sending your message farther across the web than a $100 000 SEO, traffic buying, and search engine submission campaign.


About The Author

Mark Walters is a third generation entrepreneur and author. He offers free training andinvesting videos designed to speed you towards financial independence at http://www.cashflowinstitute.com/videosignup.htm

Source: articlecity

How a Surge Protector Can Help a Laptop Computer

by: Stephanie Larkin

Electrical power spikes can be devastating to any electronic device, but the damage to a laptop computer can be even more significant to its owner because of the potential for lost information and reduced productivity. Safeguarding laptop computers with a surge protector (also called surge suppressors) is one simple and inexpensive way to lessen the risk of physical damage or lost information due to electrical surges.

Fluctuations in electrical service are common around the world. Known as power spikes, surges, brownouts, and blackouts, these fluctuations can cause anything from fire to data loss in an unprotected laptop computer. When power returns, it can come in a rush, rising significantly above standard household voltage levels to burn wires, overwhelm circuits and potentially cause damage to laptops, adapters, and any external peripherals that may be connected to the computer. Even when the power surge is not strong enough to knock out a system, it can slowly damage the computer's components, reducing its reliability and lifespan. A surge protector diverts the extra voltage from a power surge to a ground wire, sparing harm to any connected electrical devices.

Most household appliances use 120- volt power (AC) - the level of electricity that you get from a regular electric outlet. Laptop computers covert 120- volt power to about 12 to 18 volts (DC) by way of an adapter that is usually located along the power cord. This conversion offers some measure of protection, but it never hurts to add the additional shield of a surge protector.

Surge protectors are inexpensive insurance for costly electrical gear. They also add functionality to most office environments, as they typically come in a power bar format that offers extra outlets. While most surge protectors are also power bars, not all power bars are surge protectors. Be sure to check whether surge protection is offered before purchasing a power bar. Power bars with surge protection may cost slightly more than a regular power bar.

Many office environments use surge protectors as part of their standard equipment configurations. However, portability is a key feature of laptops, thanks to their small size and alternate battery power, so laptop operators often find themselves using their laptops outside of the surge protected office. Ideally, laptops should be guarded by a surge protector wherever they are being plugged in, so a travel-size surge protector is a good investment. This is especially true in a hotel or large building where air conditioners, elevators or other equipment requires periodic bursts of large amounts of electrical power.

Not all surge protectors offer the same level of protection, and none can guarantee electrical equipment won't be damaged if there is a severe power surge such as that caused by a nearby lightning strike. A powerful surge may also damage the surge protector, so try to find a model with an indicator light that goes out if the unit fails to function properly. There are several Underwriters Laboratories (UL) ratings (found on the label) that can help you choose an appropriate surge protector, such as clamping voltage, energy absorption and dissipation, and response time. Clamping voltage is the point at which electricity is diverted to the ground wire. Look for 330 to 400 volts. Energy absorption and dissipation is the amount of energy, in joules, that the surge protector can handle before it fails. The higher the number the better. A rating of 200 to 400 joules is adequate, but a rating of 600 joules or more will offer superior protection. Response time is the delay between the power surge and the surge protector's diversion to ground. Faster is better, in this case, as the less time your laptop is exposed to the extra energy, the safer it will be. A response time of less than a nanosecond is desirable.

Power surge consumers who aren't knowledgeable about electricity and UL ratings can also judge a surge protector by its price: more expensive models tend to offer better protection than the cheapest discount store models. Quality laptop travel surge protectors can generally be purchased for less than $50 (USD), and offer a variety of features including telephone and network/broadband Ethernet jacks, and universal plugs and sockets that will work in countries with electric utilities offering 100 volt AC service to 240 volts AC service. Some travel adapters have built- in surge protection that protects laptops as well as cell phones and personal digital assistant (PDA) devices. Most laptop surge protectors are designed with convenience in mind, and are compact and easy to pack.

The last consideration in purchasing laptop surge protection is the quality of the warranty offered by the manufacturer. Some companies will offer compensation if equipment is damaged by a power surge while it is protected with a functioning surge protector, but warranties vary, so read the fine print.

About The Author

Stephanie Larkin is a freelance writer who writes about products used with home electronics including http://www.powercomplete.com/SurgeProtectors/index.html Surge Protectors | Power Surge Protectors

Source articlecity

Internet Jobs And How You Can Find Them

by: Mark Farrar

Twenty years ago it was inconceivable that one day in the future people would be able to earn money using solely a computer with an Internet connection. Things have certainly changed since then. Technological breakthroughs have made this 'crazy' idea possible. Indeed, there have been a number of amazing and stunning advances in technology in recent years.

For most people, having a job entails working long days, over-time and work stresses etc. The daily routine of a working professional involves waking early, gobbling down breakfast, running to catch the bus or dashing to the closest taxi stand before arriving at work slightly late. Doesn't it?

If you don't think that there is any way out of this bind, then you haven't closely examined the wide variety of positions available over the internet. A simple search for "online jobs" with any major search engine will result in thousands of hits, many of them for positions that you otherwise would not have known existed. The World Wide Web has something for virtually everybody.

You can find millions of internet based jobs on the market today, and some people tend to argue about the legitimacy of these jobs. But if you can filter out the real opportunities from the chaff, you can undoubtedly earn a considerable income from a respectable online job.

Legit online jobs http://www.PerfectWealthFormula.co.uk/pwf_articles/53148-earn-money.php) are sometimes hard to find. Researching them thoroughly is your best bet. Look for jobs that are in your skill range and what you like to do. Do you like data entry, writing, web designing or translations? Becoming your own boss is rewarding, and just think of all the money you save on not having to commute

You can find resources and articles on the Internet which provide you with valuable insights into the nature of "Internet jobs (http://www.PerfectWealthFormula.co.uk/)" and thus make sure that you do not get cheated. There are many web sites which serve the purpose of providing details about online jobs. With the power of "Internet jobs", making money (http://www.PerfectWealthFormula.co.

About The Author

Mark Farrar

There are many advantages to working online, such as the elimination of time, stress, and monetary expense otherwise wasted on commuting. Others love their newfound freedom from oppressive bosses. For every skill level, there are many "legit online jobs (http://www.PerfectWealthFormula.co.uk/pwf_articles/53148-earn-money.php)". There are income opportunities available in data entry, technical writing, foreign language translation, web designing, marketing, etc. One only has to look. By harnessing the power of Internet jobs (http://www.PerfectWealthFormula.co.uk/), making money (http://www.PerfectWealthFormula.co.uk/pwf_articles/22674-internet-jobsmaking.php) can be easy. There are also many reputable web sites to help one investigate the details about various online jobs.

Source: articlecity

Computer Shopping 101

by: James A. Peterson, IT Consultant
Joboja Staff Writer

Making sure your dream machine isn’t the devil in disguise

Most people make their computer buying decisions on the basis of price or looks. (The majority of computer users don’t know anything about RAM, hard drive space, processor speed or power, or the difference between DVD-RW and BLU RAY burners. Three to six months later those same people are back at Best Buy or Circuit City wondering why their computer isn’t working, or is so slow, or won’t support the latest software or devices.
With all the different computer options, price points and platforms out on the market, it can be confusing to pick a solid computer system that will last 3 – 5 years. How do you find the right system, at the right price to fit your computing needs?

Stage 1 – Budget
Know your budget. There are plenty of financing options to purchase a computer, but you have to know how much you are willing to spend. When I say computer I mean the actual CPU, keyboard/mouse (sometimes wireless), speakers, monitor (LCD or CRT), printer (inkjet, photo, All-In-One), cables and cords, warranties and last but not least… software.
Create an actual budget that you can stick to and then search for a computer for that amount or less.

Stage 2 – Brands
Companies like Dell, Gateway, HP and Apple spend millions of dollars trying to convince the end user (you) that their machine is the best and will solve all your problems, and to build brand loyalty. Don’t make a decision just on the brand. Take time to compare brands and features just like you would when car shopping.
For example: most computers are loaded up with software that can junk up your hard drive. You may want to buy a brand that includes less unnecessary software. Or you may hear that a specific brand is on the cutting edge with a new technology and you want to buy the best.

Remember, this purchase is supposed to provide you with a quality computer system for at least the next 3 years. Do the research on brands first.

Stage 3 – Purpose
Once you find a brand with which you’re comfortable, ask yourself one critical question: What are you going to use the computer for? Most people buy computers that can do “anything.” You’re going to get more out of, and be happier with, a machine dedicated to a specific task.

Graphic designers almost always purchase Apple computers; they’re the industry standard and run the programs designers need. Project managers, office personnel and others will probably want Windows-based machines that have large hard drives for storage, and the Windows operating system (OS) for program compatibility. A photographer will always have a computer with a wide screen monitor and lots of memory for storing pictures.

Hardcore gamers will want the fastest processors, sharpest graphics cards and cool computer cases to show their unique personalities. Knowing what you’re most likely to use the computer for, and you’ll have an easier time choosing the right computer.

For example: I’m a project manager who’s constantly on the road. I want a machine that can access wireless networks, is portable but durable, Windows OS-based, has a fast processor, and a large storage drive for optimum performance. I also want a built-in webcam for conferences. Armed with that information I can start my investigation.
Ultimately I arrive at a HP Pavilion Notebook Computer with an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 240GB Hard Drive, 2GB of RAM, 17.0 Wide Screen Monitor, DVD Burner and an integrated webcam. It’s easier to get what you want once you know what it is you want.
Always remember that computers are not intended to do everything at once. If your uses for a computer branch out to different avenues in the future, consider getting another computer to share the workload, or split tasks between machines.

Stage 4 – Purchasing
Now that you’ve set a budget, done the research, know the brand you want and your purposes for the machine, it’s time to buy. Most people have a good idea of where to buy a computer, but in case you don’t, here are a few ideas: www.newegg.com, www.tigerdirect.com, Best Buy, Circuit City, www.apple.com, the Apple Store or www.Dell.com.

Make sure you review all of the purchasing details and information. Many stores want to review your computer for defects with the OS or hardware because they have to pay a 15% restocking fee if you return it because of a manufacturer’s defect. If presented with that option ALWAYS LET THEM CHECK IT OUT!

Look at the warranty information closely. You probably won’t need a warranty unless the total cost of the computer is over $1000. If you decide to purchase a warranty, make sure it covers: notebook screen, track pad, hard drive, optical drive, processor, etc… These are the most frequently damaged components on a computer and should always be covered by the warranty.

Now enjoy your new purchase. Always load the software titles first that you know you will need, then the games and other titles. In case you ever have to restore your computer to earlier settings, the restore point will then include your core software components.

You should be good to go—enjoy your new purchase and becoming apart of the digital age!

Smokers Get A Technology Boost To Help With New Years Resolutions

By Ariel Weiner   

Reston, VA, December 15, 2004 -- Millions of Americans are searching for a way to quit smoking in hope of making their New Year’s Resolutions stick. Although many will attempt to kick the habit cold turkey, with nicotine replacement therapies or with herbal elixirs, veteran smokers have learned that quitting is not easy. This year, savvy smokers are counting on technology to get them through the rough spots in the form of a handheld computer called QuitKey.

The QuitKey approach to quit smoking culminates 20 years of research. It was developed and proven effective with grants from the National Institutes of Health and builds on the enormous success of LifeSign, a first generation smoking cessation computer that uses the same gradual reduction technology. QuitKey first tracks the smokers habit and then tailors a gradual quit plan that is just right for the smoker.

“There are a number of products available that attach a smoker’s nicotine addiction. The unique thing about QuitKey is that it addresses both the physiological addiction as well as the psychological dependence that keep most smokers from quitting.” says Al Behar, President of PICS, Inc., the makers of QuitKey.

Barbara Piazza of Bossier City, Louisiana smoked two and a half packs a day before she quit using the QuitKey approach. “It gave me the support I needed. It did the thinking I couldn’t do during withdrawal, and kept me on track.”

With the New Year’s resolution season approaching, there has been a rush of sales at PICS. “We always have an increase in interest during the holiday season.” says Al Behar. “This comes from both holiday gift orders and those people who make quitting smoking their New Year’s resolution.”

QuitKey was developed and tested with funding from the National Cancer Institute and has been proven to be the most effective, drug-free smoking cessation program on the market today. 

Arnie Moses of Reston, VA started smoking when he was 12 years old and maintained his 2 pack a day habit for 40 years. “The things that sticks with me most is that I really smoked for a very long time, with this product I really stopped smoking.”

Arnie Moses is not alone in singing QuitKey’s praises. Over 1.25 million people worldwide and counting have used the QuitKey technology to quit smoking. 

PICS, Inc. is a Reston, VA based research and development company that specializes in the use of computer technology to assess and improve health behaviors such as tobacco-use, diet and exercise. With a 20-year track record and having been the recipient of over 50 grants from various members of the National Institutes of Health, PICS strives to build products that combine applied science and technology to help individuals live longer and healthier lives.

For more information about QuitKey, call 1-866-QuitKey (1-866-784-8539) or visit www.QuitKey.com.

About the author:
As a health behavior technology company, PICS, Inc. is dedicated to developing superior products that address health behaviors such as tobacco cessation, healthy diet and adequate exercise, and insomnia, which are concerns for a large majority of the population worldwide.http://www.QuitKey.com

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

What To Look For In Mp3 Player Reviews

by: Roberto Sedycias

An MP3 player review is an important resource for any potential buyer. It provides information on the product, having been tested by a range of people including experts and in a range of environments. The whole point of a review is that it allows the reader to get a well rounded outlook on a product before purchasing. Any basic MP3 player review should, therefore, give the reader clear information, considering the variety of users that may purchase the item and also the ways in which they may use it. The review is that meant to provide the best possible consumer information, and so the best type of review should give the reader the opportunity to make an informed choice about their purchase, and with confidence.

MP3 player reviews come in various styles. Some are simply tables with ratings clearly next to the criteria that are being considered. Others will consist of explanations and considerations of the various features, and also provide clear realistic examples to back up the opinion expressed. The best type of MP3 player review will provide both. This makes the review both easy to understand, will make the plus and minus points stand out, and also provide more in depth information on the device that catches the consumers eye. It will also have a clear and functional search facility that will narrow down the criteria that is most important to the buyer. This saves time and energy, and prevents unnecessary information being read.

Any review should consider a range of MP3 players within a range of price categories. The price should be clearly displayed as this is often one of the first criteria that will affect the consumer`s initial decision when choosing a product. It would be unfair to produce a review that enticed the buyer, only to show a price outside of the budget afterwards. The descriptions should place the MP3 player in the top, bottom or lowest end in terms of quality for the price category it fits. Consumers know that the higher priced models are probably the best in terms of quality and special features, but it is only the products within their price range that truly interests them.

MP3 player reviews should provide detailed information on the performance of the product, and compare it to others similar in both type and price. The sound quality should be tested thoroughly, with a range of music considered as the quality of sound will differ, for instance, with additional bass or a faster beat. The sound quality should also be tested in a variety of scenarios to ensure that most possible uses are considered; for instance, the sound quality when jogging may differ from the sound quality in a busy street. The sound should be tested through both MP3 player compatible speakers and headphones, as both are realistic possibilities.

The portability of the MP3 player is another major consideration. Size and weight can vary, and often matters a great deal to the buyer. Exact measurements should be provided where possible to give the clearest possible picture. In addition to this, the usability should be a major consideration. Some are more functional and easy to navigate than others. The buyer that is an MP3 player veteran will want a different product to that of a first time buyer.

Another consideration in any review should also be the durability, as potential buyers want to know that their chosen product is not only the best possible quality, but that it will also last. The battery life and the time taken to recharge is another important factor, and exact or average figures should be provided.

This article can also be accessed in portuguese language from the Article section of page www.polomercantil.com.br/mp3-player.php Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for www.PoloMercantil.com.br

Source: free articles

Top 10 Ways To Make A Computer Run Faster

by: Brooks Carver

Today I am going to be talking about different ways you can make a computer run faster. There is actually a lot you can do yourself that will boost your PC's performance. So lets take a look at different ways we can remedy that slow computer of yours!

1. Free Up Disk Space

A great way to make a computer run faster is to free up some disk space. Windows comes with a disk cleanup tool that helps you free up space on your hard disk. The utility identifies files that you can safely delete without messing anything up, and then enables you to choose whether you want to delete some or all of the identified files.

How to use disk cleanup tool.

* Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Disk Cleanup. If several drives are available, you might be prompted to specify which drive you want to clean.

* In the Disk Cleanup for dialog box, scroll through the content of the Files to delete list. (If you have multiple hard drives you will have to select which one to scan.)

* Clear the check boxes for files that you don't want to delete, and then click OK.

* When prompted to confirm that you want to delete the specified files, click OK.

2. Use Defrag Tool

When you add a file or a new program to a new computer, the hard drive is relatively empty so new data is saved to the hard drive in one whole block. When you need to use that information, the computer can quickly access it because it is all in one place. Defragging your system is definitely a way to make a computer run faster.

How to use defrag tool.

* From the start menu point to "all programs"
* Point to "Accessories"
* Point to "System Tools"
* Click on "Disk Defragmenter"
* The disk defragmenter will display the hard drives on your computer. Just select and click Defragment.

3. Get rid of spyware

Definition

Spyware is software with malicious intent - by design; it does something bad to your computer. Usually, it gets installed without your knowledge. It sometimes takes advantage of the fact that most people click "I Agree" to software licenses without reading them.

The only way to get rid of spyware is to have some kind of scanner, sort of like an anti-virus. In order to make a computer run faster and keep it safer your going to need an anti-spyware program. This is tricky, a lot of the spyware programs out there are malicious and will actually add viruses and spyware to your computer by using the "spyware scanner and blocker". So please remember to be very careful when choosing your anti-spyware program.

4. Find and repair disk errors

Detect and Repair Disk Errors

In addition to running Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter to optimize the performance of your computer, you can check the integrity of the files stored on your hard disk by running the Error Checking utility.

How to run the error checking utility.

* Click Start, and then click My Computer.
* In the My Computer window, right-click the hard disk you want to search for bad sectors, and then click Properties.
* In the Properties dialog box, click the Tools tab.
* Click the Check Now button.
* In the Check Disk dialog box, select the Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors check box, and then click Start.
* If bad sectors are found, choose to fix them.
Tip: Only select the Automatically fix file system errors check box if you think that your disk contains bad sectors.

5. Get an external hard drive

Adding an External Hard Drive to your computer will allow you to clear out a lot of the things you don't need to be storing on your normal hard drive.

A great example would be your music or pictures. All those songs and pictures are sitting on your computer making it go slower. You will see a decline in your computers performance as soon as you use over half of your hard drive space.

Moving all your songs or pictures to your external hard drive will free up a lot of space on your main hard drive. You can even move applications such as photoshop or games.

An external hard drive is also handy because it is portable. You can unplug it from your computer and take it to a friends house and plug it in there, sharing photos and pictures very easily.

This is truly a great way to make a computer run faster.

About The Author

My name is Brooks Carver and I am a pretty die hard computer tech. I have been working with computer directly for over 20 years now. I have a beautiful wife and daughter, and when I am not programming or fixing computers I enjoy spending time in the out doors.

If you like these tips then you will love my website. It gives the top 10 ways you can speed up your computer. It is very user friendly, it has pictures going along with every step to show you exactly what I mean. I also give out valuable information about what anit-virus and spyware programs that are safe to buy and really work. There are other fun things there too, such as top fastest things on the internet that you can vote on. If your looking to make a computer run faster this is your #1 resource! Click below now!

http://www.squidoo.com/makecomputerrunfaster/

Article Source: articlecity

Traveling with Your Camera

by: Suzanne VanDegrift

Think positive! The year's not half over, there's still half to go. That is when it comes to Photography Events and Festivals.

At least once a year, all across the country, smalltown America comes together to show their spirit by holding family-friendly festivals. These events are generally held on a weekend and feature local art, music and culture. And then there are the week long functions, such as the Yamhill Fair and Rodeo, which is held Sunday to Sunday in McMinville, Oregon. Not only will you FIND local art and cultural here, but you'll want to have your camera handy for those awesome rodeo riders and prizewinning flower entries.

But the Photography Events I'm going to acquaint you with now are the ones held in metropolitan areas throughout the world. These functions draw both local and internationally acclaimed artists. There are several well known events planned for the second half of 2007. Some of these festivals are being held in various cities throughout the United States, one in Canada and two in France. If you've dreamed of combining a vacation with your love of photography, this may be your chance to do just that. Choose a destination, pack your suitcases and camera bags and head out for the experience of a photographers lifetime.

First on the calendar is the Les Rencontres D'Arles Photographie held in France. Although this has already begun, it runs until September 16. If you are fortunate enough to travel to this phenomenal show, you will encounter 50 magnificent expositions.

Next on our calendar is the Foto Septiembre USA, held every year September 1 - 30 in San Antonio and other Texas cities. This is an International Photography Festival which is a popular destination for both artists and photography enthusiasts. Not only do they provide a forum which allows artist to exhibit their craft, but they also operate through a website and publication. This provides exhibitors, sponsors and advertisers the additional valuable support of internet exposure.

Next we head north to our Canadian neighbors in Montreal. The Le Mois de la Photo has been held every year since its inception in 1989 to celebrate the 150Th anniversary of photography. It is dedicated to Fine Art Photography and will feature 30 exhibits in galleries and museums throughout the city. The goal of this event has always been to educate the general public about photography as an art form. This year's guest curator will be art historian Marie Fraser whose theme will be The Narrativity of The Image, which should prove to be a captivating topic.

Next we're headed south to Georgia for Atlanta Celebrates Photography, ACP9, held in October. This is a citywide festival which is in its 9Th year. It has art exhibits in diverse locations throughout the city. You will enjoy lectures by international and local artists, a pushpin show, a film series and the public art program.

On to The Big Apple and the PhotoPlus International Conference + Expo 2007 being presented October 18 - 20. This is being called the premier event for forward- looking imaging solutions and photographic education. It also promises to bring leaders, pioneers, and rising new stars together for unprecedented networking events.

Paris Photo which is considered by many to be the leading fair for still photography will be held this year on November 15-18. It will offer photo enthusiasts some 100 galleries and publishers from all over the world. In addition to the exhibits, there will be book signings, prize award ceremonies and lectures. What could be better than to be in the City of Lights with your camera and other photographic devotees.

We wrap up the year in Florida at the Photo Miami scheduled for December 5-9. This International Contemporary Art Fair will be held in the Wynwood Art District of Miami. It focuses on Photo-based art, video and new media.

Any one of these Photography Festivals would be a once-in-a-lifetime trip whether you're a hobby photographer or photograph for living. Dust off you your camera bags and hit the road.

About The Author:

Suzanne VanDeGrift of Web Submission Services, Inc. has developed this article for M-ROCK manufacturer of a Modular Fanny Pack Camera Bag System

Source: articlecity

The Right Cell Phone Plan

By Nancy Corwin

These days, there are many cell phone companies that want your business. They offer free mobile phones, attractive plans, and low monthly rates. But not all plans are the same. Some companies charge extra for calls made outside the calling area, while others charge for using additional features such as text messaging and photo uploading. When looking for a cell phone plan, you should decide what you need in terms of the number of minutes, special features, and unlimited area usage. This will give you a better idea of which wireless phones are for you.

When comparing cell phone companies, you should also compare cell phones, as they are not all created equal. While you may receive a free cell phone when you sign up for a wireless phone plan, the mobile phone may not have all the features you need. These days, many people need to purchase cellular phones that are in sync with their computer, can connect to the internet, and act as a PDA. Many times it is better to purchase a cell phone when deciding on a plan.

Cricket is a cell phone company that offers four different plans and a variety of phones to purchase when choosing a plan. Since people need cell phones when traveling, or when away from the office, more companies are now available that provide cellular service. You can choose to buy a cell phone that is expensive or choose a cheap cell phone model. Price is not always the deciding factor when buying a cellular phone. Cricket offers many discount cell phones when you are ready to buy a wireless phone.

With a wide range of Nokia phones available, you can purchase cellular phones that will last a long time from companies like Cricket. The Nokia N91 unlocked, Nokia E70 unlocked, Nokia 7370 unlocked, and the Nokia N80 unlocked, are all quality phones you can choose from. If you are looking for internet capabilities, the Nokia 770 Internet Tablet unlocked is also available. Buying the right phone is important for those who use it often.

A cellular phone is more than just an accessory, it is a way for you to connect with family, friends, the office, and in case of emergency situations. Choosing the right provider is important because you may need help from customer service, you may want to upgrade or change your plan, or you may want to purchase other mobile phones in the future. Companies that can adapt to fit your needs are more successful than those who overcharge or fail to provide excellent customer service at all times. Once you have found a provider you trust, you will be able to relax and enjoy your new mobile phone and the service you receive.

About The Author:

Nancy Corwin is a freelance editor for Cricket Coupons. Read more and find great deals and discounts on Cricket Coupons products at couponcart.com/cricket/index.aspx?KID

Source: articles-hub.com