A 21” LCD TV - a Versatile Mid-Range Size
July 31, 2007
A 21” LCD TV - a Versatile Mid-Range Size
by: Ryan Tenney
Some consumers consider a 21” LCD TV to be the perfect size: for TV viewing and for use as a computer monitor. Some take it one step further: they integrate their 21” LCD TV with a home theater PC. It’s easier than you think, and a home theater PC setup lets you access any media files like digital image files, audio files, and videos. You can also watch your favorite television shows or DVDs, and you can even use the 21” LCD TV as a computer monitor. It’s no surprise, then, that some consumers feel a 21” LCD TV is one of the most versatile screen sizes available.
If you watch digital TV on your 21” LCD TV, you could be already taking advantage of the possibilities of Digital Video Recorders (DVR) or TiVo. You can go one step farther; integrating your 21” LCD TV with a home theater PC setup is the ultimate in versatility. And it’s not that hard - here are a few ways available to you.
More Cool Web Tricks
July 30, 2007
If you ask most people what frustrates them most about the Internet, many of them will tell you “It’s the little things!”
It seems like all the great tricks and tips that make people exclaim “STOP! How did you do that?” never make it into any manual (at least where I can find them).
My father (and co-author of “Turn Words Into Traffic”) calls it the “reverse oral tradition” of computing, where children teach parents the survival skills of PC life.
Well, if you want to look good to your kids or buddies around the water cooler, check out the following cool web tricks.
Cool Google Tricks
Virtually everyone knows that Google.com ranks at the top of most people’s search engine lists, but it does a lot more than just tell you where to find vitamins or information on George Washington’s wooden teeth!
Need a map to a specific location?
Type in the address, city and state of virtually any location in the US, hit the search button, and Google serves up several different map providers across the Web.
Want to know what software application a certain file goes with on your computer?
Rear Projection LCD TV
July 29, 2007
Rear Projection LCD TV
by: Linda Harrison
The least expensive type of large TV is a rear-projection LCD TV. Some projection TVs have three cathode-ray picture tubes (CRTs), which are like smaller versions of the tubes used in conventional sets. The images from those small tubes are projected onto the back of a 40 inch to 60 inch plus screen, giving them the name rear projection TV. Other rear projection TV sets use LCD, digital light processing (DLP), or liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) technology in place of CRTs. These high tech rear projection TV sets are thinner, lighter, and as a result more expensive than comparable CRT-based sets - but they produce a higher-quality picture.
Major brands of rear projection LCD TV sets include Hitachi, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Philips, RCA, Samsung, Sony, and Toshiba. The most popular models are HD capable, and there are three basic types of HD TVs.
So how do you choose the right rear projection LCD TV for you and your viewing needs?
Time For Clocks?
July 29, 2007
Time For Clocks?
by: Jeff King
How can a person get through life without a time clock? We use them constantly, from watches to alarm clocks to grandfather clocks, we function through the use of a time clock, we all do. There are many different kinds of time clocks and I am willing to bet that you have more than a few of them in your home right now, probably in your car as well.
Electronic time clocks are pretty much the only kind that we see on today’s market. We no longer use wind up clocks, there are not even many wind up watches available anymore. Electronic time clocks are reliable and easy to use. You will not have to worry about having them lose time like you do other kinds of time clocks and they are cheap to run. You will not have to worry about your electronic time clocks breaking the bank.
You can find a time clock that uses almost no energy at all. These can usually be plugged in or be run on batteries. No matter which way you choose to run your time clock you will be fine and never late again! You can even place both batteries and a plug into most of these types of clocks. This is the best because the batteries serve as wonderful back up in case of a power outage.
Faster Browsing Tips
July 28, 2007
IF WE say that it was mainly because of the Windows operating system that a Computer could become a personal computer it would not be an exaggeration. The revolution is still on. Windows is far beyond what a common man presently knows and uses.
Internet surfing
For searching something, search engines are being used. However, if you know a Windows trick, then searching for information on the Net may become easy, all you need to do is simply locate the address bar in Internet Explorer and write in the phrase that you want to search on the Internet. Here it is important to remember the Internet Explorer (IE) recognizes a phrase and not a single word. If it’s a single word, then Internet, Explorer assumes it as a domain name and attempts to create a URL in its place. However key in a few words and IE will run your phrase through a search engine on Microsoft’s Web site.
If you want to search for a single word then you should put a question mark at the beginning of the line to tell IE that this is a search keyword. The same thing applies to the Netscape Communicator also and searching the Web is as easy using the Netscape as it is with IE.
Gas Masks
July 27, 2007
Gas Masks
by: Andy Jones
Gas masks, or respirator masks, are an essential part of protecting oneself from biological and chemical attacks. Respirator masks, however, are also frequently used for industrial safety on a regular basis. They can prevent the chemicals in paint and all manner of airborne pollutants from affecting your respiratory system. For those in the field of agriculture, a quality mask is essential.
There are three means by which respirator masks filter and purify the air: particle filtration, chemical neutralization, and chemical absorption or adsorption. Particle filtration uses a filter to block organisms or substances that are larger than the pores in the filter. Once the filter becomes clogged, it must be replaced to remain effective. Particle filtration gas masks, however, will not be helpful against chemicals and a different approach must be taken.
Chemical neutralization works by using a chemical to react with a particular substance, such as chlorine or ammonia, to make it non-toxic. Different filters are available for each type of chemical that needs to be eliminated. These respirator masks are ideal for industrial applications and the filters are coded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, a branch of the CDC.
Use Your Computer For Your Entertainment Needs
July 26, 2007
By using your computer today you can find a lot of different music and movie programs. From downloading music and movies directly from the internet to buying subscriptions, joining clubs, and even renting, all from the comfort of your home.
Today is a fast paced world and by having the luxury of not having to fight traffic or stand in lines makes getting your entertainment a lot easier.
Some of the more popular programs available include? file-sharing programs or also called p2p programs have cropped up all over the Internet, are easily accessible and range from being free to about twenty dollars. Also included in this category are companies such as Napster, Realrhapsody, Emusic, Itunes, Musicmatch, and even Wal-Mart, offer music downloads on a pay per song or album basis, ranging from .79 per song to about ten dollars for an album. You are able to burn these songs to a CD.
Music and movie clubs are still a strong player in the entertainment industry. Columbia House and BMG are still the two biggest music clubs today and offer outstanding bargains to join their respective clubs. Columbia House also offers a DVD club, which also includes a very good initial offer to join. Disney movie club has plenty of titles for the youngsters in your life.
Creating Short Cuts with a Vintage Apple Parer
July 25, 2007
Creating Short Cuts with a Vintage Apple Parer
by: Evelyn Williams
One of the greatest memories that many people have of home is the smell of a hot apple pie baking in the oven. The apple parer was a wonderful invention that created a short cut to peeling and paring apples. The apple parer quickly became a cook’s best friend in the kitchen.
The apple parer has been around for over two centuries. It is reported that a Moses Coates is the original American inventor of this handy creation. Moses Coates received his patent in 1803. The apple parer became one of the main kitchen staples in the home. The apple parer was used by clamping the parer down to a hard, flat surface, usually the end of a table. The apple was then inserted, and clamped down as well. A hand-held crank was attached on the side, which was used to aid in the peeling of the apple.
The apple would become quickly peeled, creating much less time spent in the kitchen. Many women loved this item, as apples could be used more often and more easily in family loved recipes.
10 Tips to Stay Safe and Secure Online
July 24, 2007
The Internet can be a dangerous place.
While you’re enjoying the convenience of online shopping, Internet banking and subscription websites, nasty people lurk around every corner.
Hackers, fraudsters, identity thieves and many others would love to get hold of your personal details.
And what stands between you and a security disaster?
Your password.
Just 8 little characters long, it’s your last line of defense online. Here are 10 tips for choosing and using bullet-proof passwords that will protect you from harm:
Tip 1 - Avoid the obvious
Passwords based on personal details are too easy to guess. Avoid using names, places, favorite sports teams, or “password”.
Tip 2 - Make it non-dictionary
One option a thief might try to crack your password is a brute-force dictionary attack. Choose something that you won’t find in any dictionary.
Tip 3 - Use the full 8 characters
The more characters a password contains the more secure it becomes, so fill that password field to the max.
Tip 4 - Mix the case
Deter thieves further by using a combination of upper and lower-case letters. A mIXeD cAsE password adds another layer of protection and is ever harder to guess.
Homemade Gifts Are From The Heart
July 24, 2007
Homemade Gifts Are From The Heart
by: Chris Robertson
If you’re like most people, every month there is at least one occasion that calls for a gift. It may be a birthday, an anniversary, or one of the many “official” holidays - such as Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, or Christmas - when gifts are expected and given. In a year’s time, you and your family members most likely give several dozen gifts. It’s not a stretch to think that, after awhile, gift giving puts a strain on both your imagination and your pocketbook.
Honestly, after you’ve given personal electronics, DVDs, video games, small appliances, and other types of gifts, you well of ideas may run dry. Then you might move on to gift certificates, which will get you through several more rounds of gift-giving occasions. But after that, where do you turn?
It may be time to go back to basics and to think about creating your own gifts. Homemade gifts come from the heart, and your recipient will appreciate the time you’ve spent planning and creating a unique gift. Homemade gifts do take time, but they often cost less than gifts purchased from a store - particularly if you are able to buy the components at wholesale prices.
