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The amazing Auroa Borealis

2011-01-05T21:13:00.001-08:00

Dancing across the clear skies, the amazing Auroa Borealis are truly a sight to behold.

Icelandic photographer Kristjan Unnar Kristjansson - also known as 'Kiddi' - has spent the last nine years capturing the kaleidoscopic light show in his native homeland.

'These are some of my very favourite Aurora Borealis photos that I have taken in recent years,' said the 31-year-old from Reykjavik in Iceland.

Lighting up the stars tonight: The Northern lights at Hvalfjorour fjord in Akranes near Reykjavik change the look of the landscape completely

The Aurora Boralis over a golf clubhouse, and in the distance, the Second World War lighthouse, in Seltjarnes. Icelandic photographer Kristjan has spent the last nine years capturing the kaleidoscopic light show

'No words can properly describe the experience. Even though I've seen them now and again throughout my life, I'm still awe-inspired and flabbergasted every time they show up.'

Also known as the northern and southern polar lights, the natural light displays are governed by sun storms and are usually observed at night.

In northern latitudes the effect is known as the Aurora Borealis, named after the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora, and the Greek name for the north wind, Boreas.

Using highly sensitive cameras - and a lot of patience - Kristjan has gone to extraordinary lengths to capture the images.

'It is really hard capturing them, as they require bright lenses, highly photosensitive cameras, warm clothes and a whole lot of luck,' he said.

Mackerel skies? Deep inside Hvalfjorour fjord in Akranes near Reykjavik, the amazing phenomenon is a sight to behold. Photographers need warm clothes and a lot of luck, says Kristjan

'Words can't describe the experience': Photographer Kiddi Kristjan with the northern lights in the background

'Flashlights are must-haves, especially when there's no moonlight, as the night can be pitch black.
'I don't think anyone has ever captured a good aurora photo in their first try or even their second.

'I try to have people, structures, landscapes in the picture as it gives the auroras authenticity, scale and value, at least in my opinion.'

Even though Kristjan is lucky enough to sometimes see the auroras from just outside his apartment, he often takes trips out of Reykjavik in order to get the best pictures.

'Getting good photos of them on the other hand can be tricky,' he said. 'So I often take trips outside of Reykjavik with a friend or two, and we take a drive to a remote, light-pollution free location.

'In total, I would estimate that I've driven somewhere around 10, 000-15, 000 kilometres while looking for them.'

Waiting for the light: At Hvalfjorour fjord, photographers wait patiently while their digital cameras gather light, in Mosfellsaer.

For Kristjan the there is no other natural phenomenon as experiencing the Aurora Borealis first hand. 'I recommend that everybody should try to visit Iceland, Norway, Greenland, Alaska or any other northern-latitude country for this purpose alone. The northern lights are something special,' he said.

The auroras are with us all year round. In Iceland, the summers never go dark so you wouldn't be able to see them, even though they are there.

'The auroras are governed by sun storms, which have been few and small in recent years. The last peak was in 2001, and the next peak is expected between 2013 - 2015.

'I can tell they're getting stronger by looking at their colour,' says Kristjan. 'Usually they're just green/pinkish, but now we're seeing clear tones of red. I can't wait until my next aurora trip.'

Skip the boot selection screen and boot right into Windows 7

2010-12-25T15:43:00.001-08:00

What does this do?

When you have multiple operating systems installed on your computer, you will have to pick an OS to boot into each time you turn on your computer.

The boot selection screen

This tutorial teaches you how to eliminate the screen altogether so you can boot into any opearting system without having to choose. Or if you’d like, you can also reduce the amount of time the computer gives you before it picks the default operating system to boot into.

Why would you want to do this?

Saves time if you’re mostly booting into one operating system. For example, I have a multi-boot setup for benchmarking purposes. But most of the time, I use Windows 7.

How-To:

1) Open the Start Menu, right click on Computer, and select Properties

2) Select Advanced System Settings from the sidebar

3) Click on Settings under Startup and Recovery

4) If you want to skip the boot selection screen completely, uncheck the box beside Time to display list of operating systems

If you just want to decrease the amount of time it takes for the boot selection screen to stay open, just change the number of seconds in the box beside.

What did you think of this guide? Too many pictures? Not enough instructions? Good tutorial? Please let us know in the comments.

whyblockedmee” viruses Messenger

2010-11-27T07:46:00.000-08:00

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100+ Top Make Money Online Resources!

2010-09-16T06:43:00.001-07:00

Today Bloggers make recent income through plenty of Make Money Online resources. It includes affiliate programs, pay per click, selling text links, advertising programs, sponsored reviews and so on.

Following are the list of 100+ best make money online resources. You can join them and start making money online today!

Affiliate Programs/Networks

Pepperjam Network
LinkShare
ClickBank
MoreNiche
LeadPile
Google Affiliate Network
Widgetbucks
Neverblue
Commission Junction
Forex-Affiliate
Affiliate.Com
Amazon Associates
Affiliate Fuel
LinkConnector
ShareASale
Chitika
AdPlosion
Buy.At
ShopZilla
T3leads
ClixGalore
CafePress
Regnow
AzoogleAds
oneNetworkDirect
Sponsored Review Programs
Pay Per Post
Paying Post
Buy Blog Reviews
Sponsored Reviews
Reviewme
Blogvertise
Blogitive
Smorty
LoudLaunch
BlogToProfit
BloggerWave
Selling Text Link Ads
LinkWorth
InLinks(Text-Link-Ads)
Backlinks
Teliad
Link Direct
TNX
Text Link Brokers
LinkXL
Advertising Programs
Google Adsense
Chitika
AdBrite
Bidvertiser
Pheedo
AzoogleAds
MediaFed
Qumana
BlogAds
CrispAds
PeakClick
TargetPoint
IndustryBrains
BloggingAds
OneMonkey
Yahoo Publisher Network
Q Ads
Oxado
MIVA
BulletAds
Clicksor
AdKnowledge
DoubleClick
Tribal Fusion
Yes Advertising
RevenuePilot
SearchFeed
ValueClick media
AdsMarket
ROIRocket
ThankYouPages
In-Text Advertising Programs
Kontera
AdBrite
Infolinks
Vibrant Media
RSS Feed Ads
Google Adsense
Bidvertiser
Pheedo
Pop-ups and Pop-unders
PopupAd
PayPopup
Adversal
Tribal Fusion
Selling Direct Ads
Performancing Ads
OIO Publisher
BuySellAds
Writing Content

You can also find a suitable job from the ProBlogger Job Board and earn a decent income!

You can check my other post too on Make Money Online Money Blogging Affiliate and Referral Programs.

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$3 Million in 6 Months With Adsense!

2010-09-12T19:05:00.001-07:00

Keywords:

money,million,adsense,make,free,fast

Article Body:

Source: www.hazstore.info

The Power Play Interviews: Markus Frind- $3 Million in 6 Month

This is the first in a series of Internet Success Stories that you will begin to see on the Power Play Blog. Hope you enjoy them!

Markus Frind, the creator of Plentyoffish.com is a success story worth noting, as he has managed to take a niche formerly ruled by giant corporations and give it his own brand of marketing savvy. A case of David vs. Goliath, where the little guy comes out on top in the end. Markus is the top "individual" adsense publisher in terms of pageviews. Lets find out what some of his secrets are as he shares some advice with our readers. Feel free to comment!

Markus, what is your experience in computer programming and how did it prepare you for becoming a webmaster?

The average pageviews a day is around 14 million for the last week. I'm getting another 80 million pageviews a day from users polling the site to see if they have new messages. Really intensive bandwidth wise!

When I go to your website, I notice that the ads are targeted to my region, yet I have not even registered- can you explain to our readers how you accomplish this feat?

I'm just using ip2location.com- Basically i take your IP, look it up in the database and it tells me what your city is. I then bring up a list of users in your city, nothing magical about it at all.

Are most of your visitors coming primarily from search engines (SERPS), or are you finding that they come from other avenues? Do you actively advertise in the media?

Search engines account for something like 2% of my traffic. The vast majority of my traffic, like any other site with over 5 million pageviews a day comes from word of mouth, and repeat visitors.

The services on your site seem to be offered at no cost to the registrants. Is there some advantage you have over your competitors that allows you to do this?

I've developed new algorithms that allow me to create a mega site for next to no cost. Several years ago I created algorithm that was thousands of times faster then the algorithm used in the 1990's to find a string of 22 prime numbers. At the time a professor used several super computers and hundreds of regular computers over the course of several years to find a record. I did the same thing on 1 computer in 2 weeks.

Fascinating! Are there any other sites you currently maintain, or is plentyoffish.com the only one?

Its the only site at the moment. I've got a few other sites I registered for friends so they could learn to do marketing/affiliate stuff. At this point i think 1 site is enough.

Any tips for those looking to create a profitable endeavor on the internet?

IF someone else thinks what you are doing is a cool idea I'd say it isn't... Find something no one else thinks is important and build up a site with big traffic in that area. Also keep in mind, sites that have low monetization today but have traffic may be the gold mines of tomorrow. In the internet world anything and everything will be monetized at some point and traffic is king.

Traffic is King- very wise advice, Markus. One last question- How do you find the time to maintain such a large commodity on the internet? Surely you must have some other interests in life besides programming and website monitoring?

It only takes a hour a day on average, but its very tiring work. I spend the other couple of hours reading and seeing what is going on.

How to Implement a Sticker Chart System

2010-09-11T01:30:00.001-07:00

Getting kids to behave the way you want them to is one of the biggest challenges parents face. By creating a chart system with stickers, you show your children a visual example of positive results as well as consequences for poor choices. This is an easy and effective way to motivate your child's behavior well on a regular basis.

Instructions

Determine what you are creating the chart for. Do you want to reward positive behavior, such as using the potty like a big girl; or are you focused on teaching your little one to do his chores each day?
Keep your expectations realistic. A three year old is not going to make her bed as well as her 10-year-old brother no matter how hard she tries. Comparing her efforts to her older sibling will only result in frustration and disappointment for both of you.
Decide what larger rewards will be provided to the child when a certain amount of stickers has been achieved. To create an immediate effect, make this a short term goal. For example, set the standard so that an award could be earned at the end of a good week.
Create a chart that shows what behaviors you want your child to accomplish daily. Make the sticker chart easy to read and colorful.
Put a sticker that represents this goal in the proper place so kids can see their progress. Let them know that when you cover that sticker up, they will get the bigger reward.
Place the sticker chart in an easy-to-see location, so children see the results of their choices several times a day.
Explain what you want the child to do. Help him accomplish the set goals and come back to the chart together. Let him see you place the sticker in the first position and praise them for their work. Tell him that negative behavior or chores not completed will result in the removal of one sticker, or not earning a sticker.

How to Write a Business Proposal

2010-09-11T01:21:00.001-07:00

Instructions

Talk with somebody who has written several successful business proposals. Ask what worked and what didn't.

Outline a two-part proposal. The first part will describe the business opportunity and your plans to take advantage of it. The second will present financial data - tax returns, a balance sheet and a summary of your operating plan.

Write the proposal. Limit the first part to 10 pages. Make it concise and clear. When describing the market opportunity, cite sources.

Explain what makes you and your company different from competitors. Perhaps you have special skills and experiences. You might have a new technology. Talk about your achievements in the industry.

Describe the segment of the market you will pursue. Discuss what you will do to take market share away from competitors.

Identify prospective customers. Explain why you are targeting them.

Summarize your marketing plan. Offer details, but be brief.

Discuss any regulatory issues your company might have to deal with.

Identify the management team. Who are the top three people in the company? Give brief biographical sketches.

Describe your expectations regarding revenue and cash flow for the first year. Discuss how much money you think you will need to get started, how it will be used, and where you plan to obtain it.

Physical exercise

2010-09-11T00:42:00.000-07:00

Physical exercise

Is exercise performance movements to develop or maintain fitness and general health. It is often also towards sports skills or ability. these practices through frequent and regular movements. Exercise is an important component in preventing certain diseases like cancer, heart disease, heart disease and type 2 diabetes and obesity and pain. exercises in general are the four types, depending on the overall impact on the human body:

Flexibility exercises to a group of muscles and joints.

Aerobic exercises such as walking, running and focus on increasing endurance helps healing from diseases of the heart and blood vessels and helps muscle.

Anaerobic exercises such as training, jogging, and help increase muscle mass and strength.

Physical exercise is important for maintaining fitness including healthy weight; helps build and maintain bones, muscles, and joints; it also helps reduce the risk of surgery, strengthen the immune system to the athlete.

Try Windows Server 2008 R2 Today

2010-09-08T11:57:00.001-07:00

Try Windows Server 2008 R2 Today

Evaluate Windows Server 2008 R2 free for 180 days. Download the trial software for a guided experience where you will receive periodic information on adoption, migration, and deployment. Virtual Hard Drive (VHD) images are also available to download for a fast evaluation.

Download Windows Server 2008 R2 Trial Software

Register to download your evaluation ISO image and receive periodic e-mail with links to valuable developer resources.
*Available as a consolidated ISO image for English, German, Japanese, French, Spanish, and Chinese.

Download SP1 Beta Software

The Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 (SP1) Beta is a joint release for both Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7. SP1 Beta for Windows Server 2008 R2 includes previously released updates and delivers a number of powerful new features for virtualization and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI): Dynamic Memory and RemoteFX.

To download and install the SP1 Beta software, you must currently be running Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7. The Windows Server 2008 R2 Trial Software allows you to install the SP1 Beta. Windows 7 Trial Software is also available for download.
Download the SP1 Beta software and begin testing today.

Looking for a fully configured VHD experience?

Download the Virtual Hard Drive Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise and Server Core evaluation images configured for Hyper-V (64-bit only).
Looking for a Windows Server 2008 VHD evaluation image? Download the 32-bit VHD image for Windows Server 2008

Evaluate Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-Based Systems

Register to download your evaluation ISO experience tailored for IT Professionals, or Software Developers
*Available for English, German, Japanese, and French.
Be sure to review the Windows Server 2008 R2 system requirements before you proceed. Actual requirements and product functionality may vary based on your system configuration.

Looking for Windows Server 2008 R2 Multilingual User Interface Language Packs?

Multilingual User Interface (MUI) Language Packs (Windows Server Language Packs) enable a multilingual user interface in a Windows Server 2008 R2 environment. Adding one or more language packs to a Windows Server 2008 R2 image enables one or more languages in the installed Windows Server operating system, allowing corporations to deploy the same Windows Server 2008 R2 image worldwide while still providing localized user interfaces.
Download one or more of 35 language packs for Windows Server 2008 R2.

Can My Existing Servers Run Windows Server 2008 R2?

Download the Microsoft Assessment and Planning tool to securely inventory your existing servers and generate a migration report for Windows Server 2008 R2.

Learn how to install Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3)

2010-09-08T11:51:00.001-07:00

Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) is an important update that includes previously released security, performance, and stability updates for Windows XP.

How to get SP3

The recommended (and easiest) way to get SP3 is to turn on Automatic Updates, which can automatically download SP3 when it's available for your computer. You just need a few clicks to begin the installation and the rest of the process is automatic. If Automatic Updates isn't turned on, you can install SP3 by using Windows Update at the Windows website.

In order to install SP3, you must first have Windows XP Service Pack 1a (SP1a) or Service Pack 2 (SP2) installed. These are also available when you have Automatic Updates turned on.

Understanding security and safe computing

2010-09-08T11:46:00.001-07:00

Understanding security and safe computing

If you connect to the Internet, allow other people to use your computer, or share files with others, you should take steps to protect your computer from harm. Why? Because there are computer criminals (sometimes called hackers or crackers) who attack other people's computers. These people can attack directly, by breaking into your computer through the Internet and stealing your personal information, or indirectly, by creating malicious software (or malware) designed to harm your computer.

Fortunately, you can protect yourself by taking a few simple precautions. This article describes the threats and what you can do to defend against them.

Check your security status with Windows Security Center

Windows Security Center is your headquarters for computer security. It shows your computer's current security status and recommends anything that you should do to help make your computer more secure. To open it:

Open Security Center by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking Security, and then clicking Security Center.

Security Center checks your computer for these security essentials:

Firewall. A firewall can help protect your computer by preventing hackers or malicious software from gaining access to it.
Automatic updating. Windows can routinely check for updates for your computer and install them automatically.
Malware protection. Antivirus software can help protect your computer against viruses, worms, and other security threats. Antispyware software can help protect your computer from spyware and other potentially unwanted software.
Other security settings. Security Center checks for proper Internet security settings and whether User Account Control is turned on. For more information, see User Account Control Overview.

Windows Security Center

If any of the security items have a red or yellow background, your computer might be vulnerable to security threats. To fix the problem, click an item to expand it, and then follow the instructions.

What are security alerts?

If Windows detects that your computer might need enhanced security in any one of the security areas—firewall, automatic updating, malware protection, or other security settings—you will see a notification every time you log on until the problem is fixed. Notifications are displayed in the notification area of the taskbar.

Security notification

Click the notification to open Security Center, where you can learn how to fix the problem

Use a firewall

A firewall is software or hardware that checks information coming from the Internet or a network and then either turns it away or allows it to pass through to your computer, depending on your firewall settings. In this way, a firewall helps prevent hackers and malicious software from gaining access to your computer.

Windows Firewall is built into Windows and is turned on automatically.

How a firewall works

If you run a program such as an instant messaging program or a multiplayer network game that needs to receive information from the Internet or a network, the firewall asks if you want to block or unblock (allow) the connection. If you choose to unblock the connection, Windows Firewall creates an exception so that the firewall won't bother you when that program needs to receive information in the future

Use virus protection

Viruses, worms, and Trojan horses are programs created by hackers that use the Internet to infect vulnerable computers. Viruses and worms can replicate themselves from computer to computer, while Trojan horses enter a computer by hiding inside an apparently legitimate program, such as a screen saver. Destructive viruses, worms, and Trojan horses can erase information from your hard disk or completely disable your computer. Others don't cause direct damage, but worsen your computer's performance and stability.

Antivirus programs scan e‑mail and other files on your computer for viruses, worms, and Trojan horses. If one is found, the antivirus program either quarantines (isolates) it or deletes it entirely before it damages your computer and files.

Windows does not have a built-in antivirus program, but your computer manufacturer might have installed one. Check Security Center to find out if your computer has antivirus protection. If not, go to the Microsoft Antivirus Partners webpage to find an antivirus program.

Because new viruses are identified every day, it's important to select an antivirus program with an automatic update capability. When the antivirus software is updated, it adds new viruses to its list of viruses to check for, helping to protect your computer from new attacks. If the list of viruses is out of date, your computer is vulnerable to new threats. Updates usually require an annual subscription fee. Keep the subscription current to receive regular updates.

Use spyware protection

Spyware is software that can display advertisements, collect information about you, or change settings on your computer, generally without appropriately obtaining your consent. For example, spyware can install unwanted toolbars, links, or favorites in your web browser, change your default home page, or display pop-up ads frequently. Some spyware displays no symptoms that you can detect, but it secretly collects sensitive information, such as which websites you visit or text that you type. Most spyware is installed through free software that you download, but in some cases simply visiting a website results in a spyware infection.

To help protect your computer from spyware, use an antispyware program. This version of Windows has a built-in antispyware program called Windows Defender, which is turned on by default. Windows Defender alerts you when spyware tries to install itself on your computer. It also can scan your computer for existing spyware and then remove it.

Because new spyware appears every day, Windows Defender must be regularly updated to detect and guard against the latest spyware threats. Windows Defender is updated as needed whenever you update Windows. For the highest level of protection, set Windows to install updates automatically (see below).

Update Windows automatically

Microsoft regularly offers important updates to Windows that can help protect your computer against new viruses and other security threats. To ensure that you receive these updates as quickly as possible, turn on automatic updating. That way, you don't have to worry that critical fixes for Windows might be missing from your computer.

Updates are downloaded behind the scenes when you're connected to the Internet. The updates are installed at 3:00 A.M. unless you specify a different time. If you turn off your computer before then, you can install updates before shutting down. Otherwise, Windows will install them the next time you start your computer.

To turn on automatic updating

Open Windows Update by clicking the Start button , clicking All Programs, and then clicking Windows Update.
Click Change settings.
Make sure Install updates automatically (recommended) is selected. Windows will install important updates for your computer as they become available. Important updates provide significant benefits, such as improved security and reliability.
Under Recommended updates, make sure the Include recommended updates when downloading, installing, or notifying me about updates check box is selected, and then click OK. Recommended updates can address non-critical problems and help enhance your computing experience. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

Use a standard user account

When you log on to your computer, Windows grants you a certain level of rights and privileges depending on what kind of user account you have. There are three different types of user accounts: standard, administrator, and guest.

Although an administrator account provides complete control over a computer, using a standard account can help make your computer more secure. That way, if other people (or hackers) gain access to your computer while you are logged on, they can't tamper with the computer's security settings or change other user accounts.

To determine your account type

Open User Accounts by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking User Accounts and Family Safety (or clicking User Accounts, if you are connected to a network domain), and then clicking User Accounts.

The account type appears under your name.

User account information

If you are currently using an administrator account, see Change a user's account type to learn how to change it to a standard account.

Tips for using e‑mail and the web safely

Use caution when opening e‑mail attachments. e‑mail attachments (files attached to e‑mail messages) are a primary source of virus infection. Never open an attachment from someone you don't know. If you know the sender but were not expecting an attachment, verify that the sender actually sent the attachment before you open it. See When to trust an e‑mail message and Avoiding e‑mail viruses.
Guard your personal information carefully. If a website asks for a credit card number, bank information, or other personal information, make sure that you trust the website and verify that its transaction system is secure. See When to trust a website.
Use the Phishing Filter in Internet Explorer. Phishing is the practice of creating fraudulent e‑mail messages and websites in order to trick computer users into revealing personal or financial information. The fraudulent e‑mail message or website appears to be from a trusted source, such as a bank, credit card company, or reputable online merchant. The Phishing Filter helps detect phishing websites to protect you from scams. See Phishing Filter: frequently asked questions.
Be careful when clicking hyperlinks in e‑mail messages. Hyperlinks (links that open websites when you click them) are often used as part of phishing and spyware scams, but they can also transmit viruses. Only click links in e‑mail messages that you trust.
Only install add-ons from websites that you trust. Web browser add-ons, including ActiveX controls, allow webpages to display things like toolbars, stock tickers, video, and animation. However, add-ons can also install spyware or other malicious software. If a website asks you to install an add-on, make sure that you trust it before doing so. See Should you install ActiveX controls? and Internet Explorer add-ons: frequently asked questions.

Organize files and folders

2010-09-08T11:42:00.001-07:00

Your computer puts information at your fingertips. Over time, however, you might have so many files that it can be difficult to find the specific file you need. Just like a physical filing cabinet, your computer files can benefit from better organization.

In order to keep your information organized, try these tips:

•

First, create a folder structure that organizes your files according to category.

•

Once you've done that, you will be able to find most files by simply clicking the folder. If a folder has a large number of files, you can use the Details view to locate the file you need.

•

If you aren't sure which folder contains the file you need, you can search your computer for the file.

Create a folder structure

The most effective way to organize your files is to create a folder structure that fits how you use your computer. For example, you might have folders within My Documents for:

•

Finances: Documents related to your budget and taxes

•

School: Class notes and reports

•

Work: Your résumé and other work-related documents

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Shopping: Notes comparing different products and stores

•

Home: Records relating to home maintenance and improvements

To create a folder structure

Click Start, and then click My Documents.

Click the File menu, click New, and then click Folder.

Type the name for your new folder, and then press ENTER.

Repeat steps 2 and 3 to create additional folders.

Note: You can create sub-folders within folders for multiple levels of organization.

After you have created your folder structure, you can move files into your new folders

In My Documents, select the files or folders that you want to move. To select multiple files, hold down the CTRL key and click each file you want to select.

Click the Edit menu, and then click Cut.

Open the folder you want to store your files in. Click the Edit menu, and then click Paste.

Repeat steps 1-3 until you have moved all of your files to their new locations.

Now that you have an organized system of folders, when you save new files, be sure to save them in one of your folders to keep things organized.

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Browsing files

Sometimes you know where a file is stored, but there are so many files in the folder that it's difficult to find the file you want. The best way to search through a large folder is to use the Details view. The Details view allows you to quickly sort your files and view different types of information about all the files in a folder.

To use the Details view

Open the folder you want to browse

Click the Views button, and then click Details.

To sort the files, click the column heading that you want to sort by. For example, to sort files from oldest to newest, click the Date Modified heading. To reverse the sort order (for example, to sort from newest to oldest), click the column heading twice.

By default, the Details view shows the file name, date, size, and type. You can add other information as well. To add or remove columns, right-click a column heading, and then click More.

In the Choose Details dialog box, select the columns you want to see in the Details view. For pictures and videos, you can add Dimensions to sort by size. For music, you can add Artist, Album Title, and Genre to make it easier to find the songs you want.

Click OK to add the columns to your Details view.

When you modify the columns in the Details view, it affects only the folder you are viewing. To change the layout of all folders on your computer, read Specify how folders open.

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Searching for files

If you don't remember which folder you saved a file in, you can search for it. To search for a file

Click Start, and then click Search.

In the left pane, click the type of file you want to search for, or click All files and folders.

Based on the type of file you chose to search for, specify your criteria. If you know part of the file name, type it. Then click Search.

Windows XP searches your computer, which may take several minutes. Windows XP then displays the search results, which you can browse just like files in a folder. Once you are done searching, click Yes, finished searching.

Tip: If you want to view any of the search results, double-click the file and it will open in the relevant application. You can do this as many times as necessary to find the file you need.

Note: For even faster search results, download and install the MSN Search Toolbar with Windows Desktop Search. With Windows Desktop Search, you can find files on your computer in just a few seconds.

Delete files you don't need anymore

2010-09-08T11:34:00.001-07:00

If you don't get rid of or recycle things in your house from time to time, you eventually run out of room. This is true for your computer as well. Whether it's a digital picture with everyone’s eyes closed, an outdated resume, or a song you're tired of, at some point everyone needs to delete files. Deleting a file removes it from your computer and frees up space for more files, just like getting rid of old clothes and shoes frees up room in your closet.

To help you avoid accidentally deleting a file, Windows automatically moves a deleted file to the Recycle Bin, rather than removing it from your computer. You can then choose to restore it from the Recycle Bin or permanently remove it by emptying your Recycle Bin. The sections that follow describe how to delete files and use the Recycle Bin.

Note: The following types of files are not placed in the Recycle Bin:

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Files stored on removable disks

•

Files stored on network drives

•

Files deleted from compressed (zipped) folders

How to delete a file

To delete a file, click it to select it, and then press the DELETE key.

When prompted, click Yes.

When you delete a file, Microsoft Windows XP moves it to the Recycle Bin so you can recover it later, as described in the next section. If you want to permanently remove a file, empty your Recycle Bin.

Tip: To bypass the Recycle Bin when deleting a file, hold down the SHIFT key while pressing DELETE. When prompted, click Yes to immediately remove the file from your computer.

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How to restore a file from the Recycle Bin

If you deleted the wrong file, don't panic. Deleted files are temporarily stored in the Recycle Bin. To protect you from accidentally deleting a file, the Recycle Bin stores a copy of the files you delete.

To restore your file from the Recycle Bin

On your desktop, double-click the Recycle Bin.

In the Recycle Bin, you will see every file you have recently deleted. (As the Recycle Bin fills, Windows will automatically delete the oldest items first.) Find the file you want to recover, right-click it, and then click Restore.

Your file is returned to its original location. You can close the Recycle Bin

Tip: You can easily access your desktop by right-clicking your clock and then clicking Show The Desktop.

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How to empty the Recycle Bin

Rather than wait for Windows to automatically delete files when your Recycle Bin is full, you can free up space for new files by emptying it.

To empty your Recycle Bin

On your desktop, right-click the Recycle Bin, and then click Empty Recycle Bin.

When prompted to confirm the action, click Yes.

Emptying the Recycle Bin permanently removes your files, making them unavailable to most users. However, skilled computer users might be able to recover files even after they have been removed from the Recycle Bin. Therefore, while emptying the Recycle Bin frees up disk space, it is not sufficient for removing highly confidential information. To remove every trace of a file, use a tool such as Cipher.exe to permanently overwrite deleted data.

Set up Windows XP for multiple languages

2010-09-08T11:28:00.001-07:00

Windows XP supports more than 100 languages and dialects. Typically, you use one primary language on your computer. However, with Windows XP, you can set up multiple languages, and then switch between them with just two mouse clicks. A multiple-language setup is useful if you often send and receive documents in different languages. If your computer is used in a multilingual household, you can configure each user account with a different language.

•

Set up your computer for multiple languages
To change the primary language or set up multiple languages on your computer, first you need to add your preferred languages.

•

Switch between languages
To change the language on your computer, use the Language Bar.

•

After you have set up the user accounts, you can show everyone who uses your computer how to switch between user accounts.

How to set up Windows XP for multiple languages

To add languages

Click Start, and then click Control Panel.

Click Date, Time, Language, and Regional Options.

Click Add other languages.

In the Regional and Language Options dialog box, on the Languages tab, click Details.

In the Text Services and Input Languages dialog box, on the Settings tab, click Add.

In the Add Input Language dialog box, click the Input language list and select your preferred language and dialect. If you want to change the standard keyboard layout, click the Keyboard layout/IME list and select a new keyboard layout. Then, click OK.

In the Text Services and Input Languages dialog box, on the Settings tab, click the Default input language list, and select the language you will use most often. The language you select as the default will display when you first start your computer.

To add additional languages, go back to step 5.

- or -

If you have finished adding languages, click OK.

In the Regional and Language Options dialog box, if required, select the Install files for complex script and right-to-left languages and Install files for East Asian languages check boxes.

10.

Click the Regional Options tab. Click the Standards and formats list, and then select your region.

11.

Click the Location list, and then select your location

12.

Click OK to save your settings.

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How to switch between languages

If more than one language is installed on your computer, Windows XP displays the Language Bar in the lower-right corner, near your system clock. The Language Bar shows the two-letter abbreviation for the language that is currently displayed.

To switch between languages

•

Click the Language Bar button, and then select the language and dialect you want to use.

Note: It may take up to a minute for the new language to appear.

Moving files and settings to a new computer running Windows XP

2010-09-08T11:25:00.001-07:00

You might want the high performance and powerful features of a new computer, but you don't want to give up the comfortable feeling of your old computer. You've arranged your desktop just the way you like, installed all your favorite programs, and organized your files so you can quickly find anything you need. Don't worry: If your new computer has Windows XP installed, you can use the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard to copy everything from your old computer to your new computer.

Transfer files and settings across a network or cable

If you bought a new computer and can run it at the same time as your old computer, you can use a home network or a cable to transfer your files and settings. To use a home network, connect both your old and your new computers to the network at the same time. If you can't connect both computers to your home network, connect a null modem serial cable (available at most electronics stores) to the serial ports on both computers.

There are three phases to transferring files and settings between an old and a new computer using your network or a cable:

•

Prepare your new computer.

•

Run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard on your old computer.

•

Complete the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard on your new computer.

This article walks you through each of these three phases. The entire process should take about an hour.

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Transfer files and settings using a shared folder or external hard disk drive

If you are reinstalling Windows XP on a single computer, or if you can't run your old and new computers at the same time, you can use the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard to store your information on an external hard disk drive or in a shared folder on your home network.

There are two phases to transferring files and settings between an old and a new computer using a shared folder or removable media:

•

Run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard on your old computer to create a backup of your files and settings.

•

Run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard on your new computer to restore your old documents to your new computer.

This article walks you through each of these phases. The entire process should take about an hour.

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Transfer files and settings across a network or cable

Prepare your new computer

If you have a home network, connect both your old and new computers to the network. Then log on to your new computer as an administrator. After you have done that:

Install any programs you use on your old computer.

Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Files and Settings Transfer Wizard.

The Files and Settings Transfer Wizard appears. Click Next.

On the Which computer is this? page, click New computer. Then, click Next.

On the Do you have a Windows XP CD? page, you can create a Wizard Disk if you do not have the Windows XP CD available. If you have the Windows XP CD, click I will use the wizard from the Windows XP CD, click Next, and skip to the section Run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard on your old computer. Otherwise, continue with the next step.

Connect the removable media (such as an external hard disk drive, a USB flash drive, a memory card from your digital camera, or any removable media large enough to store your files and settings) to your computer. Click I want to create a Wizard Disk in the following drive. Select the removable media, and then click Next.

When prompted, click the option that describes the operating system running on your old computer, and then click OK.

When prompted to insert the removable media, click OK.

The wizard displays the Now go to your old computer page. If you are transferring files across a network, skip to the section Run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard on your old computer. If you are transferring files with a serial cable, click Next, and then continue with the next step.

10.

On the Where are the files and settings? page, click Direct cable, and then click Next.

11.

Connect your null modem serial cable to the serial ports on both your old and new computers. The serial ports are on the backs of the computers and have nine pins in two rows.

12.

On the Set up your serial connection page, click Autodetect. Leave the wizard on this page while you continue the process from your old computer.

Run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard on your old computer

To continue the process on your old computer

Close any open programs.

Launch the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard. If you created a Wizard Disk, connect the Wizard Disk to your old computer. Click the Start menu, click My Computer, double-click the Wizard Disk to display its contents, and double-click FASTWiz. Then, skip to step 6. If you did not create a Wizard Disk and have your Windows XP CD instead, continue with the next step.

Insert your Windows XP CD. If Windows XP Setup does not appear after 20 to 30 seconds, click the Start menu, click My Computer, right-click your CD drive, and then click AutoPlay.

The Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP page appears. Click Perform additional tasks.

Click Transfer files and settings.

The Files and Settings Transfer Wizard appears. Click Next.

On the Which computer is this? page, click Old computer. Then, click Next.

If you are alerted that the firewall is blocking the program, click Unblock.

The wizard displays the Select a transfer method page. If you are transferring files across a network, click Home or small office network, click Next, and then skip to step 12. If you are transferring files with a serial cable, continue with the next step.

10.

On the Select a transfer method page, click Direct cable. Then click Next.

11.

On the Set up your serial connection page, click Autodetect. Then, click Next.

12.

On the What do you want to transfer? page, click Next.

13.

If the Install programs on your new computer page appears, click Next.

14.

The wizard will examine your old computer, which may take about an hour. You do not need to be present during this time. When it is finished, the Password dialog box will appear on your new computer, displaying a case-sensitive password. Type this password in the Password dialog box on your old computer. Then, click OK.

15.

The wizard will transfer your files and settings, which may take an hour. You do not need to be present during this time. When the transfer is complete, click Finish on the old computer.

Complete the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

To complete the transfer process on the new computer

After the wizard transfers your files and settings, click Finish.

When prompted, click Yes to log off. Then, log on again to access your newly transferred files and settings.

You are done transferring your files and settings, and can use your new computer. You should shut down your old computer, but keep it available for at least two weeks in case you discover a file that was not transferred.

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Transfer files and settings using a shared folder or external hard disk drive

Run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard on your old computer

To run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard on your old computer

Log on to your old computer.

Close any open programs.

Insert your Windows XP CD into your CD drive. If Windows XP Setup does not appear within 20 to 30 seconds, click the Start menu, click My Computer, right-click your CD drive, and then click AutoPlay.

The Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP page appears. Click Perform additional tasks.

Click Transfer files and settings.

The Files and Settings Transfer Wizard appears. Click Next.

On the Which computer is this? page, click Old computer. Then, click Next.

If you are alerted that the firewall is blocking the program, click Unblock.

Connect the removable media (such as an external hard disk drive, a USB flash drive, a memory card from your digital camera, or any removable media large enough to store your files and settings) to your computer. On the Select a transfer method page, click Other. Click the Browse button to select your removable media, and then click OK. Click Next.

10.

On the What do you want to transfer? page, click Next.

11.

The wizard will back up your files and settings, which may take an hour. You do not need to be present during this time. When the backup is complete, click Finish.

Now you can safely reinstall Windows XP. Then, continue the transfer process on the new computer.

Run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard on your new computer

To run the Files and Setting Transfer Wizard on your new computer

Log on to your new computer as an administrator.

Install any programs that you used on your old computer.

Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Files and Settings Transfer Wizard.

The Files and Settings Transfer Wizard appears. Click Next.

On the Which computer is this? page, click New computer. Then, click Next.

On the Do you have a Windows XP CD? page, click I don't need the Wizard Disk. Then, click Next.

Connect the removable media to your computer. On the Where are the files and settings? page, click Other. Click the Browse button to select your removable media, and then click OK. Click Next.

After the wizard transfers your files and settings, click Finish.

When prompted, click Yes to log off. Then, log on again to access your newly transferred files and settings.

You are done transferring your files and settings, and can use your new computer.

Create and customize user accounts

2010-09-08T11:23:00.001-07:00

Do you have more than one person using your home computer? If you do, you can create user accounts for everyone in your home so that they can set up Windows XP with unique favorites, colors, wallpaper, and private files. You can even create a guest account for visitors to use.

•

Create a user account for each person who uses your computer.

•

Change the default display pictures or add passwords for the accounts.

•

After you have set up the user accounts, you can show everyone who uses your computer how to switch between user accounts.

How to add user accounts

To set up user accounts

Log on to your computer as an administrator. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.

Under Pick a category, click User Accounts.

Under Pick a task, click Create a new account.

In the User Accounts wizard, on the Name the new account page, type the name for the user. You can use the person's full name, first name, or a nickname. Then click Next.

The User Accounts wizard displays the Pick an account type page. Click Limited, and then click Create Account.

To create another account, return to step 3.

Note: In these steps, you created a limited account. Limited accounts offer better security than Computer administrator accounts. However, limited accounts cannot make system-wide changes or install some applications. If you need to make changes to your system, log on with the administrator account you used to create the new accounts.

Now that you have added new user accounts, you can change the default display pictures or create passwords for the accounts.

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How to choose pictures or create passwords for user accounts

By default, accounts have standard pictures but do not have passwords. You can add your own picture for each account, which can make it easier and more fun for children—and adults—to identify their accounts. To prevent other users from accessing an account, create a password.

To either choose a picture or create a password

Log on to your computer as an administrator. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.

Under Pick a category, click User Accounts.

Under or pick an account to change, click the account for which you want to choose a picture or create a password.

To choose a custom picture

•

a. Click Change the picture.

•

b. Click Browse for more pictures.

•

c. Click the picture you want to display for that account, and then click Open. Windows XP will display the picture you select on the logon screen.

To create a password to prevent other people from using an account

•

a. Click Create a password.

•

b. On the Create a password page, type the password twice. Optionally, type a password hint. Then click Create Password.

To choose pictures or create passwords for other accounts, return to step 3.

Now that you have set up accounts, you can show everyone who uses your computer how to switch between user accounts

Activate and register Windows XP

2010-09-08T11:21:00.001-07:00

After you install Windows XP, you'll be asked to activate and register the software. Though activating and registering sound similar, these are actually two different steps that provide different benefits.

Activation is the process that unlocks Windows XP. This process helps ensure your software is genuine, which in turn helps protect you from inadvertently installing counterfeit software. If you were not able to activate Windows XP during the setup process, you should activate it as soon as possible after setup is complete. After 30 days, Microsoft will require you to activate Windows XP before allowing you to log on and use it. After you activate Windows XP, you can validate the operating system, which will grant you access to hundreds of free downloads.

Registration is optional and provides Microsoft with your contact information so that they can notify you of important updates and offers.

To activate and register Windows XP after you've completed setup

Connect your computer to the Internet.

Click Start, point to All Programs, and then click Activate Windows.

On the Let's activate Windows page, click Yes. Then, click Next.

On the Register with Microsoft? page, click Yes. Then, click Next.

On the Collecting registration data page, complete the form. Then, click Next.

The Activate Windows Wizard then connects to the Internet to activate and register your copy of Windows. On the Thank You! page, click OK.

Now your copy of Windows XP is activated and registered.

To receive the latest updates and free downloads from Microsoft, you have to complete one more step: Validate your genuine Windows XP.

Use Windows XP to join a network

2010-09-08T10:44:00.001-07:00

The networking capability of Windows XP is one of your computer’s most important accessories because it gives you access to the Internet and e-mail. If you have more than one computer, you can also create a network to share files and printers between your computers. If you connect a Media Center Extender device (such as an Xbox 360) to your network, you can use your TV to listen to music or watch videos stored on your computer.

There are two types of networks:

•

Wired networks
If you use a desktop computer in the same room as your Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) or cable modem, router, or network hub, you should connect your computer to other computers or the Internet using a wired network.

•

Wireless networks
If you have a portable computer, or you want to use a desktop computer in a different room from your DSL or cable modem, it’s easiest to connect your computer using a wireless network rather than run cables through your home or office.

How to join a wired network

Wired networks, also commonly known as Ethernet networks, are the easiest and most reliable way to connect your computer to a network. Windows XP automatically configures wired networks, and all you need to do is connect your computer to your network equipment using a network cable.

Aside from a computer and Internet service, you’ll need the following equipment (usually provided by your Internet service provider) to join a wired network and connect to the Internet:

•

A DSL modem, a cable modem, or a router

•

An Ethernet cable

If your modem or router is not already connected to your external Internet connection, your Internet service provider should set it up for you.

To connect your computer to the network after the modem is in place

Click Start, click Turn Off Computer, and then click Turn Off to shut down your computer.

Connect your Ethernet cable to your DSL or cable modem using any port that is not labeled WAN (wide area network) or Internet.

Connect the other end of your Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on the back of your computer.

Start your computer and log on. Windows XP will automatically connect to your network.

To verify the connection, launch Internet Explorer and attempt to connect to the Internet. If you cannot access the Internet, contact your Internet service provider for assistance.

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How to join a wireless network

Wireless networks, also known as Wi-Fi or 802.11 networks, enable you to connect to a network from any room in your house. Wireless networks can be difficult to configure. For best results, follow the instructions provided with your wireless network equipment, and contact your wireless network equipment support center if you need assistance.

To join a wireless network, you need the following equipment:

•

A wireless access point or wireless router

•

A computer with built-in wireless networking support or a wireless network adapter

To join a wireless network

Configure your wireless access point or wireless router and write down your network name and network key.

Note: If your wireless access point supports Windows Connect Now, follow the steps in the article Easily add to your existing wireless network, or go wireless for the first time.

Plug your network adapter into your Universal Serial Bus (USB) port and place the antennae on top of your computer (in the case of a desktop computer) or insert the network adapter into an empty PC Card slot (in the case of a laptop). Windows XP will automatically detect the new adapter and might prompt you to insert the CD that came with your adapter. The on-screen instructions will guide you through the configuration process.

Note: If your computer has built-in wireless network support, you can skip step 2.

Windows XP will display an icon with a notification that says it has found a wireless network. Right-click the Wireless network icon in the lower right corner of your screen. Under Network Tasks, select View available wireless networks.

The Wireless Network Connection window will appear, and you should see your wireless network listed with the network name you chose. Select your network, and then click Connect in the lower right-hand corner.

If your network is encrypted, Windows XP will prompt you to enter a key. In both the Network Key and Confirm Network Key boxes, type the encryption key that you wrote down, and then click Connect.

Windows XP will show its progress as it connects to your network. After you’re connected, you can close the Wireless Network Connection window. You’re done!

To verify the connection, launch Internet Explorer and attempt to connect to the Internet. If you experience problems joining your wireless network, or you cannot reach the Internet, read How to troubleshoot wireless network connections in Windows XP. If you cannot solve the problem, contact your wireless network equipment vendor for support.

Install Windows XP

2010-09-08T08:11:00.001-07:00

Installation process

Installing Windows XP can take up to two hours. To make the process more manageable, it has been broken up into several sections. When you are ready, install Windows XP:

Part 1: Begin the installation

Insert the Windows XP CD into your computer and restart your computer.

If prompted to start from the CD, press SPACEBAR. If you miss the prompt (it only appears for a few seconds), restart your computer to try again.

Windows XP Setup begins. During this portion of setup, your mouse will not work, so you must use the keyboard. On the Welcome to Setup page, press ENTER.

On the Windows XP Licensing Agreement page, read the licensing agreement. Press the PAGE DOWN key to scroll to the bottom of the agreement. Then press F8.

This page enables you to select the hard disk drive on which Windows XP will be installed. Once you complete this step, all data on your hard disk drive will be removed and cannot be recovered. It is extremely important that you have a recent backup copy of your files before continuing. When you have a backup copy, press D, and then press L when prompted. This deletes your existing data.

Press ENTER to select Unpartitioned space, which appears by default.

Press ENTER again to select Format the partition using the NTFS file system, which appears by default.

Windows XP erases your hard disk drive using a process called formatting and then copies the setup files. You can leave your computer and return in 20 to 30 minutes.

Part 2: Continue the installation

Windows XP restarts and then continues with the installation process. From this point forward, you can use your mouse. Eventually, the Regional and Language Options page appears. Click Next to accept the default settings. If you are multilingual or prefer a language other than English, you can change language settings after setup is complete.

10.

On the Personalize Your Software page, type your name and your organization name. Some programs use this information to automatically fill in your name when required. Then, click Next.

11.

On the Your Product Key page, type your product key as it appears on your Windows XP CD case. The product key is unique for every Windows XP installation. Then, click Next.

12.

On the Computer Name and Administrator Password page, in the Computer name box, type a name that uniquely identifies your computer in your house, such as FAMILYROOM or TOMS. You cannot use spaces or punctuation. If you connect your computer to a network, you will use this computer name to find shared files and printers. Type a strong password that you can remember in the Administrator password box, and then retype it in the Confirm password box. Write the password down and store it in a secure place. Click Next.

13.

On the Date and Time Settings page, set your computer’s clock. Then, click the Time Zone down arrow, and select your time zone. Click Next.

14.

Windows XP will spend about a minute configuring your computer. On the Networking Settings page, click Next.

15.

On the Workgroup or Computer Domain page, click Next.

Part 3: Complete the installation

16.

Windows XP will spend 20 or 30 minutes configuring your computer and will automatically restart when finished. When the Display Settings dialog appears, click OK.

17.

When the Monitor Settings dialog box appears, click OK.

18.

The final stage of setup begins. On the Welcome to Microsoft Windows page, click Next.

19.

On the Help protect your PC page, click Help protect my PC by turning on Automatic Updates now. Then, click Next.

20.

Windows XP will then check if you are connected to the Internet:

•

If you are connected to the Internet, select the choice that describes your network connection on the Will this computer connect to the Internet directly, or through a network? page. If you’re not sure, accept the default selection, and click Next.

•

If you use dial-up Internet access, or if Windows XP cannot connect to the Internet, you can connect to the Internet after setup is complete. On the How will this computer connect to the Internet? page, click Skip.

21.

Windows XP Setup displays the Ready to activate Windows? page. If you are connected to the Internet, click Yes, and then click Next. If you are not yet connected to the Internet, click No, click Next, and then skip to step 24. After setup is complete, Windows XP will automatically remind you to activate and register your copy of Windows XP.

22.

On the Ready to register with Microsoft? page, click Yes, and then click Next.

23.

On the Collecting Registration Information page, complete the form. Then, click Next.

24.

On the Who will use this computer? page, type the name of each person who will use the computer. You can use first names only, nicknames, or full names. Then click Next. To add users after setup is complete or to specify a password to keep your account private, read Create and customize user accounts.

25.

On the Thank you! page, click Finish.

Congratulations! Windows XP setup is complete. You can log on by clicking your name on the logon screen. If you’ve installed Windows XP on a new computer or new hard disk drive, you can now use the File and Settings Transfer Wizard to copy your important data to your computer or hard disk drive.

After logon, take a few minutes to validate your copy of Windows. Validation gives you access to hundreds of free downloads from the Microsoft Download Center. To learn about the new features Windows XP provides, click the Start button, click All Programs, click Accessories, and then click Tour Windows XP.

Top 10 Office Printers

2010-09-04T22:25:00.001-07:00

Our list of the best business printers now being sold reflects both the quality of current offerings and the breadth of the market.

A notable thing about PCMag's list of the top 10 office printers is that it reflects the quality and breadth of today's business printer market. Units we chose range from models designed for sole proprietorships and micro-offices to ones built for high-volume operation in large workgroups and enterprise settings, and everything in between. They include both single-function units and MFPs monochrome and color models, lasers and inkjets, tabloid-format printers, ones notable for speed, others for low cost per page.

For nearly every unit we selected—all but one an Editors' Choice—several others in its respective niche are almost as good—and new printers are on the way. Whatever your needs in a business printer, there are great models to choose between.

Brother HL-5340D
$200 street

The Brother HL-5340D delivers fast print speed, good paper handling, reasonably high-quality text, and better-quality graphics than most mono lasers.URL:

Brother MFC-8480DN
$400 street

The Brother MFC-8480DN stands out as a winner, with fast print speed, reasonably high-quality output, and a wealth of all-in-one features.

Canon Color ImageClass MF8350Cdn
$699 direct

The Canon Color ImageClass MF8350Cdn all-in-one (aka MFP) delivers impressive speed and output quality for a small office or workgroup.

Canon Pixma iX7000 Inkjet Business Printer
$399.99 direct

The Canon Pixma iX7000 Inkjet Business Printer is a spot on fit for offices with an occasional need to print at tabloid (11- by 17-inch) size.

HP Color LaserJet CM2320nf MFP
$699 direct

The HP Color LaserJet CM2320nf MFP offers almost all the right but lacks an option for printing on both sides of a page.

HP Officejet 6000 Wireless Printer
$120 direct

The HP Officejet 6000 Wireless offers a winning combination of paper handling, fast speed, and reasonably high-quality output overall.

Epson B-510N
$599 direct

The Epson B-510DN offers laser-class speed and a lower cost per page (based on claimed yield and ink price) than most inkjets or lasers.

Lexmark E462dtn
$749 direct

The Lexmark E462dtn offers impressive speed and ample paper handling for a small to medium-size office or workgroup, but lacks paper handling options for heavy-duty printing.

Xerox Phaser 6280DN
$649 direct

The Xerox Phaser 6280DN color laser offers a highly attractive balance of speed, output quality, and paper handing for a small office or small workgroup.

Xerox Phaser 7500/DN
$3,299.99

For office users, and, to a lesser extent, graphic artists who want professional looking color output, the Phaser 7500/DN delivers top-quality photos and graphics on plain paper.

12 Ways to Make the Most of Windows 7

2010-09-04T22:22:00.001-07:00

One of the main virtues of Windows 7 is its speed, especially when compared with its predecessor, Vista. But most people haven't experienced the 15-second boot for the operating system that Microsoft engineers were shooting for. Here are 12 tips to speed up Windows 7.
1) Uninstall bloatware that came with your laptop or PC. Or even apps you installed but no longer want. Head to Control Panel | Programs | Uninstall a program and take the hatchet to anything, such as unwanted games or software, that you'll never need. Many programs will load processes at boot time and take up valuable RAM and CPU cycles. While you're in here, you can also click Turn Windows Features On or Off and scan the list to see if there's anything you don't use. You might also want to try out software utilities such as PCDecrapifier and Revo Uninstaller.
2) Limit startup procesess. In the Start button's search box, type MSCONFIG, then head to the Startup tab. You'll likely see a slew of apps, mostly for system support, but you'll be able to identify some that clearly aren't necessary. There's absolutely no need to have Google Update or even QuickTime running all the time, for example. Don't delete those that support your hardware or security, but anything blatantly nonproductive can go. You may have to check the program names online with a site like processlibrary.com to see what they are—they may even be malware. If you want to get more granular, run Microsoft's Autoruns utility.
3) Add more RAM. Windows 7 isn't as much of a hog as Vista, but if you're moving from XP, the memory requirements are greater.
4) Turn off search indexing. If you do a lot of searching, this won't appeal to you, as some searches will be slower. To turn off indexing, open the Indexing Options Control Panel window (if you just type "index" in the Start button search box, you'll see that choice at the top of the start menu), click Modify and remove locations being indexed and file types, too. If you want to leave search indexing on, but find that it occasionally slows you down, you can stop its process when you need extra speed. Right-click on Computer either in the Start menu or on the desktop, and choose Manage. Then double-click Services and Applications, then Services. Find Windows Search, and double-click on that. From this properties dialog, you can choose a Startup type of Manual or Disabled to have the process silent by default.
5) Defragment your hard drive. Your disk stores data in chunks wherever there's disk space, regardless of whether the space is contiguous for one file. Defragging tidies everything up and blocks a program's bits together so that the reader heads don't have to shuttle back and forth to read a whole executable or data file. Windows 7 comes with a built-in defragger that runs automatically at scheduled intervals, but if yours is set by default to run at a time when your PC is usually turned off, it won't get defragged. You can either change the scheduled time, or defrag on demand. Just type "defrag" in the Windows Start Menu search bar, and click on Disk Defragmenter. The version of the utility is improved in Windows 7, and shows more information about what's happening on your disk than Vista did.
6) Change power settings to maximum performance. Of course, this isn't a good choice if you want to save electricity, but it could boost your computing. Head to Control Panel | System and Security | Power Options. From here, click on the left-panel choice Create a power option and choose High Performance.
7) Clean up Your Disk. From the Start menu, choose All Programs | Accessories | System Tools | Disk Cleanup. This finds unwanted junk and files such as temporary files, offline Web pages, and installer files on your PC and offers to delete them all at once. You may even find that your Recycle Bin is bulging at the seams: Mine had 1.47GB I didn't know was there! This will generally only have a noticeable affect on speed if your machine is getting close to full, however.
8) Check for Viruses and Spyware. You can run the built-in Windows Defender or a third-party app. You could start with our Editors' Choice, Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus 2010. If you don't want to pay, though, there are plenty of free antimalware options. Our current Editors' Choice for free AV is Panda Cloud Antivirus 1.1.
9) Use the Performance Troubleshooter. In the Control Panel's search box, type "troubleshooting" and under System and Security, you'll see the choice "Check for performance issues." Run the troubleshooter and it may find the root cause of your slowdown.
10) Turn off Desktop Gadgets. Windows 7 ditched the actual visual sidebar of Vista, but there's still a sidebar process running. Turn it off by typing "gadgets" in the Start menu search bar, choosing "View list of running gadgets" and select each in turn and click Remove to shut down any gadgets you can live without.
11) Don 't use a beautiful desktop background. This will free up extra RAM and therefore boost speed slightly. Right-click on the desktop and choose Personalize, then Desktop Background at the bottom of the resulting dialog window. Set it to a solid color.
12) Turn off Aero effects. Head to the Control Panel's Performance Information and Tools section, and choose Adjust Visual Effects. Here you'll find a long list of effects, but simply choosing Adjust for Best Performance will turn everything off. You'll feel like you stepped back into a decade ago.—

The Best Antivirus Software for 2011

2010-09-04T22:10:00.001-07:00

Symantec and Trend Micro have yet to weigh in, but there are already some powerful premium AV options available. We detail the best of the bunch so far, and we take a look to see how some free options stack up, too.

The summer of 2010 isn't even over yet, but the 2011 antivirus utilities are pouring in already. Significant players are still waiting in the wings, it's true. Norton's 2011 product releases are imminent, as are Trend Micro's. Spyware Doctor and others won't be far behind. But quite a few of 2011's antivirus apps, both commercial and free, have already sprung up. Among others, Bit Defender Antivirus Pro 2011, Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2011, and Panda Antivirus Pro 2011 and Webroot AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper 2011 are all available and have already been through my testing. If you're looking to buy antivirus, today, the results show that there are already some solid choices available.

Note that, as always, when I say "antivirus" I mean a utility that protects against all kinds of malicious software, not just viruses. Trojans, spyware, rootkits, keyloggers, adware, scareware—a proper antivirus must handle all of these.

Standalone or Suite?
Many of this year's products blur the line between standalone antivirus and security suite. Panda Antivirus Pro 2011 includes a fully-functional personal firewall and can monitor other Panda installations on your network. BitDefender Antivirus Pro 2011 offers full remote management across the network as well as a top-notch antiphishing module. BitDefender and Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2011 both scan for security vulnerabilities, though BitDefender takes the concept a bit farther. Outpost Antivirus Pro 7.0 and BitDefender can block transmission of user-defined private data, a feature usually found only in suites. Ad-Aware Pro Internet Security 8.3 and Kaspersky will tune system performance and wipe out traces of computer and Internet use. Sometimes it's hard to remember that the product is "only" an antivirus, not a full suite.

Adjustable Interfaces, Built-in Support
Some users want to hear about every little security event, but most prefer a product that just does the job, without making a fuss. Ad-Aware appeals to both with a choice of simple or advanced mode. BitDefender goes even further. Not only can its users choose basic, intermediate or expert view, they can build a personal collection of their most-used tools.

Webroot AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper 2011 totally focuses on keeping everything as simple as possible. It updates automatically, scans while the system is idle, and interacts with the user through a completely redesigned interface. All the detail a tech-savvy user might want is available, but it's hidden when not needed.

Built-in and automated support features grace many of these tools. BitDefender includes a search box for help topics right on its main screen; a built-in tool will gather system information and contact an agent for chat-based support. Kaspersky's built-in support tool can send diagnostic reports to the company and process purpose-built scripts to fix specific problems. Panda's PSCAN lets remote analysts request samples and push fixes without requiring full chat-type interaction.

The Best Protection
I torture-tested all of these products, challenging them to clean up 13 malware-infested systems and to block malware from attacking a clean system. Interestingly, the most effective antivirus products in my tests were not those that bulked up with added features. Webroot offered the best protection overall, especially against rootkits and scareware. Ad-Aware also scored very well in my tests, but Webroot edged it out to become our Editors' Choice for standalone antivirus. For full details on how I test antivirus products see How We Test Anti-malware.

Recent Free Antivirus Releases
Commercial security vendors seem to have standardized on a "fall model year" plan, like car manufacturers. The numerous free antivirus products tend to come out with an update whenever it's convenient. I've reviewed several newly-released free products this summer, some very good, some not so good.

Panda Cloud Anti-Virus 1.1 remains our Editors' Choice for free antivirus protection. In some of my tests it has actually matched the top commercial products. For example, Panda Cloud Antivirus and Ad-Aware share the highest detection rate in my malware blocking test. With its extremely minimal user interface and cloud-based detection system it's a good choice for those whose budget doesn't stretch to a paid solution.

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.46 is a perpetual favorite among security experts. It's not uncommon to find another company's tech support agents calling on Malwarebytes to clean up a stubborn infestation. It's a tiny download, it installs quickly, and it gets right to business. What it won't do is protect your system from attack – it's strictly a cleanup tool.

I evaluated two free products for the first time this season, digital defender free 2.0 and Immunet Protect Free 2.0. Digital defender didn't detect much malware and left many threats running after allegedly removing them. Its for-pay Pro edition spent a much longer time scanning without appreciably improving the results.

Immunet focuses on protecting you by protecting the community of friends and contacts around you. You can easily hook friends up with a free copy of the program and view the security status of your entire community. Eventually this community- and cloud-based system may offer effective antivirus protection, but my testing showed that it doesn't at present.

Of course this isn't the final word on antivirus protection for 2011. I'll be reviewing many more apps in the weeks to come. Many of the heavy hitters haven't yet released their 2011 editions. For now, though, Webroot leads the pack.

Premium Antivirus

Ad-Aware Pro Internet Security 8.3

$29.95 direct or $39.95 for 3 licenses
This isn't a big update for Ad-Aware, but its price drops and it's impressive at keeping malware from installing on a clean system. It doesn't do as well when challenged to clean up existing malware, however.

BitDefender Antivirus Pro 2011

$39.95 direct for three licenses
BitDefender Antivirus Pro 2011 is loaded with features that you'd normally find only in a full suite, most notable its superb phishing protection. It offers three distinct UI views and tons of configuration options. I'd just like to see more success in its central task of protecting against viruses and other malware.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2011

$59.95 direct for three licenses
Kaspersky's latest antivirus looks better than ever, and independent labs consistently put it at or near the top. In my hands-on tests it scored well below what the labs would suggest, though, and it made a couple of serious faux pas false positives.

Outpost Antivirus Pro 7.0

$24.95 for 3 licenses, direct
Outpost Antivirus Pro 7.0 doesn't detect or remove malware quite as well as the competition. It offers many features to protect clean systems against malware infestation, but it also spews confusing popups for good programs and malware alike. It's not a bad program, but you can do better.

Panda Antivirus Pro 2011

$50.95 direct for three licenses; $40.95 for one
Panda Antivirus Pro 2011 uses many techniques to keep viruses and other malware from invading your PC. As a bonus, it includes a fully functional two-way personal firewall.

Webroot AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper 2011

$39.99 direct; $49.99 for 3 licenses
Webroot's latest antivirus/antispyware utility was well worth the wait. It's been intelligently redesigned with an eye to simplicity, and it did very well in all aspects of testing, both malware cleanup and malware blocking.

Free Antivirus

digital defender free 2.0

Free
Just because something's free doesn't mean it's a bargain. This nondescript antivirus won't cost you any money, but relying on it will cost you in reduced security. Some products do better at keeping a clean system clean than at rooting out entrenched malware; this one isn't good at either.

Immunet Protect Free 2.0

Free
If all your friends and contacts have antivirus protection you'll be safer. Immunet encourages and enables sharing free antivirus protection with your community. Alas, based on my testing its cloud-based protection does a poor job cleaning up malware and a so-so job protecting a clean system from infestation.

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.46

Free
When support agents from other vendors run into malware that foils their own product they frequently direct users to run Malwarebytes. I can see why—it's small, fast, and simple. This free product should definitely be in your toolbox. Just don't pay extra for real-time protection.

Panda Cloud Anti-Virus 1.1

Free
This free antivirus is great at keeping malicious software from installing on clean computers. It's less effective at cleaning up existing infestations, so, if it detects a threat, run another product for a second scrubbing.

Google AdSense - 5 Top Tips to Improve Your Earnings & Make More Money Online

2010-09-04T21:46:00.000-07:00

If you want to make money online, one good way is by displaying Google AdSense ads on your website. The Google AdSense program serves related ads to the content on a site. This means that ads are relevant to a sites content which means more revenue as more people click on these ads.

Here are 5 ways you can improve your AdSense earnings whether you are new to it or not and make more money online:

Tip 1: The shape and size of your AdSense ads. A popular and successful AdSense format is the large rectangle (336x280). It gets a high CTR when placed in the right place (more on this later). CTR stand for Click-Through-Rate. So, if 10 out of every 100 people clicked your ad, the CTR would be 10%.

Text ads usually out perform image ads since they blend in with text better and don't annoy the visitor as much as an image ad can.

Tip 2: The positioning of your ads. If you position the ad near to text that people are reading you will get a higher CTR. So if you place an ad at the top of a paragraph or in the middle of it, it usually does well.

Why? Because as the visitor is reading content he or she is also forced to look at the ad which means more clicks and revenue. Also make sure that the ad doesn't stick out like a sore thumb. So use an ad shape and size that fits into the position well.

The best way to determine what ads to put where will come from your own testing. But you can get a good idea of where to start by checking the Google heat map. Search "Google heat map" in Google and you'll find it. It shows you the best places to place ads on a website.

Tip 3: The formatting of your ads. What does this mean? The text and background colours need to match the content of your page. By the way, you can't go wrong with black text on a white background for your content and ad formats.

Think about it. Why are books written in black and white...because that's what people are used to and like. The links in your ad should also be in a blue colour. Use the default blue colour in your AdSense account. You'll see it there when you set up your ad.

Tip 4: Don't over do it with too many ads. You might think that putting loads of ad units on your site will generate lots of revenue...wrong. The best way to know which ads earns the most money is to see which ads appear first in the code view of your web page. You can see this code view when you do a right click on the page and select "view source". So the ad at the top of the code earns the most revenue with the top ad in this ad unit earning the most per click.

Tip 5: Test for what works best! You can use channels to see which ads are earning you the most revenue. This is very simple to set up. You just name your channel like "AdSense 336x280 top left" when you set up your ad.

This way you know exactly which ad earns the most revenue. You can then use the same type of ad in the same position on your other websites to make more money. And now i would like to invite you to download your FREE eBook "Traffic Generation for Newbies" when you visit RealWaysToMakeMoneyOnline.org/FreeeBook.html.

Read this eBook and you will learn how to make money online and avoid the mistakes that stop 95% of people from doing so. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J._Pal

Boost Adsense Revenue with Multiple Color Palettes

2010-09-04T19:33:00.000-07:00

Guest post by Tran Tinh.

Multiple Color Palettes is a cool way to increase Google Adsense revenue. If you are fans of Quick Online Tips, you might have read my previous article regarding 7 key factors to build a successful adsense income blog. Among those factors, there is one thing that I would like to concentrate on and that is “multiple color palettes”.

Adsense multiple color palettes is a value-added feature that allows you to choose different colors of your Adsense ads in one ad unit. Your Adsense ads will automatically be rotated when the page or posts are refreshed or whenever your sites receive new visits. This optimization tutorial will make your old ad a new one to your readers’ eye and that can lead to better click through rate (CTR).

Create multiple color palettes in Google Adsense

Just go to your Adsense account and choose Adsense Setup tab to create new ad unit for your sites. You will see different adsense ads type here. Pick “AdSense for Content” and then “Text ads only” to apply this optimization tip and choose your ad size format, let’s say 300x250px.

In the “Colors” section, you will see Palettes drop-down menu. Click on that and go to the end to get “Use multiple palettes…”. Select this to deploy this tip. Now, you should Hold ‘CTRL’ or ‘Command’ to select multiple palettes as shown in the image below

Choose whatever color palettes available to rotate in your site. You can create new pre-designed color palettes if you want too. Click “Continue” to go to the “Channel” section where you should create one channel for this palette to see how good it is. That is almost done!

Now, you can copy the code and paste on your blog. You can test yourself by opening a new post and the old color palettes will be replaced with new ones.

What is the most successful Adsense color palette?

That is an interesting question to many of us. I must say again that “no size fits all” slogan can apply to this question too. The color palette should carefully be blended to match your design, background and font. You can not use red color for your adsense ads in your blog where your background is also in red as no one can see your ads at all.

You must be creative in choosing the right color palettes for your site based on different criteria like background, title format, font color… To help you know what the most successful color palette is for you, I would recommend you visit Google suggestions on how to choose the best color palettes for adsense.

Good luck to you all and I am happy to hear your feedback too.

Guest author Tran Tinh is a disabled blogger from Vietnam who can make over $2,000 per month from blogging and is now blogging at A-Z Blogging Tips. View our guest blogging guidelines.

Signup for Google Adsense Email Interview: Get $50 Adwords

2010-09-03T22:20:00.000-07:00

Google Adsense publishers in North America have a unique chance to participate in a Google Adsense Email Interview to share their experiences on how they use Adsense to make money online.

They will choose from all applications and contact selected participants by email. These lucky Adsense publishers also get a free $50 AdWords credit, if they complete the email interview and also respond to any followup clarifications requested by Google. The credit may only be used with a self-managed AdWords account with a billing address in North America.

Are you ready to discuss your opinions about AdSense with a market researcher? Sign up for a Google Adsense Interview.

Another option for Successful Adsense users is that they can share their success stories with the Google Adsense team and get featured in the Google Adsense success stories page where there are lots of great optimization tips for both new and expert Adsense publishers. But by getting interviews, and enticing with $50 Adwords, now they can get many more publishers to share their stories and success mantra to make money online