A VESA 200 mount holding a 30" LCD television. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It is entirely possible to mount an LED television on a stand or cupboard and enjoy fantastic viewing, but why take up floor or shelf space when you can mount it on the wall? Unfortunately, lots of people baulk at attempting to DIY wall mount a large LED television. They have visions of their expensive pride and joy falling off in the middle of a cup final game, causing irreparable damage to the TV and anyone unfortunate enough to be sitting nearby. But fear not—LED televisions are light enough and slim enough to sit comfortably on a wall mount, and despite your misgivings, it is actually very easy to wall mount a large LED television correctly!
Mounting an LED television on the wall is well within the capabilities of most people. You can pay for the job to be done by a professional TV installer, but this will cost you extra and when you have already exceeded your budget purchasing the latest model of TV, it is a more sensible idea to do the job yourself.

How to mount an LED television correctly
First things first: consider where you want to mount the television. Think about where you are likely to sit whilst watching the TV and whether ambient light from nearby windows is going to be a problem. Ideally, the TV should also be mounted on a solid wall, although you can work around this particular issue, as we will discuss later. Lastly, check how heavy your television is to ensure you purchase a wall mount capable of supporting the weight of your TV comfortably.

What equipment do I need to mount an LED television on the wall?
A proprietary wall mounting kit is required for hanging an LED television on the wall. It does not necessarily need to be specifically designed for your model of television, but you need to make sure the mount fits both the TV and the type of wall where you intend on positioning the TV. If in doubt, check with your manufacturer to determine which type of mounting kit is suitable. You will also need a heavy-duty screwdriver, an electric drill, a spirit level, and the appropriate fixings for your wall.
Wall mounting kits for flat screen televisions come in two parts: a bracket is fixed to the wall and a secondary piece attaches to the TV in place of the existing stand. Once you have determined what goes where, you need to assess the type of wall you are dealing with. A solid brick, concrete or breeze wall is the best type of wall to mount a heavy television, but as long as you use the correct fixings and attach the mount to the stud rather than directly into the plasterboard, you can mount an LED television to a hollow wall.
Once you have decided on the optimum position for your TV (and located the solid stud in a hollow wall if applicable), you can begin drilling guide holes for the fixings. Use the wall-mounted portion of the bracket as your template and mark where you need to fix the screw. It is also a good idea to double check the wall mount is level at all stages of the process: nothing looks worse than a wonky TV hanging on your living room wall.
The next step involves attaching the second section of the television mount to the back of your LED TV. If you are unsure how to do this, read the instruction manual for your TV or contact the manufacturer for assistance.
The final step is to mount your television on to the wall, but before doing this, please check to make sure you are 100% happy that the wall mount bracket is firmly in place. Once you have verified the bracket is solid, enlist the help of at least one other person to help you hang the television (you may need two people to assist if the television is particularly large). When you have the TV in place, tug it gently to check it feels secure, and then sit back to enjoy the efforts of your handiwork!

Citations:

• one by line link

Written on behalf of Euronics – Samsung TV

The iPad on a table in the Apple case (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Tablets are taking the world by storm and are expected to outsell laptop computers on a regular basis in the coming years. These devices are incredibly light and easy to use, but still end up causing users physical pain and other issues due to poor ergonomic practices. Let’s take a look at a few quick tips to avoid “iPad Neck” when using a tablet.

Tilting the Tablet to Save your Neck
The majority of the strain involved with short and long-term tablet use is caused by having the head positioned at odd angles for long periods of time, specifically with the head tilted down. A downward tilt to the head strains various neck muscles which are constantly at work keeping the head in the desired position. An easy way to alleviate this type of strain is to tilt or hold the tablet at a more comfortable angle instead of moving the head to compensate.

Another option to prevent neck and upper back strain when using a tablet is to purchase a tablet stand. Most modern tablet cases – such as Apple’s Smart Cover – will provide some form of stand functionality; to save on cost, an inexpensive textbook stand can be used instead.

Put it Down and Use a Keyboard
Typing on a tablet screen can be somewhat of an ergonomic nightmare, and for anything more than a short email or a few notes it’s not recommended. For those that find themselves typing on a tablet frequently, consider purchasing a Bluetooth or other keyboard that can be carried around with the tablet and used as needed. When you must use the on-screen keyboard, lay the tablet on a flat surface to avoid any undue strain on the wrists.

Keep the Tablet Clean
While keeping the tablet screen clean is good for hygienic reasons, it’s also incredibly important to prevent eyestrain. The eyes are at work focusing and re-focusing on a second-by-second basis; if there are smears and smudges on the tablet’s screen it makes the job considerably more difficult. The cleaner a screen is, the easier it is on the eyes to do their job.

Relax, Take a Break!
Many people treat tablets as they would treat paper or books in that they don’t take the occasional break or rest. All tablets feature a backlit screen, which makes it more akin to a television than a paperback book. Backlit screens can be very difficult on the eyes when used for hours at a time, so the occasional break is warranted. Every hour or so, look away into the distance to relax the eyes, stand up and stretch, and give yourself a break.

John is a contributing technology writer for N2A Cards. Learn how to turn your Nook Color into an Android tablet.

How to create your own successful QR codes: an introduction

What are QR codes?

The QR code is a two dimensional barcode that can hold all sorts of information such as a website address, personal information or an informative text. The code can be scanned by using the camera on your mobile code. The QR code originates from Japan where the car industry used the codes to identify different car parts. Nowadays it is mostly used by brands and marketers.

There a various reasons for using QR codes but the main reason would be instant information
gratification. Consumers can find the right website or a web text on the spot by simply scanning the code.

The majority of global brands and marketing agencies are using QR codes to build a bridge between their online and offline marketing campaigns. QR has also replaced receipts in various stores throughout America. Next to that various airlines enable passengers to check in online via QR codes.

So it is obvious that QR codes play an important role in online marketing. But how do you create an effective QR code? The standard QR code format is not the prettiest out there but it can be transformed in to anything you like. With a little bit of imagination and creativity you can make it in to a real piece of art. Design your own QR code with one of the many UK based QR codes manufacturers. Combine that with the five following tips and you will be able to create a successful QR code.

Creative QR codes

Let people know what the QR code is linking to. In case you are linking to a webpage for example, add the word WEB at the left bottom. This way the consumer knows what to expect when scanning.

Tip 2: include a logo

Include a logo of your company so everyone knows for which company or brand the QR code is
coming from. Even if you are an unknown business adding a logo will increase your credibility and
your brand awareness.

Tip 3: be clear

Adding the webpage address in the bottom left corner will enhance clarity for the consumer. People know exactly where they are being directed to this way. It will increase trust and credibility. Next to that, people without a phone or tablet might look the website up at home.

Tip 4: be compatible

Use QR codes that are compatible with all devices. Nothing is more hazardous than QR codes that
only work on a certain phone or tablet. Most people will lose interest straight away. Don’t think they will look it up again later on another phone because they won’t. Incompatible QR codes completely annihilate the spontaneity of the moment as well as the basic purpose of the QR code which is instant information gratification. This also applies to the website you are directing the consumer to. Make sure the website is compatible for mobile phones and tables. Consumers will lose their interest straight away if they have to scroll or wait for the page to download.

Tip 5: be creative

Use your imagination when creating a new QR code. Use colours and funny images to attract the
target audience to your QR code. Here are few attractive yet simple designs. Make sure you have a
clear image of the QR code design before heading to a QR code manufacturer.

Smartphones have become such personal devices that losing it is like losing yourself. The infographic, The World of Lost Smartphones show data such as phone lost by numbers, how often and where are phones lost.

Here’s an interesting finding – people in Manchester, England lose their phones more often than any other population around the globe. The question is why Manchester but unfortunately the infographic does not give further details on this finding.

Phone lost by numbers

The infographic illustrates that each day $7 million of phones are lost around the globe and two-third of phones loss happens around 9pm and 2am. And during Christmas, $11 million worth of phones were lost.

For more details about the world of lost smartphones, please see the infographic below.

Courtesy of: Background Check Blog

What are Infographics and what is data visualisation? Infographics is a new buzz word for taking your research data and visualising it for the web. Data visualisation is not a new discovery and it’s about presenting your research findings visually. In today’s world, data visualisation and infographics are the same thing. Both are commonly found on the web but data visualisation and infographics are not specifically created just for the web.

So what are the benefits of creating infographics?

Research indicates that infographics production is on the increase and businesses use infographics to share their knowledge about a topic and some have gone viral on the web.

Information is the new oil in the digital age. Sharing text information is common on the web but by adding visuals, you make it more interesting. It’s common knowledge that infographics stand out more than written words. Using diagrams, graphs, colours and short description in an infograph attracts people to look at the information. It also makes the information easier to understand.

Using infographics help people understand a topic better compared to having to read a lengthy article on the topic. Research shows that 90% of information that comes to the brain is visual. Infographics help to visualise relationships and statistics because people tend to respond better to visual than plain text.

A well designed infographic can go viral, like a well made video. Many businesses have created infographics to educate and inform about products and services. Infographics are also shared on social networks and people can embed an infograph on their website.

The more people share an infograph, the more back links are created to the originator of the infograph. Hence, creating free advertising for the originator through the internet. Research also shows that keyword search of “Infographics” on Google is around 13 million.

Here is a well designed infographic that has gone viral – Life Hacks. The information and ideas presented in the infograph is interesting and unique. I first came across this infographic on StumbledUpon and later shared it on Pinterest and watched the infographic re-pinnned many times.

The popularity of infographics have given graphic designers a new source of income using their talent creating infographics. With so many infographics now available on the web, chances are you would have come across some good designed infographics and some badly designed infographics. The infographic below illustrates the common mistakes made in the creation of infographics that one should be aware of.

What constitutes a badly designed and researched infographic

“Infographic” by Phil Gyford on Flickr (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

If you would like to see more infographics on this website, you can do so by clicking on this link.

Image via CrunchBase

Last week, social media giant, Facebook, handed over $1bn to buy the popular photo-sharing app, Instagram, and the New York Times later revealed Twitter had also shown an interest in the company. So, what is it that makes Instagram so valuable?

Although still fairly new, Instagram’s popularity has grown rapidly, just one month after its launch in October 2010 the app had 1 million users and in April of this year the app had a reported 30 million registered users. Allowing users to post and share photos of their life on a daily basis in a creative way drew the attention of many of us, including Facebook. Just before being bought by Facebook, Instagram launched the Android version of their app, ensuring that even more users could benefit from daily photo-sharing.

Facebook’s reasons for buying Instagram, and for paying so much to seal the deal, are two fold; as well as buying out major competition, Facebook’s main aim is to be the biggest player in photo uploading, and the acquisition of Instagram will play a big part in this vision. Zuckerberg said of the acquisition, “for years, we’ve focused on building the best experience for sharing photos with your friends and family” and his new purchase will continue this aim.

Prior to Facebook buying Instagram, the app was valued at $500 million and the $1bn fortune is due to go to 26-year-old CEO, Kevin Systrom and co-founder Mike Krieger. Systrom will net an impressive $400 million and Mike Krieger will receive a 10% stake that equates to $100 million. A further $100 million will be shared amongst the app’s thirteen lucky employees.

So how does the future look for Instagram? With Zuckerberg making an effort to promise that he will build on the app’s existing features and strengths it looks like our favourite photo app is safe for now.

This post was written by Laura McGreary on behalf of the web hosting aggregator, Web Hosting Geeks.

“Think Before you Post” is a research into employment backup checks using social networking sites. 45% employers reported they use social networking sites to research job candidates. The social networking sites used by employers are Facebook (31%), LinkedIn (28%), MySpace (22%), Blogs (12%), Twitter (7%).

The Think Before you Post infographic also report that 44% of candidates post content about drinking or using drugs on social networking sites. Inappropriate actions on social networking sites have led to employees fined and let go from their place of employment.

From the security aspects of using social networking sites, 75% candidates said that they are aware of Facebook’s privacy changes that automatically expose their full profiles and 42% failed to make any changes to their settings.

Browse more infographics.

 

Completely my own work, a photo of my iPhone. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Four smart phone apps that fill your camera bag full of tricks!

Now days everyone uses their iPhone to snap quick shots on the go. It’s true; iPhone photography has largely taken over from traditional camera photography. The sheer mobile size of the iPhone, plus the fact that it packs hundreds of tools—including filters, single-effects, photo editing tools, and photo publishing tools—in just one handy device that compact enough to take with you everywhere!

The following iPhone apps for photography really do make capturing memories a snap! And they offer something for every type of shutterbug—from newbie to lens professional. Here are my top picks for the coolest iPhone photography apps of 2012…

1. Dramatic Black & White ($1.99 – for iPhone)

There is something beautifully simplistic about a black and white photograph. I’ve actually devoted an entire wall in my home to stunning black and white memories captured in time. With the Dramatic Black & White app you can create your own cherished mementos with ease. This app lets users quickly reproduces stunning black and white photos and mimics the effect of a traditional and professional darkroom. Select from 3 user-friendly presets—including dramatic black and white, traditional black and white, and infrared and swipe in order to edit and fine-tune the effects of your most treasured photos.

2. Snapseed ($4.99 – for iPhone)

Are you a fan of giving your photos that groovy, vintage look and feel? Then the Snapseed app will be your favorite photography application. This app features a collection of photo-editing tools that include:

• Image brightening
• Image contrasting
• Vintage filters
• Adjustable frames

Plus, to enhance a photo just tap and slide your fingers to manipulate the touch screen interface to banish red eye, zoom, or edit specific parts of your photos to make them picture perfect every time.

3. CollabraCam ($2.99 – for iPhone)

With the CollabraCam you can take video, capture photos, and edit right on your iPhone’s screen. With the Collabra Cam you have your very own independent film studio in the palm of your hand. This app offers users a fully-wireless, multi-camera production suite for shooting a movie, streaming multiple video streams, synching devices to mimic a moving camera, and more—all on an independent film maker’s budget without the need for expensive recording or editing equipment.

4. HDR Camera ($1.99 – for iPhone)

Don’t you hate it when you go to a memorable event and bring home only one blurry photo to show for it? The HDR Camera app ensures your memories are always picture perfect—even the next morning after a few too many glasses of bubbly! This app offers an all-in-one photography suite including multiple shooting modes, separate and individual exposures, full HDR capability, and the ability to take a continuous light source directly from the automatic flash in your smart phone. This way you always have the right amount of show-stopping dazzle and quality for sharing your special moments on Twitter and Facebook.

Bio: Jane Johnson is a writer for GoingCellular, a popular site that provides cell phone related news, commentary, reviews on mobile providers and phones like the popular Samsung phones and devices.

The digital world is converging on a revolutionary all-in-one device, the iPad. The Streamng your digital life with a new iPad infographic show the chronology of the iconic digital devices that led to Apple’s innovation.

The iPad is so multi-functional you don’t need other devices. According to research, 35% iPad users use the iPad to browse the web, 12% use the iPad to play games, 22% use the iPad for social media activities, 12% use the iPad to watch video and 19% use the iPad for other apps.

So do you think the iPad can replace the following gadgets, making it an all-in-one gadget and save an iPad user lots of money:

• Laptop
• tablet
• e-Reader
• Gaming system
• Digital SLR camera
• Point and shoot camera

The logo of the blogging software WordPress. Deutsch: WordPress Logo ??: WordPress Logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Most of you know or probably have read somewhere the importance of keeping your WP site secure at all times. However, no matter how much you try, your site is always vulnerable to attacks from hackers out to cause damage or to simply have ‘fun’.

It is of this reason that you need to make sure that your site is always protected. You may not be able to protect it in its entirety, but the more protection you put up, the better it will be for you. If you do not protect your site, your blog, or even worse your online business, they will be ruined. Therefore, it is important to protect your WordPress site with the best security Plugins.

I have had a few of my sites hacked, and believe me, it is not a great feeling seeing all your work go down the drain as I’m an Internet junkie.  So, today I will share with you guys a few of my ‘genius’ ideas that can help you counter all the efforts being made by ‘evil’ hackers in the dungeon of internet sites doom.

It is Always in the Login Section

Most sites that I know which have been hacked were usually hacked via the login area. Honestly, the use of force or brute hacking is efficient and effective. If you want to protect your site, ensure that the login area is well secured.

• Stealth Login: Stealth Login is a great WordPress plugin that I use in most of my sites. This is a plugin that ensures that a person creates custom login URL’s. Therefore, you can have a site that has a specific URL for logging in. This ensures that brute attacks on your site cannot take place.
• Chap Secure Login: Chap Secure Login is another great security login plugin for WP. It is also great in that it encrypts the password to your site so that it cannot get hacked while being transmitted. Nevertheless, it did not really click well with me but you can try out and see how it performs.

Poor Site Management

Another reason why sites are always getting hacked is due to poor plugin and software management. I always had this problem until a friend pointed out that I was opening the door for hackers to hack my site. In case you do not update your site Plugins, themes such as StudioPress themes and other data, then you are asking a hacker to take a closer look at your site. To help you in this, you should try a few of my favorite Plugins.

• WP Security Scan: WP Security Scan is a plugin that not only scans your WordPress site; it also identifies areas that need to be worked on to protect a site further. It usually identifies all vulnerabilities and then asks you to correct them, talk of an angel watching over your site!
• Antivirus: Antivirus is also another great plugin that you can get. I find it quite useful because it can help you to not only protect your site from hackers; it also identifies vulnerabilities and asks you to correct them.

To Help You Out: Our Picks for 2012

Lastly, to help you out, here are our picks for 2012 that will help you to protect your site from hackers.

• The Ultimate Security Check is one plugin that I give the thumb ups this year. This is an app that checks out your WordPress installation and searches for malicious code, or vulnerabilities. It does all the hard work while you relax.
• The Theme Authenticity Checker is another WP plugin that I recommend as a top pick for 2012. It usually authenticates that all files and data on a site is genuine by looking for malicious code. It is a great plugin to have.

So, there you have it, my five great ideas to ensure that you are well protected. Try them out and I promise that you will keep off the hackers of doom, off for good, as Ken Jennings would put it ‘If it’s on the Internet, then it’s gotta be true.

Although Mike thought that nothing could beat his love for Port Townsend and his family, it seems that WP and all it entails also form a great part of his life. Today, if he is not teaching, he is usually ‘teaching’ other people all about WordPress, and the Thesis themes.