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Different Methods of Auto Transport

2009-07-14T10:35:00.000-07:00

By airplane, large ship, rail, or truck – such are the options you have for auto transport/car carrier. Whatever car carrier or car hauler method you use, especially if you would have a professional do it, be sure that you review the quote (as most auto transports are usually quoted by open-trailer method), the jobs that would be involved, and the rates that you have to pay as well.

The following are your options:

1. By airplane.

As for car transport by airplane, you have to consider that unless yours is a vintage or exotic car, race car, or a concept vehicle for an auto show, only a few personal vehicles are transported by airplane.

2. By auto/car shipping.

Up to 8,000 vehicles – that’s the number of cars that select car-carrying vessels can accommodate. Foreign-built cars and trucks use this method to transport their goods to the United States. Example: if a giant car manufacturer would import 1 million vehicles from Asia to the United States, the automaker could charter or contract up to 30 ships and rely on five ports located on the East and West Coasts, where the vehicles would be unloaded and delivered to the dealer.

3. By rail.

Longer routes are said to be more cost effective by rail, as automakers estimate that more than 50% of all new vehicles in the United States would be traveling by rail. Despite limitations in destinations and equipment required to load and unload the vehicles by rail, still industry pundits estimate that motor vehicles made up 1.6% of all railroad tonnage, as per 2007 figures. Auto racks are specially designed rail cars that have two to three decks and can carry up to 20 vehicles – the two-deckers could carry trucks and large SUVs, while the three-deckers could carry cars.

4. By trailer.

Most trailers could carry up to 12 vehicles, with rigs designed so the tractor could support the vehicles. The transport driver would be in charge of loading and unloading the rig, making sure the operation would be completed considering the time, vehicle size, and schedule issues, with the first car loaded being the last to be unloaded.

If you would be driving behind an open-trailer, fear not that the vehicle would fall off, as officials assure us that such an incident is rare because each vehicle is tightly secured in four locations, with chains and straps used to secure them.

When asking for quotes, factor in also if you would like to have your vehicle delivered right to your doorstep or you would pick it up from a terminal. Prepare a deposit, which is usually required by these auto transport companies.

Each method of auto transport is situation-specific. For instance, if you’re going overseas, your only option is to have a car carrier service by shipping. It could cost you more, but you would be saving time and energy. Just make sure that when you avail of any of these auto transport methods, that your vehicle insurance has substantial coverage for auto transport, and that the driver who would be bringing your car must be a trained person and fully insured to the value of your car.

How To Clean a Leather Vehicle Interior

2009-07-14T10:29:00.000-07:00

Vehicles with a leather interior are mostly luxury models. One would naturally want to maintain and preserve this expensive feature. The first few things you need to know are the culprits that can transform your leather car seats into something grimy and crusted. Food crumbs and greases can plant unsightly marks and prints on the leather. Spilled soda, juice, or chocolate drinks are also common sources of stains that can ruin a perfectly good leather interior. Check your body for soil and tiny rough materials before entering the vehicle. Those particles may actually scratch the cover. You may not notice it at first, but if it becomes a habit for you or other regular passengers, you will see the damage in your leather eventually.

Knowing what to avoid is half the battle. It is also imperative to know what kind of leather your vehicle interior has. There are various types, from one hundred percent genuine leather, to suede, to vinyl-coated leather. The importance lies in that this fact will most likely determine which type of cleaning and conditioning material is to be used.

1.Refrain from using household detergents, home cleaners, saddle soaps, and hair conditioners. These contain chemicals that can damage the leather. Don’t even think of experimenting with other cleaners. Always use the car cleaning products intended for the type of interior that you have. You can determine that by reading the label on the back of the products. Find the one that says “for leather car interior”. Usually a special cloth is included in such cleaning kits.
2.Get rid of the filth and grime off your leather interior. This should be done before using any of the cleaning and conditioning products. Use a fresh, spongy cloth to wipe away the oil and tiny debris. Do not forget to pop out the dirt from the gaps and crevices.

3.Apply the leather cleaner using the special cloth. Do the application one segment at a time to ensure that you don’t miss any parts of the interior. Lather it unhurriedly. If the filth is too much on some parts, you can lather a little harder, but not to the point of scratching the leather.
4.Remove the cleaning substance and dirt from the leather. The best way to do this is to wipe it off with a damp cloth. When all the gunk has been mopped away, dry the leather with a clean dry cloth.
5.Leather tends to lose its natural oil and may crack over time. To replace the lost oil and to make the leather constantly lustrous, wipe it with a special leather conditioner that uses a foam applicator. Just as with the cleaner, apply the conditioner segment by segment. Let the conditioner be infused right into the leather for a couple of minutes for maximum effect.

Cleaning your leather interior can be done in long intervals such as every few months. On the other hand, conditioning can be done more often. Besides the actual price of the leather interior, meticulous cleaning is the other cost of such a luxury.

How To Change Rear Brake Pads

2009-07-14T10:24:00.000-07:00

To ensure safety and efficiency when it comes to braking, you have to maintain the ideal friction pad depth. You could do this by proper maintenance and replacement of the worn our brake pads with new ones. If it less than one-fourth inch, you should think of replacing a brake pad soon, but if it is just less than one-eighth inch, do it as soon as possible because it will cause damage to your rotor. Compared to rear drum brakes, rear disc brakes are more consistent in terms of braking power, require less maintenance when it comes to cleaning and adjusting, and are relatively easier to replace. Rear disc brakes provide lesser braking capacity, so the brake pads are thinner compared to the front brake pads. Replacing the rear brake pads follows almost the same procedure as what you do with the front brake pads.

1.Remove the back tires. Lift the rear end of the vehicle using jack stands, or you could also lift the entire vehicle if possible. Remove the hub caps, and using an impact gun and socket, remove the lug nuts and then the wheels.
2.Remove the caliper bolts. Find the caliper bolts and remove them using a hand ratchet and a socket. If the bolts are corroded, you could apply heat to them using a propane torch until they loosen up. Refer to the car's manual to know what type of vehicle you are working on. Some vehicles have pivoting calipers. With these types of vehicles, you only need to remove the lower bolt. The caliper pivots to remove the upper bolts.
3.Compress the caliper piston inward, remove the old hardware or rattle clips, remove the old pads and then replace them with new ones. You may use a C-clamp to compress the piston inward. Apply a certain amount of pressure until it is settled fully inside the caliper piston bore. Remove the brake pads. Check the caliper slides and its rubber boots for damages. Replace it if possible. Also replace the old rattle clips, put grease or lubricant onto the caliper bridge, and then install the new brake pads.
4.Replace the caliper and its bolts; replace the wheel and its lug nuts. Put the caliper back carefully and replace the caliper bolts. Then put the wheel back into place, and use an impact gun and torque socket to replace all the lug nuts. Make sure that they are secured tightly. Repeat procedures 1-3 for the other rear wheel.
5.Pump the foot brake pedal. Doing this will set the brake pads onto the rotor and will apply pressure to the caliper pistons.

Quick Tips:
Before you test drive your car, check the brake fluid level on the master cylinder to see if it needs adjustment. Also, though the rotors are not the ones being explained here, they are essential parts and they have to be “in-shape” to ensure your safety and maximum performance. If there are dents or grooves on your rotors, you have to have them replaced or you could ask your mechanic to “turn it” for you.

Useful Links:
Rear Brake Pads
How to change brake pads?

Accessories to Customize Your Car's Interior

2009-07-14T10:20:00.000-07:00

For some people a car is just a chunk of serviceable metal that can take you to and from work, drive the children to school, or do some errands. For other car owners, however, the car is like a second home. Its appearance should conform to personal taste and standards just like a house's interior design; a car's interior is the part of the car that directly affects a driver's and the passengers' sensibilities.

Customizing you car's interior involves acquiring the right materials and some color coordination. Accessories such as seat cover, mats, and carpets are part of the customization. The steering wheel, dashboard, and door handles may also be considered in the makeover. Some can even go as far as playing around with the lighting to change the ambiance.

1.Consider buying floor mats or carpets in the right color. Have you noticed that the floor mat is the first thing that you see upon entering your car? Don’t fret; this will not cost you your monthly salary. There are many inexpensive car floor mats out there. Besides the color of the mat, choose a design that you think suits your personality. You may want earth colors or an ethnic design. If you’re the professional and manly type, black and blue may dominate parts of your car interior.
2.Get the most out of the seat cover. Be creative in choosing this part of the car interior. It will be better if you coordinate the color of the seat cover with your floor mats. You will realize eventually that choosing the right color and design for a seat cover can add a little spice to the monotony of driving in traffic.
3.Consider doing a makeover for the dashboard, door handles, gear stick, steering wheel, and other durable parts. You can be creative and try out various materials like wood, carbon fiber, and aluminum. You can give that steering wheel a more sports car-like appearance. Visit and consult auto parts and accessories shops or car customization centers to find the perfect materials that you want. In this way, you can compare prices.
4.Replace your regular interior lights with something more creative. You can choose a bluish light, neon lighting, or glow in the dark types. You can also choose unusual shapes. Some have tried placing lights under the seats, and the result was spectacular. It really looks incredible, especially at night. Installing a dimmer could also produce a fantastic effect.

If you feel like the matter should be done by an expert’s hands, you can bring your car to the customization shop and let a car interior specialist do the work. Just give them a clear picture of what you really want to experience when you're driving.

How To Check Your Dashboard Lights

2009-07-14T10:14:00.000-07:00

Dashboard lights provide the driver relevant information crucial to driving, such as indications on gas level, engine oil level or even how fast you are going. A driver is as if blind without dashboard lights to guide him. Despite their importance, this is still an often disregarded part of the car interior. Most car owners are probably more preoccupied with the upholstery or the audio system. Just like checking the tires' pressure, checking dashboard lights should also be done regularly before you drive out. Checking of your dashboard lights is a lot easier than changing tires or washing the car. You can do it just before you leave the house in the morning. Being vigilant with your dashboard lights is a preventive measure and can help you avoid untoward incidents on the road.

1.Identify all the lights in your dashboard. You need to be familiar with all the indicators and signals, including which lights should glow, which shouldn't and how long some should illuminate when you turn on the engine. You can easily get the information on this in the car owner’s manual.
2.Keep the car engine running for 5 minutes. This should provide you with enough time to check each of the dashboard lights. You can turn on and off particular devices such as the turning signal to see if their indicator lights work.
3.Turn off the engine and take note of which lights didn't work properly. Things to look out for are Indicators that did not light and those that did not stop gleaming when they are supposed to. Observe also if there are lights that did not turn off even when the engine has stopped.
4.Recheck the dashboard lights again. Go through all the procedures once again just to make sure you did not miss anything or misinterpret a malfunction. The confusing thing when checking your dashboard lights is that three possibilities could exist when it doesn't work the way it should. The car component that the indicator light should be monitoring could be malfunctioning, the dashboard light itself might not be working properly, or both the lights and components are out of order. It's actually crucial that you also know the general condition of your car so that you can make a clear judgment when checking the dashboard lights. If a light problem still persists, then it's time to bring your car in for repairs.

The whole thing might seem superfluous, but regularly checking even the smallest details on your car should be made a habit. You never know when a something unfortunate could happen on the road.

How To Enhance and Resize Photos for Craigslist

2009-07-13T20:17:00.000-07:00

In Part 1, How To Use ImageShack Photo Hosting for Craigslist Ads, I described what photo hosting was all about and why you want to avoid use of Craigslist's own tools for adding photos to your product listings. I discussed the virtues of ImageShack's free hosting service and its other uses, and explained that the procedures are easy to follow. Now it's time to get your photos ready for the show by enhancing and resizing them.

Let's say you've decided to sell an assortment of obsolete wired networking hardware (you recently switched to wireless, right?). You've got a LinkSys router and two Netgear hubs of different sizes. With your new 8 megapixel Canon camera, you'll shoot pictures of each. You already know how to download these photos from camera to computer. You've placed the photos in a folder named C:\craigslist\NetworkHardware4Sale.

1. Using a photo editor, crop the photos and enhance them for best contrast and brightness. If they look good in the photo editor, they'll appear great in your listing. Select one photo that looks best for each item, and save each with a sensible name, such as:

LinkSysRouter
NetgearHub-4port
NetgearHub-8port

In some cases you may want to shoot front and rear photos. For example, customers may want to see the connectors on the Netgear hubs. Just add the word "front" and "rear" to the photo names. If you do it for all three products, now you've got six photos to upload:

LinkSysRouterFront
LinkSysRouterRear
NetgearHub-4portFront
NetgearHub-4portRear
NetgearHub-8portFront
NetgearHub-8portRear

2. Make sure you are familiar with your camera. Since your camera takes photos up to 8 megapixels, each photo can be quite large -- much more than 1 megapixel each. You have a choice to make at this point. You can resize the photos with your photo editor, or you can let ImageShack do the work for you. Virtually all digital cameras let you select image size before you shoot, so there's a third choice. You make it before taking the photos. Read the next four paragraphs, then consult your camera manual.
As a general rule of thumb, a 3 megapixel camera is more than sufficient for Craigslist photos. Even an old, cheap 2 megapixel camera (buy one on Craigslist) will produce excellent images for the web. In fact, the photos you are going to display in your Craigslist ads should never be larger than 500K (about half a megapixel) and usually won't exceed 250K. So, if you've mastered your camera, you can set it to take smaller pictures. Downloads to your computer will be faster, and subsequent uploads to ImageShack will also be quicker.

3. Choose the right size for Craigslist photos. Your six images are ready to go and you've decided to let ImageShack resize them on the fly as they are being uploaded. How big do you want them to appear in your listing?
The answer is based on screen size. Most desktop and notebook computer users (>75%) have displays measuring 15" to 17" with resolutions of 1024 pixels wide (15") to 1280 pixels wide (17"). Size your photos to 1024 pixels and they will display full screen on a 15" monitor. In fact, it's good to leave some "white space" around a photo (that's what ad experts say) so I routinely size my Craigslist photos to 800 pixels wide. This is still much larger than the meager 300 pixel width of a standard Craigslist photo, but it's ample for products like the surplus network hardware in this
how-to.

Of course, if you are attempting to show fine detail in a product, then by all means go big, up to 1024 pixels. If you go beyond, your photos will overflow the visible 15" screen. Viewers won't see the whole photo unless they scroll to the right. A good example of "going big" is an ad for a valuable coin or stamp where you want to be certain that buyers can see flaws or no flaws. Of course, you must master the macro mode of digital photography to shoot such photos in the first place. I digress so let's get back to the photos.

OK, you've cropped and enhanced your photos and decided to display them in your ad at 800 pixels wide. The photos are stored on your hard drive in the folder named C:\craigslist\NetworkHardware4Sale\. Remember this.

4. Open an on-screen scratch pad. You'll need an on-screen scratch pad to capture the code that's going to be generated in the next steps. Our Windows-based computers come with a couple of good ones -- Notepad and WordPad. You'll find both by clicking Start - Program - Accessories. Select Notepad and it will open a text processing window into which you'll paste the code you copy in the next series of steps. You can reduce the size of the on-screen Notepad window to temporarily get it out of the way, or minimize it to the bottom of the screen.

5. Upload and resize images on ImageShack. Now, using your browser, go to ImageShack. If you go to imageshack.com, you're in the wrong place. Follow these steps to automatically upload your six photos.
Let's assume you have not registered with the site. The first task is to enter your email address in the window to register upon upload. Then...

1.Click the round radio button "image".
2.Click the Browse button.
3.Using the navigation tools in the window, find and open the folder C:\craigslist\NetworkHardware4Sale\. Your six photos will be listed.
4.Select the first photo and click "open".
5.Select "Resize Image?" and use the drop-down window to pick 800 x 600.
6.Click "host it". The photo begins to upload. When complete (this can take a minute or more if the photo is big and you're on dial-up), you'll see a long list of code choices and some advertising (ImageShack needs to pay bills like the rest of us).
7.Of these many choices, the one you want is found on the lower half of the screen (you may need to scroll down) and begins . It's named "Hotlink for Websites" on the right hand side. The photo to the right shows how it appears.
8.Place your mouse in this window and click once, highlighting the selection. Then, press CTRL-C to copy. Minimize the ImageShack window and bring up Notepad.
9.Click anywhere in the scratchpad's white space, then press CTRL-V to paste the entry, which will look something like this:
10.Put a carriage return (Enter key) at the end of the code segment if you like.
You'll repeat the process for each photo, building up your scratchpad with subsequent entries. It's a good idea to save the scratchpad in the same folder where you placed the photos. You can name it NetworkHardware4sale.txt and save it as a txt file. Then, shrink or minimize the window.

Now that you know how to resize and enhance your images for Craigslist, let's continue to the next topic: putting big images into the Craigslist ad.

Step 2 in Preparing and Uploading Great Photos for Craigslist Listings

How To Manually Remove Vundo Trojan

2009-07-13T02:21:00.000-07:00

Vundo Description:

Vundo is a widely-spread trojan that shows large amount of unsolicited pop-up advertisements. The spyware also silently downloads from the Internet and runs arbitrary potentially harmful files, mostly adware components. Vundo is distributed by e-mail in messages containing links to insecure web sites, which exploit certain security vulnerabilities of the Internet Explorer web browser. Once the user clicks on such a link, Internet Explorer opens a dangerous site that automatically installs the trojan into the computer without user knowledge and consent. Vundo is responsible for the severe decrease of the amount of computer virtual memory available. This results in noticeable PC performance slowdowns. Vundo secretly runs on every Windows startup.

Vundo Manual Removal Instructions:

Step 1 : Use Windows File Search Tool to Find Vundo Path
1. Go to Start > Search > All Files or Folders.
2. In the "All or part of the the file name" section, type in "Vundo" file name(s).
3. To get better results, select "Look in: Local Hard Drives" or "Look in: My Computer" and then click "Search" button.
4. When Windows finishes your search, hover over the "In Folder" of "Vundo", highlight the file and copy/paste the path into the address bar. Save the file's path on your clipboard because you'll need the file path to delete Vundo in the following manual removal steps.

Step 2 : Use Registry Editor to Remove Vundo Registry Values
1. To open the Registry Editor, go to Start > Run > type regedit and then press the "OK" button. 2. Locate and delete the entry or entries whose data value (in the rightmost column) is the spyware file(s) detected earlier.
3. To delete "Vundo" value, right-click on it and select the "Delete" option.
4. Locate and delete "Vundo" registry entries:
• HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftInternetExplorerMainActiveState 02F96FB7-8AF6-439B-B7BA-2F952F9E4800
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesATLEvents.ATLEvents.1
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesATLEvents.ATLEvents 8109AF33-6949-4833-8881-43DCC232B7B2 2316230A-C89C-4BCC-95C2-66659AC7A775
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRunOnce*[filename]
• HKEY_CURRENT_USER SoftwareMicrosoftInternet ExplorerMainActive State
• HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRunOnce*WinLogon
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows CurrentVersionExplorerBrowser Helper Objects{8109AF33-6949-4833-8881-43DCC232B7B2}
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows CurrentVersionExplorerBrowser Helper Objects{2316230A-C89C-4BCC-95C2-66659AC7A775}
•HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows CurrentVersionExplorerBrowser Helper Objects{02F96FB7-8AF6-439B-B7BA-2F952F9E4800}
•HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SOFTWAREClassesCLSID{02F96FB7-8AF6-439B-B7BA-2F952F9E4800}
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SOFTWAREClassesATLEvents.ATLEvents.1
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SOFTWAREClassesATLEvents.ATLEvents
• HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{8109AF33-6949-4833-8881-43DCC232B7B2}
• HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{2316230A-C89C-4BCC-95C2-66659AC7A775}
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SoftwareMicrosoftWindows CurrentVersionRunOnce*[filename]
• HKEY_CURRENT_USER SoftwareMicrosoftWindows CurrentVersionRunOnce*WinLogon

Step 3 : Use Windows Command Prompt to Unregister Vundo DLL Files
1. To open the Windows Command Prompt, go to Start > Run > type cmd and then click the "OK" button.
2. Type "cd" in order to change the current directory, press the "space" button, enter the full path to where you believe the Vundo DLL file is located and press the "Enter" button on your keyboard. If you don't know where Vundo DLL file is located, use the "dir" command to display the directory's contents.
3. To unregister "Vundo" DLL file, type in the exact directory path + "regsvr32 /u" + [DLL_NAME] (for example, :C\Spyware-folder\> regsvr32 /u Vundo.dll) and press the "Enter" button. A message will pop up that says you successfully unregistered the file.
4. Search and unregister "Vundo" DLL files: vzbb.dll
Step 4 : Detect and Delete Other Vundo Files
1. To open the Windows Command Prompt, go to Start > Run > type cmd and then press the "OK" button.
2. Type in "dir /A name_of_the_folder" (for example, C:\Spyware-folder), which will display the folder's content even the hidden files.
3. To change directory, type in "cd name_of_the_folder".
4. Once you have the file you're looking for type in "del name_of_the_file".
5. To delete a file in folder, type in "del name_of_the_file".
6. To delete the entire folder, type in "rmdir /S name_of_the_folder".
7. Select the "Vundo" process and click on the "End Process" button to kill it.
8. Remove the "Vundo" processes files: vzbb.dll

How To Speed Up Windows XP Installed on Your Personal Computer

2009-07-12T11:03:00.000-07:00

.Before we begin, you must understand that adjusting your Windows settings is a risk on your part. Your PC's hardware maybe be damaged due to incorrect software settings! So knowing that a risk exists, this article lets you know only those settings that are safe for your Windows XP operating system. Follow the instruction below to modify your current settings:

1.Modify your Windows performance settings. This will make your Windows perform faster because you will take out vast memory usage allocated to visual effects. Right click on the My Computer Icon and select Properties. Select Advance Tab and click Settings. Now you will adjust the visual effects. Leave the following options checked: Show translucent selection rectangle, Use a background image for each folder type, Use common task in folders, Use drop shadows for icon labels on the desktop and Use visual styles on Windows buttons. Leave the rest of the options unchecked.

2.Modify registry settings for desktop delay. This will make your system faster since it will remove the delay time for showing Windows content. To begin, type on the Run command, "regedit." When you are on the registry, navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\CONTROL PANNEL\DESKTOP. Look for the word "MenuShowDelay" and double click on it! Change its default value into "5". That's it for the desktop registry settings.

3.Modify registry settings for start-up delay. This will again make your windows startup faster by minimizing the delay time for the start-up delay of your windows XP. To begin, type again on the Run command, "regedit." When you are on the registry, navigate to "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CURRENTCONTROLSET\CONTROL\CONTENTINDEX." Next, look for the name "StartupDelay" and change its base to "Decimal" and its default value data to 40000. Close all opened applications and restart your computer.
These are the only steps you need to take to safely maximize the performance of your personal computer.

How To Clean Computer Screens

2009-07-12T10:55:00.000-07:00

If you own a computer, you know that it must be regularly maintained. This includes your monitor. Since monitors are electronic appliances, they attract dust, and that dust can build up quickly. Dust isn't the only culprit. Fingerprints, smears, and if you are a smoker, that smoke buildup can get rather disgusting. Follow these simple instructions, and your monitor will be in tip-top shape.

CRT Monitors
1.The Screen. Since CRT screens are glass, window cleaner is a suitable cleaning agent. NEVER spray the cleaner directly on the screen. Instead, spray the cleaner modestly on a soft, lint-free cloth, then clean the glass as you would a window. Windex wipes are great for this, and when you're done, the wipe should still be good for wiping down that dusty television screen while you're at it.

2.The Case. The plastic case should be kept clean as well. First, use a handheld vacuum, a vacuum cleaner with a computer attachment, or a specialized computer vacuum to clean the cooling vents. NEVER spray any type of cleaner near these vents, as you will damage the circuitry inside. The rest of the case can be cleaned with a soft cloth lightly dampened with plain water.

LCD Monitors

1.The Screen. A liquid crystal display, or LCD, isn't glass, so avoid using glass cleaner, ans steer clear of anything containing ammonia. Instead, pick up a container of LCD cleaning wipes. They can be found in the large retail stores or your local computer specialty store. You may also use lens cleaning wipes typically found in the camera department. Both types are lint-free and pre-moistened with an alcohol solution, which dries quickly and leaves no residue. In a pinch, you may use a soft, lint-free cloth moistened with plain water. Never spray anything directly onto the screen, as water can seep into the case and damage the circuitry inside.

2.The Case. As with the CRT case, use a handheld vacuum, a vacuum cleaner with a computer attachment, or a specialized computer vacuum to clean the cooling vents. NEVER spray any type of cleaner near these vents, as you will damage the circuitry inside. The rest of the case can be cleaned with a soft cloth lightly dampened with plain water.
A regular cleaning regimen for all of your computer hardware will add life to your system and save you from problems associated with eye strain.

How To Use Your TV as a Computer Monitor

2009-07-12T10:48:00.000-07:00

Many a time I have looked over at my 32" television and thought, why can't I just hook up my computer to that thing and play my PC games on a huge screen? I figured it would beat buying a huge monitor for a ton of cash, right?

Well I looked into it and it can be done but there are some limitations that, in the end, might not make it worth your while. I'll explain later in the article.

1.Identify your TV's input connections. Most TVs these days have three basic types of inputs. You have your coaxial cable input, the same as your cable box or satellite, an RCA composite input (the yellow, red and white inputs) and an S-video connector. Newer televisions might have Component Video, DVI, VGA or HDMI inputs but the ones listed above are more common.

2.Identify your computer's outputs. These days computer manufacturers are adding TV compatible outputs on their products so it's easy to hook it up quickly. The S-video in particular seems to be popping up on more and more computers. Mostly you will find the usual VGA output that the regular monitor hooks up to. The newer multi media computers of the near future will probably have all high definition outputs that connect directly to your TV, but for now we will deal with what most people have for both computers and televisions.

3.Find the appropriate adapter for your connections. You may need to get an adapter so you can hook up your computer to the TV. These have a VGA adapter on one end and (usually) a selection of hookups on the other (S-video, RCA composite and Component). The good thing about these is that you can take it from TV to TV and you'll be able to hook up to all of them. I highly recommend a wireless adapter. It costs a bit more but it's worth not having a big cable mess and not keeping your computer near your TV.

4.Connect your computer to your TV. If you have a TV compatible output on your computer, such as an S-video jack, just take an S-video cable and connect it to your computer and your TV. If you do not, then attach your VGA end of your adapter to your computer and use the RCA, S-video or Component Video cable to attach to your TV. After you've made all the connections, make sure you are on the correct TV video input. Press the input button on your TV or remote until you see your computer's signal.

Now, here is where you might get a little disappointed. Your TV's usual video signal is called NTSC (PAL if you live in Europe). This signal is different than the one generated by your computer. Computers use signals measured by pixels: 320x200, 320x240, 640x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1280x1024 or 1600x1200. Most TV's can only get about 500 lines of resolution, in computers this is like 500 vertical pixels. The video amplifiers in televisions cannot handle higher resolutions either. So when you factor these things together you are left with a maximum resolution of 640x480.

This is not the worst thing in the world because you can play games and watch video in lower resolutions no problem. It's just that you will never get close to the resolution your computer monitor will give you. Beware of some adapters that claim to give you more than 640x480, they just reduce the quality of the original television signal to compensate.

You can get an adapter for an HDTV that will give you higher resolutions but you need an HDTV and an adapter that costs usually 2-3 times more than your standard adapter. Any way you choose, it is not hard to use your TV as a computer monitor if you follow the few steps above.

How To Make Your Computer Faster

2009-07-12T09:03:00.000-07:00

.Are you wondering, "Why is my computer slow?" Do you need help figuring out how to speed up your computer? Computers are wonderful devices that allow us to do many things but things can get rough once the garbage that comes in through our internet connection begins to stop up our system. I have put together a step-by-step procedure for cleaning all of this out.

Follow the steps below and you will see a noticeable improvement in your system. If you're looking to really speed things up -- like make your computer twice as fast -- check out Computer Secrets Unleashed. Enjoy!

1. Download Microsoft's Anti-Spyware program, Adaware, and Spybot Search and Destroy. Microsoft's program can be downloaded at Microsoft Windows Defender. Adaware can be downloaded at Lavasoft Downloads. Spybot can be downloaded at The Home of Spybot-S&D. All of these programs are free.

2. Install Microsoft's anti-spyware program now, but not the other two.

3. Run MSconfig. To do this, select Start>Run and type msconfig into the space. Select the Startup tab and get rid of all unnecessary programs. The way to determine this is to go to ProcessLibrary.com and check it against their database.

4. Boot into Safe Mode. To do this, restart the computer and press F8 continuously. Select the Safe Mode option from the list and continue to desktop.
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5. Delete any spyware programs from your add/remove. To do this, select Start>Control Panel>Add or Remove Programs. Check all unknown programs against SpywareGuide.com.

6. Locate the temp folder in your computer and delete everything in the folder. This is located, usually, in C:\Documents and Settings\Username\local settings.

7. Still in Safe Mode, install Adaware and Spybot. Run Adaware, Microsoft's anti-spyware and Spybot. Update to the most recent definitions in each program and run them in full scan mode. Microsoft's program cannot be installed in Safe Mode. You have already installed it.

8. Reboot into standard Windows mode.

9. Download HijackThis. You can get this program here Merijn.org. Install and run it. Click Do A System Scan and Save A Logfile. HijackThis will analyze processes that are running on your computer and alert you when there are things running that should not be there. It will also let you know when there are programs running that are not malicious but can safely be gotten rid of because they are not needed.

10. Post the logfile in the Automated Log Analyzer at HijackThis.

11. After determining what's safe and isn't, check appropriate boxes and click Fix Checked.

12. Run the Microsoft Anti-Malicious program, which you can download at the Microsoft Download Center. This program is designed by Microsoft to detect and remove programs whose sole purpose is harming your computer. The technical term for this type of program is a rootkit.

13. Download and run BLBeta Expert. This can be downloaded at F-Secure Blacklight. Make sure to carefully review anything it detects before removing. BlBeta is another program that is designed to get rid of rootkits.

14. For Internet Explorer, click Tools> Internet Options> Security Tab. Click on the Internet Globe icon and select Custom Level. Disable the following:
a. Download Unsigned ActiveX Controls.
b. Initialize And Script ActiveX Controls Not Marked As Safe.
c. Active Scripting.
d. Scripting Of Java Applets.

Also click High Safety under Java Permissions.

If this causes trouble viewing any favorite sites, click the Trusted Sites icon of the Security Tab and use the Sites button to add the URL's of sites that are exempt from these requirements. The purpose of these changes is to tighten the security of your system so that not so many malicious programs make it to your system.

15. For Firefox, type about:config in the address bar. Right click in the window and click New and Integer. In the first box, type privacy.popups.disable_from_plugins. In the second box, type 2. This will prevent Flash popups in Firefox.

16. Open Regedit by clicking Start>Run and type in regedit.

17. Once Regedit is open, click the plus symbol next to the HKEY_CURRENT_USER folder, the plus symbol next to Control Panel, and then click the Desktop folder icon to display its contents. In the right pane, double-click MenuShowDelay to change its value. (This Registry location is referred to as HKEY_CURRENT_USER\CONTROL\PANEL\DESKTOP\MENUSHOWDELAY.) The default Value Data is 400, or 4/10 of a second. Change the Value Data to 0 for the least delay, and click OK. This will make menus appear instantly on your computer instead of having a delay.

18.Open HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CURRENTCONTROLSET\CONTROL\FILESYSTEM. Right-click Filesystem, select New, and DWORD Value. Rename NewValue#1 on the right-side pane to DisableNTFSLast-AccessUpdate. Double-click this new entry, change the Value Data field from 0 to 1, and then click OK. This disables the constant updating of the dates when a file or folder were last updated. This will speed up the system.

19.Open HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS\CURRENTVERSION\EXPLORER. Create a new DWORD Value called DesktopProcess, and set its Value Data to 1.

20. Expand HKEY_CURRENT_USER, expand Control Panel, and click Desktop. Double-click the AutoEndTasks string and change the value to 1. This causes all of the components of the explorer to run in one process, making your computer faster.
There is a caveat for some users here. Do not make this change if you are not running at least a Pentium processor and 16 MB of physical memory. Dating Blogs.

21. Expand HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, expand SOFTWARE, expand Microsoft, expand Windows, and expand CurrentVersion. Right-click Explorer, expand New, click Key, and name the new key AlwaysUnloadDLL. Click AlwaysUnloadDLL, double-click the Default string, and change the value to 1. Windows tries to keep some DLL's in memory when the program uses them. If a user has low memory, this can cause performance issues.

22. Expand HKEY_CURRENT_USER, expand Control Panel, and click Desktop. Double-click the HungAppTimeout string and change the value to 1000. Now, double-click the WaitToKillAppTimeout, string and change the value to 2000. This sets your system up to more efficiently handle application hangups. It also will optimize the amount of time a system takes to close a program when you try to end Windows.

23. Expand HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, expand System, expand CurrentControlSet, and click Control. Double-click the WaitToKillServiceTimeout string and change the value to 2000. This optimizes the time that it will take for Windows Services to close when the system is set to shut down.

24. Expand HKEY_CURRENT_USER, expand Control Panel, click Desktop, and double-click the MenuShowDelay string in the right-hand pane. Change the value to 100. This will cause Desktop menus to appear almost instantly.

25. Close regedit.

26.Set Recycle Bin to 1-3 percent of the hard drive space. To do this, right click on the Recycle Bin. Select properties. Move the slider down to the desired amount and click Ok. By default, the Recycle bin takes up too much of your space.

27. To ensure DMA is in use, click Start, right-click My Computer, click Properties, select the Hardware tab, and click Device Manager. Expand the IDE ATA/ATAPI Controllers entry, double-click the entry for the channel where your hard drive is installed (most likely the Primary IDE Channel), and use the Transfer Mode drop-down menu to select DMA If Available if PIO Only mode is selected. Click Ok, reboot, and recheck the setting to make sure it sticks. When this is enabled, it will allow information from your CD/DVD to go straight to memory, bypassing the system processor and speeding up the system.

You should notice markedly increased speeds in your computer. Remember that this is not a "do once and forget it" procedure.

Crud is constantly building up in your computer, so make sure and set up a maintenance plan to keep your computer clean.

It's important to keep your Windows registry running lean, and that takes regular computer maintenance. This will prevent your computer from running slow.

How To Do Website Design

2009-07-12T08:56:00.000-07:00

Finally, you are ready to design your own website. These few simple guidelines are just what you need to springboard you in the right direction so the worldwide web can enjoy your product or services!

Two important questions must be answered before designing begins: who are you trying to reach, and what are you offering? Everything in the website must be built around these two goals. It does not need to contain information that is not related to your audience or product.

The first stage of design is to choose a color scheme. Along with the basic neutrals, black and white, only two colors should be used. These should complement any logos used on the site. Any more than two basic colors and the website can burden the observer's eyes.

There must be a site map. It may seem tedious, but it is good to sketch out the basic pages you would like the website to contain along with the general information each page will contain. Finding a good balance for how much content should be on each page can be a challenge to the website designer. There needs to be enough content in each section to keep the audience's attention without overburdening the page with information. This may take some trial and error to figure out how to get an appropriate balance, while keeping the website easy to navigate.

Avoid moving parts, such as banners or flashing icons. Their purpose is to grab a viewer’s attention, but they will distract from the core content on the page. The eyes will automatically look toward any movement and take the viewer away from everything else you want them to see on the page.

All empty space is not evil! If you overload a page with too much text it will be too busy. Too much information detracts from the main points you are trying to convey. In your design, plan for spaces between text. These allow the reader to scan the page quickly and glean pertinent information. Again, a good balance needs to be achieved between too much and too little empty space.

Above all, keep the design of your site easy to navigate. Set it up so that one can peruse the site, and glean the most important information without having to go through endless clicks and pages which do not directly apply to the site's overall intentions.

How To Buy an iPod Shuffle

2009-07-11T21:21:00.000-07:00

MP3 players are becoming increasingly more popular. There are many types and brands available on the market today. However, the most popular brand without question is the iPod. The iPod comes in three forms: the original iPod, the iPod Nano and the iPod Shuffle. The original iPod is capable of playing music, storing and displaying photos, playing podcasts and playing videos. The iPod Nano is much smaller in size than the iPod and it can do the same things the iPod can, except for play videos. Finally, the iPod Shuffle is basically the same as the iPod Nano except it does not have the LCD color display screen nor can it be used to store or view photos.

When buying an iPod Shuffle there are a few things to consider:

1. Which model do I want? Before you even decide where you will buy the iPod Shuffle, you should first decide which model you want. The iPod Shuffle currently comes in two models: the 512MB model (capable of holding up to 120 songs) and the 1GB model (capable of holding up to 240 songs). If you plan on keeping a large library of music on the iPod Shuffle, then the 1GB model is probably the best choice; otherwise the 512MB model should be just fine.

2. Do I want it new or used? This is probably the most important decision you'll need to make. Buying new is most definitely the safer way to go, but obviously not the cheapest. However, the benefit to buying new is that you will typically be given the option for extended warranties or service plans, which you cannot get when you buy used.

On the other hand, if you do not want to spend an excessive amount of money, then you could buy used. When you buy used though, there is no guarantee as to how long the iPod Shuffle will function properly, especially since you will not definitively know what kind of wear and tear it has.

3. Where do I want to buy it? The final decision is generally the easiest once you know what you're looking for. If you decide to buy a new iPod Shuffle, then you would be able to find it at places like Best Buy or Circuit City. If you opt for buying used, you could get it from an auction site like eBay or Yahoo! Auctions. Whenever you buy from an auction site, be sure to read the listing for the item you're bidding on very carefully before you go ahead and place a bid or buy the item.

Before you actually buy an iPod Shuffle, you can use price comparison websites like PriceGrabber.com to help you easily and quickly compare all the places you can buy an iPod Shuffle - both online and retail - to see where you can find the best deals.

How To Buy Digital Cameras

2009-07-11T21:12:00.000-07:00

It seems that just about everybody has a digital camera these days. They can be found on computers, in cell phones, and even on keychains (not to mention the cameras that actually look like real cameras). With all of the advances that have been made in digital camera technology in recent years, it's no surprise that there are a number of different options facing the consumer.The problem with having so many digital camera options is that unless you know what you're seeking, you might not be able to get the best camera for your money. In order to find the camera that's right for both you and your wallet, it's important to keep a few things in mind when you go shopping.

1. Know how much you're willing to spend on a camera before you go shopping. Some digital cameras can cost over $500 or $600, while others may top $1,000. Cameras with fewer features and a lower resolution can also be found for under $20 or $30. Stay within your budget.

2. What sort of camera memory access your computer has. Digital cameras use a variety of different types of media for storage, ranging from USB-accessible onboard memory to miniature CD-R or 3.5" floppy disks. Specialized flash memory cards are also commonly used, but may require an adapter or card reader if your computer isn't set up to use them.

3. Look for the megapixel rating for any camera that you're considering buying. This refers to the fineness of individual pixels that make up the image, and to the number of pixels contained within the image. The higher the megapixel rating, the better the quality of the photograph will be. Lower-megapixel cameras tend to produce pictures that are much more grainy and have lower resolutions.

4. Consider the size and shape of the camera as well as how you're going to be using it. If you simply want something to take with you when you go on trips, you'll want a camera that can be easily packed and transported. If you're looking for a more professional camera, then you're going to want something that can be held steady and has attachments and other options available for it. Let form follow function.

5. Keep in mind anything else that you want to be able to do with your camera. Cell phones with digital cameras built in can serve as a portable camera in addition to their normal functions, and certain other cameras can be used to create full-motion video, often with sound! Make sure that the camera you buy meets as many of your needs as possible.

How To Use Blu Ray Equipment

2009-07-11T11:19:00.000-07:00

These days, a home entertainment system wouldn't be complete without having Blu Ray Technology. With this state-of-the-art multimedia equipment, movie enthusiasts like you are guaranteed the ultimate high definition picture and sound quality, similar to that of a movie house.

Blu Ray technology was introduced and developed by Sony to answer the need in developing and enhancing optical disk technology. With the increasing demand for high-definition videos, Blu Ray has rapidly crept its way into becoming the next big thing in home entertainment. Nowadays, movie studios like Walt Disney, Buena Vista, Fox, MGM, and Sony BMG are banking on the use of Blu Ray disks in the release of their films.

Compared to other Digital Versatile Disk (DVD) formats that can only hold standard definition or SD, Blu Ray gives its audience a sharper and crystal clear image in high definition or HD. It also boasts of the ability to store large amounts of data, up to five times the capacity of standard DVD's. With 25 GB of disk space, Blu Ray discs have more than enough storage for added interactive features and extra contents, compared to a standard DVD that can only hold up to 4.5 GB of data. Also, this polymer-made disk is resistant to dirt and scratches, and is armed with anti-piracy measures such as a digital watermark, Advanced Access Content System, High Bandwidth Digital Content Protection, and BD+ technology. No wonder film companies are going for this new version of DVD's.

Blu Ray disks are read by a player differently from ordinary optical discs. Blu Ray DVD players use a blue-violet laser that has a shorter wavelength of 405 nanometers. In contrast, ordinary DVD players use red laser technology with a wavelength of 650 nanometers. This greater precision processing of Blu Ray disk technology allows high definition rendering of compressed data.
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If you want to try the experience of watching from a Blu Ray disc, what you need is a Blu Ray DVD Player that is connected to a high definition television with the use of HDMI cables. This makes sure that the compressed data in Blu Ray DVD's are adeptly displayed on your screen. You also cannot play Blu Ray discs on players other than a Blu Ray DVD player, because that simply wouldn't work. Sony, Samsung, Philips, Panasonic, LG, and Sharp are the current manufacturers of Blu Ray DVD players. They are hard-pressed in creating consoles that can play all forms of DVD's, may they be Blu-Ray technology, HD DVD's, or standard DVD's, to give their audiences the best of movie entertainment.

Today, the growing demand for Blu Ray technology is mirrored in its increasing sales. In fact, over 1.6 million Blu Ray disks were sold during the first six months of its release. This only proves that the demand for high definition movies is long underway. Sooner or later, Blu Ray disks will completely replace all other types of optical media disks. From BetaMax, to VHS, compact discs, and DVD's, Blu Ray technology will become the ultimate high definition material in the history of movie production.

How To Unlock Your Nokia Mobile Phone

2009-07-11T11:12:00.000-07:00

Mobile Phones fresh from the manufacturer, technically, should work with any network provider, as long as you have a Subscriber Identity Module, typically known as a SIM card. If you got your Nokia phone at a promotional price from you network provider though, then most likely, it was ‘locked' before you purchased your cell phone. You don't have to worry though, because you can actually unlock your Nokia phone yourself. Here are a few steps on how you can do it:

1. Contact your network provider. You can call your network provider and ask them for the unlock code of your cell phone.

2. Download software that generates unlock codes. Online there are websites that offer software, either for free or for a fee, to help you unlock your cell phone.

3. Locate your serial number. Typically labeled as IMEI, the serial number can be obtained by looking underneath the cell phone after removing the battery, or by simply typing in *#06# on your cell phone.

4. Remove your SIM Card, and power on your cell phone. A message "Insert SIM Card" should appear on the screen of your cell phone.

5. Use the downloaded software. Enter your Manufacturer (in this case, Nokia, of course) and codes are then generated, which you can use to unlock your cell phone.

6. Key in all of the characters generated by the software. Make sure that you are able to enter in all of the symbols. To get a ‘+', you have to press * two times. To get a ‘p', you have to press the * key three times, and to get a ‘w', you have to press the * key four times. Ignore the spaces on the code.

7. Entering the first code generally should unlock your cell phone. If using (MCC+MNC) as the first code did not work, you can use code "7" for Multilock.

8. Upon successfully unlocking your phone, you should see a message saying "SIM is not restricted" or "Restriction off". If still unsuccessful, you can try using the other codes generated by the software. Generally for Nokia cell phones, you can try up to five times before the phone locks you out completely. If the message "Cannot Undo Restrictions" appears, your phone is ‘hard-locked', which only means your phone would already need a special device to be unlocked.

Having an unlocked cell phone is especially useful if you want to be able to travel abroad without worrying about racking up roaming charges, or forcing yourself to buy a cell phone locally where you are traveling. Above everything else though, double check your service terms to make sure you're not violating any policies set by your network provider.

How To Use Your Apple iPod as a Backup Hard Drive

2009-07-11T11:07:00.000-07:00

Since Apple’s introduction of the iPod to the portable media device market, it has sold millions of them in each version. It has evolved over the years, and the company has introduced more models to choose from. From audio to later adding video capabilities, the iPod has become one of the most sought after portable media devices today. Aside from playing your favorite tunes and videos, there is another use for your iPod, and that is to use it as a backup hard drive. You may be using someone else’s computer and you badly need to save an important document, research materials or an audio file but don’t have a blank CD or flash drive with you. All you have is the iPod that you never seem to leave home without. That may be all you need to save your files. Now that iPod storage capacities have grown to about 120 gigabytes or maybe more, you will have more than enough space for the most important files you need to backup.

1.Plug in your iPod to the USB port on the computer. The iPod connects to the computer through the USB port on a computer, using the USB cable connector. The smaller connector end of the USB cable fits into the USB port on the computer, and the wider end connects to the iPod.

2.Wait for iTunes to initiate. Once the iPod is connected through the USB port, you will have to wait for iTunes to launch, since iTunes may be set to automatically initiate once the iPod is connected to the computer. When the iTunes application is done loading you can choose to exit the program, since we won’t be using it, or choose to minimize it for use later.

3. Go to My Computer. You will now locate your iPod device in My Computer. Go to Start on the bottom left corner of your tool bar, select it and click My Computer on the Start menu. You will see all the hard disks and CD/DVD ROM drives that are connected to your computer. Find your iPod among the list and select it by double-clicking, or right click and choose the explore option.

4. Create a new folder. When you have opened your iPod’s files you will notice a couple of folders like Contacts, or Calendars. Create a new folder on this window and name it anything you want, like naming it “File Transfers” for example.

5. Transfer or copy files to the folder. You can now copy and paste files into this folder to separate them from the essential iPod folders. Transfer files with the method you are accustomed to like dragging and dropping or copy/paste.

6. Eject the iPod. When you are done you can eject the iPod from the computer through iTunes or by clicking the connected device icon on your tool bar and choosing to safely disconnect the device.
Since the iPod has a flash disk or hard drive on board, you can use it as a portable hard drive or a backup hard drive. You can save files on the iPod just like you would on any portable hard drive.

How To Turn your iPod into a Remote Control

2009-07-11T11:01:00.000-07:00

For years people have been hacking gadgets and electronic devices, to find new and fun ways to use them. There are those who enjoy the challenge of being able to direct an existing device to function in another way. They push the limits and make the device go beyond its capabilities. In a way, they reinvent a device by exploring its functions and tweaking its components. The iPod hasn’t been spared from these hacks, and one of the functions that can be created with the iPod is a remote control. You can turn your iPod into a remote control that can switch your television set on and off or change the channels. It can also become a universal remote control for all the other electronic devices in your home like the DVD player or audio component. The infrared technology on a remote control can be used to make the iPod function the same way.

1. Prepare materials to be used. You’ll need a few materials before starting the project. First you’ll need an iPod, and you can use the one you already have or an old one you haven’t used in a while. Then you also need a pocket pc, a TV remote control, a 3.5mm stereo cable and some software like Sony’s Soundforge, Total Remote software from Griffin Technology, and the IR device.

2. Capture infrared signals. Install the Total Remote program on your pocket PC to capture the infrared signal from the remote control. Once the program is installed, start the program and click Edit on the bottom, then select Start One-Shot Sampling. Next, select the power button so we can control the on and off functions on the television set. The pocket pc has an infrared port, and you will need to align the infrared port on the remote control with the one on the pocket pc while holding down the power button. After the signal is captured you can then test it with the IR device by plugging it into the earphone input on the pocket pc.

3. Use Soundforge to record the IR signal. Install the Sony Soundforge software on your computer, and plug the stereo cable from the earphone input on the pocket pc into the microphone input on your computer. In Soundforge, click the record button on the tool bar and make sure it is configured for 44,000HZ 16-bit PCM. Select the record button on the interface so it starts recording, then on your pocket pc click the assigned power button in the Total Remote software. Stop recording, then play back the signal, you’ll notice graphs on the interface and hear an electronic sound. The graph is divided in two, which signifies the left and right channels. Select the right graph or channel and highlight this with the cursor, then mute this channel. Proceed to save the file by naming it and save as .WAV.

4. Load the file onto your iPod. Connect your iPod to your computer and wait for iTunes to launch. When iTunes is up and running and you see your iPod on the interface, add the .WAV file to the library then drag it to your iPod. Now that the file is on your iPod, disconnect it from the computer and plug the IR device into the earphone jack above the iPod. Locate the file you uploaded onto your iPod, point your iPod to the television set and click the file. You are now controlling the power function of the television set from your iPod.

Turning your iPod into a remote control is a handy way of controlling different electronic devices in your home.

Latest Cell Phone Models

2009-07-11T10:03:00.000-07:00

There are always new mobile phones cropping up practically every month, and different subscription offers from varied phone networks. Here you will find some latest cell phone models in the market. Most of these you can also find in websites of phone networks like T-mobile, Vodaphone, Orange, etc. These phone networks also have different kinds of offers for buyers, so make sure to combine both your taste for phones, and your basic needs for getting one. There are also latest phone models that are unlocked for any service carrier that you would want to choose from, so be sure to look up these models if they have that option as well. Here are the latest models of cellular phones from Blackberry, Motorola, LG, Nokia, Samsung and Sony Ericsson.
1. Blackberry
Blackberry Bold
Blackberry Pearl 8110 Pink
Blackberry Pearl 8100 white
Blackberry 8110 Pearl
Blackberry 8120 pearl
Blackberry Pearl 8120 Titanium
Blackberry 8900
Blackberry Pearl8120 Indigo
Blackberry Pearl Flip 8220
Blackberry 9500 Storm
Blackberry 8110 Pearl Silver Blue
Blackberry 8120 Pearl Pink

2. Motorola
Motorola MOTORIZR Z3
Motorola v3c
Motorola E6
Motorola v197
Motorola ic502
Motorola i670
Motorola i880
Motorola i615
Motorola v365
Motorola v365
Motorola RAZR V3e

3. LG
LG KC550 Orsay
LG KP500 Cookie
LG KC910
LG KP500 Cookie Pink
LG KM900 Arena
LG KU990 Viewty
LG GD900 Crystal
LG KE850 Prada
LG KF900 Prada
LG GC900 Viewty Smart Black
LG GT500 Puccini Black
LG GC900 Viewty Smart Silver
LG KF300
LG KS360 Black
LG KP500 Cookie Silver

4. Nokia
Nokia N97
Nokia N97 Silver
Nokia 1650
Nokia 5800 Xpress Music
Nokia N96
Nokia 6600 Slide
Nokia 6300
Nokia 6500 Slide
Nokia 7100 Supernova
Nokia N85
Nokia N86 8MP
Nokia 2600 Classic
Nokia 6303 Classic
Nokia E71 Grey

5. Samsung
Samsung Omnia
Samsung i8510
Samsung i8910 HD
Samsung M8800 Pixon
Samsung F480
Samsung Tocco Ultra Edition Red
Samsung Tocco Ultra Edition
Samsung M7600 BeatDJ
Samsung Tocco Ultra Blue
Samsung Tocco Lite
Samsung U900 Soul
Samsung F480 Tocco Pink
Samsung M8800 Pixon Pink
Samsung M8800 Pixon silver
Samsung Omnia 16GB

6. Sony Ericsson
Sony Ericsson C902
Sony Ericsson C905
Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1
Sony Ericsson W980i
Sony Ericsson W995
Sony Ericsson T303
Sony Ericsson W595 Blue
Sony Ericsson C903
Sony Ericsson W995 Silver
Sony Ericsson W910i Black
Sony Ericsson W705
Sony Ericsson T303 Pink
Sony Ericsson W995 Red
Sony Ericsson C905 Gold
Sony Ericsson C905 Silver

When out looking for phones, the best to look out for are those that would suit your interests and lifestyle. There are different companies that sell phones that could fit the right type of cell phone you want with some freebies along with them if you subscribe to a certain plan. You can get items like a laptop or a Wii or other electrical gadgets, so make sure to do your research well. There are also different types of subscription promos and services you can look into. So before you buy that phone, make sure that you have covered everything that you would want from a phone.

How To Trace Cell Phone Numbers, Free!

2009-07-11T09:23:00.000-07:00

Tracing cell phone numbers can be difficult. Unlike landlines, cell phone numbers are usually not listed in phone books and can't be accessed by dialing Information. Many companies charge to trace cell phone numbers, and until recently, you had to pay the fee or not get much information. However, it is now possible to trace cell phone numbers free of charge.

If you want to know immediately who's calling you, you can finds out NOW at ReverseMobile.com.

1. Try simply searching on the Internet. Type the cell phone number into your favorite search engine and see what comes up. If this works, it is the easiest way to trace a cell phone number, free. The reason this even has a chance of working is because the Internet is a big place and someone's cell phone number could be listed for all sorts of reasons. If their cell phone number is on a networking site, a business site, or any other site, for any reason, it should come up on a search, giving you information about whose number it is. Often, even people with unlisted numbers forget about other reasons that their number may be listed on the Internet.

If the search yields just a long unmanageable list after entering the entire number with the area code, try putting everything but the area code in quotations, like this: 555 "555 5555". If that still doesn't deliver, you can try getting rid of the area code, replacing it with the state where that code exists, or even the city, if you know that information.

2. Check an online cell phone directory. Many free cell phone directories are available online, such as NonPublished.com. Information from these directories about a cell phone number is generally limited, but it can be a good starting point, usually at least giving you the cell phone number's carrier and the city registered on the billing address. Obviously, the city might be outdated, since cell phones are mobile.

To skip the legwork and trace the number right away, I recommend two other options:
Reverse Phone Detective
National Registry of Cellular Numbers

3. Search reverse lookup sites. Although many of these sites charge a fee, more and more reverse lookup sites are letting people trace cell phone numbers free of charge. If you visit these sites (like Free Reverse Cell Phone Directory orNational Cellular Directory, to name a couple) and provide your own information (like your name, cell phone number and city/state), they let you do a few searches for free. Keep in mind that you might "pay" for these by enduring sales calls and emails.

4. Try a volunteer directory. Volunteer directories are those where people voluntarily list contact information and cell phone numbers. If the person you are looking for has listed their information on one of those sites, you can trace the cell phone number free of charge. However, if they haven't, you'll be out of luck.

5. Bite the bullet and pay a small fee. If you feel an urgent need to know the most current and detailed information about a cell phone number, you may decide to pay about $20 at trusted sites like Reverse Phone Detective and Intelius. Although tracing a cell phone isn’t free at these sites, you are told what details you can expect to receive about the cell phone number before paying the fee.

6. Remember to block your cell phone number if you want privacy! Now that you know how to trace a cell phone number, don't forget to block yours if you don't want people knowing who is calling.

Although the Internet doesn't provide all the information you will ever need, it comes pretty close. Even if you can't find everything, chances are that you will be able to trace cell phone numbers free of charge.

How To Block Your Cell Phone Number from Caller ID

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There might be many reasons why you want to block your cell phone number from showing up on other people's caller IDs. Whatever the reason is, it's very simple to block your cell phone number. You have two options: you can permanently block your phone number or you can block your number on a call by call basis.There's no need for an expensive cell phone blocker or other cell phone blocking devices - this is an easy, affordable process.

If you're trying to figure out who's calling you from an unlisted cell phone, check out Reverse Phone Detective.

Blocking Your Cell Phone Number Permanently:

The most permanent solution is to request a "line block" from your cell phone carrier.

To do this you simply need to call the customer service for your specific provider and they can block your number. When you do this your number will never show up to anyone.

To call your wireless customer service to block your cell phone number, just dial 611 from your cell phone and you will reach them.

If there is a situation where you want your number to show up, you will still have an option. When you have a permanent block on your cell phone number you will need to dial *82 before dialing the number you are calling. When you do this your phone number will show up just once for that specific call. Ex: *82 (555) 555-5555.

Did you know that you or anybody else can look up unknown cell phone numbers online? Here are two top sites for looking up cell phone numbers:
PhoneNumberScan.com
National Registry of Cellular Numbers (NRCN)

Blocking Your Cell Phone Number Temporarily:

Sometimes you may want to block you number from caller id for a specific call. You might not want someone to know that you are trying to reach them for the 15th time in a row, or you might be calling a business and might not want them to know your number. Whatever the reason, it's easy to block cell phone numbers.

If you want to block your cell phone number on a call by call basis you need to dial *67 before dialing the number. Ex *67 (555) 555-5555.

When you do this you will not have any feedback that it worked. If you want to test this, just call your home phone, or anther phone that has a caller ID from your cell to confirm that blocking your phone number worked.

One important thing to remember is that your number will not be blocked from emergency services or any toll free number - cell phone blocking only works when you call businesses and individuals.

Another strategy you can use is caller id spoofing, which displays a different name and number than the one you're calling from. Be careful when signing up for a caller id spoofing service - some fake caller id services are illegal. There are many other caller id tricks; however, it's important to be cautious. Anything that shows the caller id a phone number that belongs to somebody else could be illegal.

Finally, if you want to have people call you while keeping your main phone number private, you can get a call forwarding service. The person calling you will dial a telephone number that will then connect to your phone - without them knowing your real number. There are many call forwarding services - a famous one is Google Voice.