What Is The Windows Registry?

The Windows registry is a database which stores settings and options for the operating system for Microsoft Windows 32-bit versions, 64-bit versions and Windows Mobile. It contains information and settings for all the hardware, software, users, and preferences of the PC. Whenever a user makes changes to "Control Panel" settings, or file associations, system policies, or installed software, the changes are reflected and stored in the registry. The registry is actually a big file where a lot of setting can be stored. This file has been around quite a while and has had different names. The first windows version that used the windows registry to store settings was windows 3.11 and the registry in that version of windows was called Reg.dat. In Windows 95 & 98 the registry files are named User.dat and System.dat and are stored in the \Windows\ directory. Windows ME called the registry files, Classes.dat, User.dat, and System.dat and stored them in the \Windows\ directory. Finally the newest versions of windows like, Windows NT, 2000, 2003, & XP stores the registry files like this, The Registry files are stored in %SystemRoot%\System32\Config\: • Sam • Security • Software • System • Default • Userdiff • NTUSER.dat • The NTUSER.dat file is stored in the profile folder. The Windows Registry was introduced to tidy up the old way of storing text entries in INI files. These entries had previously been used to store configuration settings for Windows programs. The ini files where stored in a lot of different directories and many programs used their own ini file for some or all of their settings. This way of using ini files all over the system, made them difficult to keep track of and handle in an easy and logical way. What’s Good with the Registry Changing from having one or more INI Files per program to one centralised registry has some obvious and some not so obvious benefits: • The registry keeps machine configuration separate from user configuration. When a user logs into a Windows NT/XP/2003 computer, their registry settings are merged with the system wide settings. This allows programs to more easily keep per-user configuration, as they can just work with the 'current user' key, whereas in the past they tended to just keep system-wide per-program settings. There are always some system wide settings that are common for all users though. • Group Policy allows administrators on a Windows-based computer network to centrally manage program and policy settings. This is not used in a home environment, only in corporations with a dedicated logon server. • Because the registry is accessed through a special API it is available to scripts and remote management using WMI. Each script does not have to be customised for every application's unique configuration file layouts and restrictions. • The registry can be accessed as one item over a network connection for remote management/support, including from scripts, using the standard API. • It can be backed up more easily, in that it is just a small number of files in specific locations. Bad things with the Registry Not all that shines is gold. The Registry introduces some problems as well: • It is a single point of failure - damage to the Registry can render a Windows system unbootable, in extreme cases to a point that can not be fixed, and requires a full reinstall of Windows. This is why it is so important to use registry scan and repair utilities, while the registry still can be repaired. • Any program which wants to manipulate the registry must use special Windows API functions whereas a configuration file can be manipulated using normal text file-processing techniques. • Configuration files can contain comments to help the user by explaining what values are for and how they can be changed, the registry cannot. And the registry use something called guids in a large scale. Long strange unique numbers that is completely meaningless to humans. Making handling much harder. • It is more difficult to backup - it cannot be done 'live' because it is always in use, and thus requires special software such as ntbackup. • Restoring parts of the registry is hard because you cannot easily extract data from backed up registry files • Any application that doesn't uninstall properly, or doesn't have an uninstaller, can leave entries in the registry, which can lead over time to increased file size and decreased performance. And once again, here’s the major reason why you must use a registry scan/clean and repair software. The registry will be redone once more with the release of the new Vista Operating System from Microsoft.

Windows Registry Cleaner Checklist

Over 92% of computers are infected with Adware and spyware. Such software is rarely accompanied by uninstall utility and even when it is it almost always leaves broken Windows Registry keys behind it. Even if you have an anti-spyware tool your Windows Registry might be broken - developers of those tools are focused on removing Adware and spyware functionality, not every trace of software itself.

Another category of software that is known to leave bits and pieces behind on uninstallation is games. There are a lot of special installation systems that creates strange files, unique entries in your registry file as well as changes system dll’s to other versions. Once you uninstall the game a lot of the special installation changes it made will be left behind, causing you problems.

You should run an advanced registry cleaner for Windows that allows you to safely scan, clean, and repair registry problems with a few simple mouse clicks on a regular basis.

Problems with the Windows Registry are a common cause of Windows crashes (blue screens) and error messages (memory as well as disk errors). By using a PC tune-up utility, your system will be more stable, your software will run quicker, and your operating system will boot faster.

Registry problems can occur for many reasons, including references left behind after uninstallation; incorrect removal of software; missing or corrupt hardware drivers; or orphaned start-up programs. With a few easy steps, a good registry cleaner will scan your entire registry for any invalid entries and provide a list of the errors found.

You then can choose to clean each item or automatically repair them all after making a backup without the need for a registry editor such as Regedit.

To help people choose a product have we created this short checklist.

A good windows registry clean and repair product should have the following options.

Automatic Scan
To facilitate your windows registry scan. This is the simplest way to clean up the registry. Automatic Scan is recommended for 'non-technical' users.

Custom Scans
You customize your search and scan Windows registry for particular types of errors (shared DLLs, missing fonts, invalid start-up entries, etc.).

Manual Cleanup
After the scan is complete, the program should show you a full list of errors with details, broken down by types and let you fix individual invalid entries or all invalid entries of a certain type.

Backup and Undo
Before removing an entry from your registry, should an automatic creation of a backup file be done, that can be used to undo the changes. This to avoid changes without backup.

Scheduler
To schedule the program to scan the registry whenever you start your computer.

Using software like this is not a one time fix. You must run it on a regular basis to keep your registry clean and without errors. This will help the stability and speed of windows.

We have tested a number of registry fix and clean utilities and present our top 3 list on our site for your convenience.

Touchscreen Technology: A New Gateway to Products, Services

Frequent fliers know that checking in for flights is much easier and quicker today thanks to self-serve kiosks that enable users to zip through the process with the touch of a finger. From car infotainment systems to the most advanced communication devices, touchscreens are becoming increasingly popular, converting everyday tasks into fast and fun experiences. Whether they are stopping by the ATM or casting their vote in the latest election, touchscreen technology is enabling people to do so with speed and ease. An intuitive and interactive quality makes touchscreens appealing to all ages and in a variety of industries. Without the learning or physical limitations of a mouse and keyboard, touch technology is open to everyone, even young children or people with disabilities. Toy manufacturers, for instance, are taking advantage of touch technology to provide entertaining, yet educational, toys for children that are too young to have developed the motor skills required for a regular computer. At retail outlets, store merchandisers are using touch technology as a new marketing strategy to engage consumers, while delivering product information at the touch of a finger. For instance, FAO Schwarz has installed 17-inch Planar touchscreens as a consumer design center for the Hot Wheels Custom Car Factory in its New York store. Using the Planar touchscreen kiosk, shoppers can customize their own Hot Wheels car with special colors, designs, wheels and rims. The restaurant industry also is seeing the benefits of touch-integrated POS systems to improve order-processing time. Easy-to-use touchscreen devices enable servers to enter food orders faster and more accurately, enhancing the overall dining experience. Tableside units provide customers with a variety of entertainment and information options, such as playing video games or surfing the Web. Other industries embracing touchscreen technology include automotive (car rental information portals, GPS systems), industrial (ATMs, gas station service pumps) and health care (outpatient information kiosks). Receptive consumers and falling prices have enabled touch to spread its reach across a wide range of markets. As a result, this technology is making strong inroads as a primary way for consumers to get products, services and information. - NU

The Many Uses Of A Hidden Camera

A hidden camera is useful for many reasons, with one of the most popular being to monitor a home while it is left unattended. This may include a business trip or a family vacation, which means that your home is left empty. A hidden camera can silently monitor actions and movement that occur either inside or outside the home, depending on placement. In addition to making sure that your home is monitored incase someone tries to unlawfully enter without your permission or cause damage of some type, a hidden camera can be used to help identify and prosecute a criminal. Quite often, a hidden camera is the only way to catch someone in the act. Whether it is in regards to your home, automobile or landscaping, the ability to protect your property is made easier with the use of a hidden camera. Another popular use of a hidden camera is to monitor the actions and activities that take place when a babysitter is in the house. This is important to make sure that children are never abused in the presence of a babysitter and also to make sure that the child is being watched and fed properly. A hidden camera offers parents a way to know what goes on in their home at a time that they would have no other way of knowing, especially if the child is an infant who cannot explain what is happening when mom and dad are not at home. As an employee, a babysitter is hired to do a specific job and a hidden camera is simply a way of making sure that the job is done correctly. Most businesses also use a hidden camera in order to detect shoplifting or other unlawful activities. This is very important in making sure that thieves do not go unpunished and may also help to convict the perpetrator if needed. A good example of how a hidden camera can detect dishonest behavior is when a gambler decides to cheat inside of a casino. According to most casino owners, there is a hidden camera at every turn and the system is set up to monitor almost every movement inside the facility, including that of the players, cashiers and dealers. If you are considering the purchase of a hidden camera, make sure to shop around and find a model that is dependable and compact. The most important aspect of a hidden camera is that it can easily be placed in situations where it will not be detected. As a result, your hidden camera will monitor your home and everything that goes on inside, even when you cannot be there.

The Urge To Download

If you've been hearing the buzz on Urge recently, it's not about a deep desire or compulsion - it's about MTV's offering to the world of online music downloads and streaming. Urge is a subscription based music download service in which its patrons can subscribe for a monthly fee of $10 and listen to as many of the 2 million songs in MTV's coffers as they like. If they'd like to download that song, then it costs 99 cents each. But it's not just MTV behind the latest addition to the world of online music. Microsoft and MTV are working together on this one. Bill Gates must have seen the success of similar sites like Napster and Rhapsody and decided to jump on the bandwagon. Urge's challenge will be to convince all those music lovers who prefer to buy songs and download them through sites like the incredibly popular iTunes, owned by Apple computers, that subscribing to a site and being able to listen to whatever songs you like, in whatever order and as often as you like is just as good or better than buying them one by one. It's just one more battle to add to the long running conflict between Microsoft and Apple. Does Bill have anything different to offer through Urge? Anything that makes this latest venture stand out from similar sites? Not really. Should you choose to become an Urge subscriber, you won't find any music that you wouldn't find on any other download - subscription site. The prices are even pretty much the same. What they do offer is a aesthetics - their site looks good. Plus, there's the camaraderie. Subscribers can post on blogs and converse with one another. But that's about it. But with Microsoft powering the marketing and advertising engine behind Urge, it's sure to do well. Even the latest incarnation of Microsoft's Windows Media Player has Urge built in. Everyone with a PC has access to this free player and therefore easy access to Urge. What PC users won't have is the portability provided by the wildly popular iPod. Current owners of iPods, should they decide to subscribe to Urge, will have to buy songs through the site, download them, burn them onto CDs and then convert the music files to mp3s in order to be compatible. Other portable devices are compatible with the service, however, and those are listed on the site. This all may change in the Christmas of 2006, as buzz indicates Microsoft plans to release their "iPod Killer". Based on the Xbox brand, and including additional features like gaming, this media player is aimed right at Apple's heart, and could quickly make "Urge" a household name, assuming the two products are closely linked. Each of the music download sites has their own strengths and weaknesses. Urge fully divides and subdivides genres so that its subscribers can easily find what they're looking for while exploring other bands that they might like. Yahoo Music Unlimited personalizes the start page to include suggestions based on the subscribers previous downloads and offers a cheaper subscription rate. Rhapsody has the best radio services, providing specialized stations that stream a pre-set list of music. If you can't decide, then try one or try them all. Each of them offers a free trial subscription. You can experiment with all of them and decide which one suits you best.

The Technical Terms in Motion Capture

A) Pre - Production Scene : A scene or script is a numbered part of a film script, which may be broken down into parts in longshot, medium-shot, close-up, etc by the director when shooting. A master scene is a fairly long length of the script, all under one number, which the director will certainly break down later. He or she may, however, take the whole of a master scene first, then shoot closeups of the various characters to cut in with this later. In animation the basic unit of continuous action, usually shot on one background, from which a film is built up. Script : The detailed scene-by-scene instructions for a film or television production, including description of setting and action with dialogue and camera directions. When the script also has full details of visuals it is termed a 'storyboard'. Storyboard : A form of shooting script common for animated films for many years and now usually used for commercials, even live-action ones. It consists of a series of sketches showing key positions for every scene, with dialogue and descriptive notes below. Still used in animation. ================================================ B) Production 2D Animation : The creation of moving pictures in a two-dimensional environment, such as through "traditional" cel animation or in computerized animation software. This is done by sequencing consecutive images, or "frames", that simulate motion by each image showing the next in a gradual progression of steps. The eye can be "fooled" into perceiving motion when these consecutive images are shown at a rate of 24 frames per second or faster. 3D Animation : The creation of moving pictures in a three-dimensional digital environment. This is done by sequencing consecutive images, or "frames", that simulate motion by each image showing the next in a gradual progression of steps, filmed by a virtual "camera" and then output to video by a rendering engine. The eye can be "fooled" into perceiving motion when these consecutive images are shown at a rate of 24 frames per second or faster. Character animation : The art of making an animated figure move like a unique individual; sometimes described as acting through drawings. The animator must "understand how the character's personality and body structure will be reflected in its movements. Character model : A sheet of drawings defining the proportions, shape, clothing etc. of a character for the guidance of animators. Computer animation : The technique of using computers to generate moving pictures. Some systems can achieve this in real-time (25 frames per second-or in the USA 30fps), but the majority of animation is created one frame at a time and then edited into a continuous sequence. Very sophisticated programs are required to perform the tasks of movement, fairing, perspective, hidden-surface removal, colouring, shading and illumination, and as the trend increases towards more realistic images, faster computers are needed to process the millions of computations required for each frame. The term "computer animation" covers a broad range of subjects, but overall can be defined as the creation of moving images through the use of computers. These images can be created in either a two-dimensional or three-dimensional space, and can be applied to web design, user interface design, application development, video games, movies, special effects, cartooning, and many others. Computer graphics : Charts, diagrams, drawings and other pictorial representations that are computer generated. Effects animation : The animation of non-character movements such as rain, smoke, lightning, water, etc. Go-Motion : Similar to 'Stop-Motion', but the animation is produced by rods attached to the pupet/creature, which can be programmed by a computer to perform the required movement. The advantage over stop-motion is that a lot more realistic movement can be created, because the puppet/creature blurs slightly between each frame. The disadvantage is that the rods attached to the creature need to be hidden from view (e.g. using the blue-screen process) In Between : The paper drawing of a figure that lies in sequence between two key positions drawn by an animator. Key frame animation : The animator 'draws' directly onto the CRT display and produces a basic picture or cell. A number of these drawings can then be superimposed on one another to form a composite cell or key frame. Many of these key frames can be made up and stored in the computer to be called up and used as required. The action of the film can be created by stringing together the series of key frames, and introducing the desired movements between one frame and the next. Each key frame can be used over and over again by simply calling it repeatedly from the computer score. Stop-Motion Animation : Moving a special effects puppet or model/creature a small amount and recording a single frame (or small number of frames) so that when the film is played back at a normal speed it appears to move. The disadvantage with this form of animation is that it can sometimes appear to 'strobe', partly due to the lack of blur between the frames. Three-dimensional modeling : Geometrical descriptions of an object using polygons or solids in three dimensions (x,y,z coordinates) for the purpose of creating the illusion of height, width and depth. =================================================== C) Post Production Edit : The process of assembling video clips, audio tracks, graphics and other source marerial into a presentable package. Off-Line Edit : A "draft" edit, usually prepared in an off-line edit suite (at a lower cost), then taken to an on-line facility to make the final cut. On-Line Edit : The final version of an edit, prepared in a professional edit facility. Non-linear editing : An approach to video editing made possible by digital video recordings. As in word processing, video segments can be inserted between two existing segments without erasing either. Unlike the approach required when editing analog video , segments do not need to "laid down" in the sequence in which they will later be shown. Off-line editing : The steps during the edit process when a preliminary selection of usable shots and scenes is made, and the tentative sequence of these elements is decided. This process is typically done with lower cost, simpler editing equipment than is found in a professional edit suite (where on-line editing is done). Using off-line editing can significantly reduce the total cost of a producation. On-line editing : The steps during the edit process when the compilation of final program is done. When affordable, this is done in a professional edit suite with high quality equipment. If off-line editing had been done, the edit decision list from that phase guides the on-line edit process, typically minimizing the time and cost in the professional edit suite. Post Production : The phases of production that occur after the recording, filming, or taping. This includes editing, mixing, effects, dubbing, compression, mastering, etc. Render Farm : A group of computers which work together to perform the computation-intensive tasks of 3-D rendering. =================================================== D) Motion Capture Mocap : The process of recording the data from human movement so that it can be used for 3D characters created on a computer. Mocap can be used for 3D animations for film, TV and games, and for special effects work. There are wireless, magnetic motion capture systems, and optical systems, which track markers attached to the animator. Performance Capture : The recording of a performance, either human or animal, using a Motion Capture system (or similar technology) - difference being that you can motion capture a table, but it is cannot give a performance. Special Effects Blue (or Green) Screen : A system that replaces a specified colour (blue in this case) with images from another source. This can either be done optically (eg. using film) or electronically (eg. in video, also known as Chroma-Key in video). Some computer systems look at pixel in the scene and determine whether to replace that pixel with the other video source. Better computer systems allow 'some' of the colour of the pixel from 1 image and 'some' from another image. The better systems could be take transparent objects (eg. bottles) or smoke and combine these with the images from another source. Chroma-Key : Keying out parts of an image which contain a particular colour (or colours). Eg. replacing a blue or green background with images from another source. Composite : To combine two or more individual images onto one piece of film by photographic or digital means. Early compositing was accomplished in the camera by masking part of the scene when filming, rewinding the film and removing the matte and shooting again to expose the previously masked portion. Digital compositing is commonplace, in which multiple film images are scanned into the computer, combined digitally, and output to a single piece of film. Motion Control : Controling the motion of a camera or special effects object (eg. model space ship etc), using commands from a computer, so that the exact moves can be repeated as many times. This makes it easy to composite it (ie.combine it with another shot). Rotoscoping : Drawing around something in the frame so that an effect can be applied to that part of the film. If an animated creature has to go behind something in the live action piece of film, that object can be drawn around so a matte can be created, so that the createure will not show over the top of that object. If the camera is moving, then each frame of film would have to be rotoscoped. If the camera is still, then the same matte can probably be used for all frames in that shot. Rotoscoping was first used by the Fleischers for making cartoons. The Fleischers invented the Rotoscope, which is a device for projecting live-action film on to paper frame by frame, so that the outline could be traced and used as a guide for the animation. The Rotoscope consists of an animation camera and a light source (usually using a prism behind the movement and the lamp house attached to the camera's open door) that projects a print through the camera's lense and the projected image is then traced to create a matte. The lamp house is then removed and the raw stock placed in the camera and the drawings are filmed through the same lense that projected the image. The resulting image will then fit the original image if the two strips of film are run bi-packed in the same projector movment (using an optical printer). In digital film effects work, rotoscoping refers to any drawn matte, as both images can be seen compisited while the matte is being drawn, so good results can be achieved. Virtual Sets : Sets which are generated (at least partially) from data within a computer. Mostly used for TV work, these systems replace the real set (eg. an empty studio) with a computer generated set, allowing the actor/presenter to move in the foreground. eg. the background is 'keyed out' and replaced with the set which has been created in a 3D package (eg. Softimage or 3D Studio Max), and any camera movements will be duplicated by the 'virtual camera'. This will require a powerful computer, especially if it is to be done in real-time, for example a Silicon Graphics machine. The method of keeping track of the camera movement (so that it can be duplicated in the 3D computer set) is different for the various sytems. Some systems use a blue grid painted on the back wall of a studio of a known size. A red LED is projected onto the cameras and the actor/presenter so that they too can be tracked throughout the set. Visual effects (also called optical or photographic effects) : Special effects achieved with the aid of photographic or digital technology, occurring after the principal photography, or main shooting, of a film. Includes miniatures, optical and digital effects, matte paintings, stop-motion animation, and computer-generated imagery (CGI). Wire Removal : Removal of unwanted wires, rods, etc. from a piece of film by replacing them with what would have been seen if they weren't there (eg. the background). This can be done by replacing them with the same area from another frame in which the wires/rods were not visible, or by averaging the colours on either side of the wire and replacing it with the average. ================================================= E) New Media A generic term for the many different forms of electronic communication that are made possible through the use of computer technology. The term is in relation to "old" media forms, such as print newspapers and magazines, that are static representations of text and graphics. New media includes: * Web sites * streaming audio and video * chat rooms * e-mail * online communities * Web advertising * DVD and CD-ROM media * virtual reality environments * integration of digital data with the telephone, such as Internet telephony * digital cameras * mobile computing Use of the term new media implies that the data communication is happening between desktop and laptop computers and handhelds , such as PDAs , and the media they take data from, such as compact discs. __________________________________________________________

The Latest Patent Applications: Kernel Of Technological Advancement

The value of freedom in a country is priceless. If one country has freedom of speech and thought then they are sure to have a bright future ahead of them. How so? If a society has freedom of thought then they are free to explore their interests or whatever else that may pique their curiosity, which could eventually lead them to great knowledge and amazing discoveries. Take the United States for example. America has surpasses all the other countries of the world not only economically but technologically as well. Although it is true that most technological inventions and other scientific discoveries did not really originated from the Americans themselves but rather are attributed to citizens of other countries. However, it is undeniable that these technological inventions are enhanced and further developed in America. Thanks to America’s innovative patent system these technological inventions are put to better use. Just what is a patent you asked? The term “patent” is generally defined as a set of exclusive rights granted by the government to a person for a certain period of time (usually for 20 years) in return for the regulated, public disclosure of some information about their invention. It was Thomas Jefferson who initiated the first national patent system in the United States of America during the year 1790. From then on, this exclusive right has been protecting the inventor’s interest by preventing other people from copying, using or selling the already claimed invention. So how exactly are these patents significant in technological advancement? According to the World Intellectual Property Organization or WIPO about 90% to 95% of all the world’s inventions can be found in patented documents. However, these technological inventions comprise only a small percentage of all the patents that are applied for and granted. Therefore it is safe to assume that the latest patent applications are the kernel of technological advancement. Take a look closer at the Internet. This technology has undergone numerous changes from the time that the concept of the World Wide Web was first introduced a few decades back. In an attempt to put Internet into better use, various inventors who aim to further develop and enhance the existing models filed numerous patent applications that are related to this technology. One of the latest patent applications is called system and method for scoping searches using index keys. The invention involves a set of index keys, which is to be included in an index search system that are related with the scope of the search instead of the content of the documents, which are the target of the search. These so-called “scope keys” enables the scope of the search to be customized, thus reducing the number of documents that a search supposed to sort through in order to acquire the results. Another latest patent application that is related to technological advancement in the Internet is the “system and method for performing a search and a browse on a query”. Now, in this invention a search and a browse on a single user query is executed. Then a refined query is chosen from the results of the first user query. After that, a list of concepts from a first directory that are related with the refined query is acquired. Here, the “concepts” are categorized in a hierarchical relationship. Concepts with broader scope are obtains a higher position. Meanwhile, the concepts with narrower scope get a lower position in the hierarchy. In addition, a list of web sites that related with the search concept is also acquired from a second directory. The forming intent-based clusters and employing same by search, is also a patent application that is related in further enhancing the Internet. This patent application is associated to a system and method that will be use for identifying and forming intent-based clusters based on search requests that were sent by the users to the search engines, as well as to the search engine utilizing the formed intent-based clusters to answer the search requests made by the users. To be more precise, the invention is associated to recognizing and utilizing intent-based clusters so that a search made by a user with similar intent may receive a respond more quickly and efficiently. Most importantly, with search results that more directed to the search of the user. All three patent applications are dedicated in making the Internet searching process less complicated and not to mention, much more efficient in terms of coming up with results. Today, patents are considered as the leading source of technological information that is vital in technological advancement. Thanks to the innovative Information Technology industry, particularly to the Internet, the general public can now easily access these constructive documents. Just about anyone who is familiar with the Internet can browse through different patent databases available and obtain the specific patent document that they needed. There are various patent databases that are accessible by the public, USPTO, EPO, JPO, to name just a few. For instance, if you are looking for patents that are related to a certain technological area you will find countless information regarding the entire process of technological innovation, such as the evolutionary path of a specific technology, it’s technological development, technological diversification, technology merges, as well as the major players in specific technological area, and the key points of the specific technology. The secret behind each major technological advancement and inventions are thousands of patents that were applied, filed and then put it into practical use. Fortunately for us the public are well aware of the significance of patent application in developing tomorrow’s technology. The number of patent applications is growing at an enormously fast rate. Inventors not only from America but from other countries as well, are diligently working on their inventions as well as on patenting their ideas -- a clear indication that our nation’s future is indeed in good hands. For as long as the American government continues to nurture innovation, then they will remain as global leaders both in economy as well as technology.

Tips For Buying A Pouch Laminator

The pouch laminator is the most common and economical laminating equipment for most homes and offices. They are compact and don’t require a laminator stand. They can be used on any counter, furniture or desk top and can be stored when not in use. Laminators vary in size and are available in sizes up to 20 inches. A pouch laminating machine costs less and is easier to operate than a roll laminator. You can find them in any office supply store, online or in most stores that sell office equipment. A variety of sizes are available to laminate anything from an ID card to legal sized documents. How a Pouch Laminator Works These laminators use pouches of laminating film that are shaped like a folder. The document is placed inside the film and is then fed into the machine. The document is sealed inside the pouch. This method forms a permanent bond between the film and the document. There is a slight overlap of the film, which leaves a clear edge around the document. Once laminated, the document is water proof and tear proof. This protects documents from getting destroyed or becoming dirty. In addition, lamination gives your documents a professional look. When you laminate reports or presentation materials, they have a high quality look. Types of Pouches for your Laminator Thermal pouches are heat activated. They adhere the film to the document at higher temperatures of between 175 and 270 degrees Fahrenheit. Low melt pouches are available and bond at temperatures between 120 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Photographs and other images can be damaged at high temperatures and should be protected with cold lamination or low melt. Pressure sensitive pouches are used in cold lamination machines. These use pressure to attach the laminate to the document. The pouch has release paper which must be removed to expose the adhesive. The document is then placed between the layers and fed through the machine. Pressure from the rollers helps the laminate adhere to the document. Barcode pouches have an opaque covering that prevents bar codes from being copied. These are available in a variety of sizes. Security coating is used with photographs in developing. The laminate is completely bonded with the image and can’t be removed without destroying the photograph. Magnetic stripe pouches store information in magnetic codes which can be decoded by a stripe reader. These are commonly used by businesses for swipe cards in access control systems. Pre Punched pouches have holes already punched in them. This allows you to put the finished documents in a binder without having to punch your own holes. A variety of hole arrangements are available to fit just about any binder. Buying a Good Laminator Consider the documents you will be laminating. Make sure the size of the machine is sufficient for the documents you need to protect. Be sure the machine you choose is suitable for the work you will do. If you will be laminating a lot of pictures, you may not want a hot laminator. Another option is to choose a machine that will work with all laminates on the market. These tend to be more expensive, but are more versatile. Consider how many documents you will laminate in a day. Pouch machines are best for laminating up to 50 pages each day. If you will be doing much more than this, consider a larger machine.

To Download or Not To Download

The dilemma facing many new Iphone owners is whether they should download games to play on it or should they just use the built in web browser to play online browser games. The biggest argument is the fact that there are far more games available to download than there is to play online. Read on for more information. In most cases, if all you are looking to do is pass the time it can be worthwhile to just use the online games. Even if you aren't aware of them, it's very simple to find playable browser games – a quick internet search will usually reveal hundreds if not thousands of them. This is obviously good news, but the downside is that the online games are usually inferior in quality to the games you would download. Also, you will need to be in an internet service area to be able to play them. This can cause problems if you are travelling on a bus or train or something, as the signals can easily be dropped in these circumstances, which means the game goes byebye! On the bright side, downloading Iphone games does not need to be as expensive as you may first imagine. Granted, it can be expensive, but if you can find some of the better sites around, you'll find there's a wealth of games and things available for you to download for free. This sounds great, but it can be a little dangerous if you aren't well prepared, so check out these guidelines first: 1-First of all, steer clear of the Peer 2 Peer or file sharing sites. Downloading from sites like this is illegal in many countries and territories, so if you do feel the need to visit them be sure to check your local laws and regulations. It's never been easier for the authorities to trace downloads etc, so don't break the law unless you want to go to jail. 2-Keep your computer safe- actively downloading files and games etc can be a great way to get it stuffed full of viruses and dangerous software, so it's important to make sure your security suite is up to date and working correctly. You won't be downloading anything if you ruin your computer! 3-The last tip is to be prepared to pay for access. Some of the better sites will charge you an admin fee before they give you access to their download database. This sounds bad, but it will give you access to their MP3s and movies as well as games, so it usually represents excellent value, as their libraries are large and your downloads are usually uncapped. As you can see, downloading anything to your Iphone can be dangerous and can easily ruin your computer if you aren't careful. Hopefully these guidelines will help you stay safe.

What iPod Is For You?

They're everywhere, and not only are they everywhere, they look cool too. Since its launch in 2001, 10 million have sold and 8 million of those were in 2004. So welcome to the next generation. 8 tracks, records, cassettes, CDs, and now the iPod. I don't have one, yet. My first taste of it came when my girlfriend got one, and asked if I would set it up for her using my computer. Wearing those now immediately recognizable hip cream coloured headphones, I could feel the eyes of every have-not-an-iPod on me with curiosity and maybe a little jealousy. I even started walking differently. Listening to Led Zeppelin, then Radiohead, and then some Bob Marley on my way to school, there was definitely more spring in my step, and I sat through class in a much better mood than usual. For a mere two days it was in my possession and immediately I could feel myself being sucked into its cult. And why wouldn't you' An iPod lets you put 10,000 songs inside something the size of a pack of cigarettes. Gone are the heavy, fragile CD cases and the Discman that skips after each step. Is the iPod changing the way we listen to music' Undeniably. With an iPod, we can take our music anywhere, and not just one album like we could with the walkman. Now we can carry our entire collections everywhere we go. It can play mixes at parties. You can bring it on the commute to work or for a jog. You can save Microsoft Word documents on it and photos for that matter. Don't like a particular song on an album' Delete it. Thanks to the iPod, music has become an even bigger part of our lives because now it's just a click away, and it's exactly how we want it. Apart from the possibility of our entire collections being with us at all times, the iPod's capabilities have done something even better. By being able to store over 700 albums, the iPod is encouraging us to try types of music we might not have listened to before. When burning a CD to an iPod takes a short few minutes, what's there to lose' But is it all just a trend' Doubtful, especially with people spending on average 100 pounds on iPod accessories. It's difficult to picture something people now say they can't live without vanishing, unless Apple CEO Steve Jobs finds another way to outdo himself yet again. And on that note now Apple has come out with the smaller, cheaper version of the iPod called the iPod shuffle. Will it have the same impact as its predecessor' Only time will tell.

Why Free Myspace Layouts Are Exciting?

Myspace is being used by millions of users, and it is the most popular networking site in the world. Every day several thousands of users are being added to the sites. They use various layouts as well as backgrounds to make their profiles look much better. Most of these Myspace layouts options are available for free on several web sites. Free services like free Myspace layout will be appreciated by anyone, and they will begin to use these for various images. The variety is large and thus will keep all the users excited. No other site offers such a variety, as these free Myspace layouts. Because of this, all users try to make as much use of it as possible. They even begin applying them every day if they have the time. There would be possible thousands of free Myspace layouts, and it is sometimes difficult to pick one of them for the profile. However to make things simple, members can divide the interests and pick what suits the mood of the profile most. This would be the most exciting part of using these free Myspace layouts. They will also keep the visitors occupied to a great deal because of the variety. No visitor wants to be bored with layouts, and they definitely doo not want to see the same thing over and over again when they visit everyone’s profiles. So by using various free Myspace layouts, the members allow the visitors too to have a better impression about the profile. The various categories make it all the more exciting. This free Myspace layout can be used according to the theme of the profile, as each member will have a different concept with his profile. Free Myspace layouts are probably one of the most exciting things about this community, as this social networking community offers this completely free. Designers take a lot of effort to be as creative as possible. This way, users will not be bored of their own profiles, and they also get the chance to be very innovative as well. Based on the interests of the members too, free Myspace layouts can be used, as the variety is easily available. For example, music lovers will have layouts of music bands, and movie lovers will have movie layouts. The popularity of these layouts has also increased, as the variety is never ending. Members can browse through as many layouts as they need before setting them up for the profile. If they have patience, they can also change them once a week. There is absolutely no need to have any knowledge about technology to apply these layouts. Free Myspace layouts can be as exciting as ever, because anyone with any kind of interest will be able to find what he is looking for. The library is so huge, that one may not even be able to use them all if he wants to.

When To Rent A Laptop Computer

Most companies either lease or buy their computer equipment, but why or when should a company rent laptop or notebook computers? Here are a few reasons to rent a laptop computer: -If you need technology on short notice or for a short time, it is best to rent a laptop. -If you need a large quantity of laptop computers for a training class, it is best to rent laptops. -If your laptop computers are on back order but your staff isn't, it's best to rent laptops for immediate installation. -If you need a wireless laptop computers for travel and all your company laptops and notebook computers are wired. People confuse computer renting with leasing. Renting is short term in nature and is very flexible. Leasing, like buying is a fixed arrangement. You can extend the rental or cancel at any time with no penalty. Leases can't be cancelled without a 'severe penalty'. Renting laptops is totally flexible, requires no capital budget and can often be accomplished with a company credit card. For most companies, renting is as easy as getting office supplies. Rental companies have expert computer technicians who deliver, install and test your laptop rental right at your office, training room, trade show booth, seminar, convention or conference. Rental companies have everything you need and a backup plan if something unexpected happens. Other reasons why businesses rent laptop computers include temporary offices, traveling executives and temporary employees. Temporary Offices Temporary offices can be made complete with rental laptop computers, printers, copiers and fax machines. The hardware will be configured to your company specifications and installed at any remote location in the United States or Canada. Rentacomputer.com has set up temporary offices in hotel rooms, trailers, warehouses and convention centers. Temporary offices have been set up for State and Federal Government agencies such as FEMA, the FBI and the IRS. Also legal firms, television networks covering hurricane disasters, movie studios setting up "on location", and new building construction sites, corporate mergers and takeovers. Traveling Executives Traveling executives won't have to carry portable laptop computers through airports or other public transportation facilities. Executives can have technology, preconfigured and tested, waiting at their final destination! Traveling with technology is one hassle that can be easily avoided by calling a computer rental expert like a Temporary Technology Travel Agent. Temporary Employees Temporary employees need temporary technology. By renting laptop computers you can coordinate the installation and removal of computers, printers and other technology for any period of time specified. If you hire temporary employees, hire temporary technology too. Next time you have a temporary or special need, consider renting laptop computer technology and technical expertise.

Why Using Noise Reduction Headphones With An Mp3 Player Is Better Than Earbuds

MP3 players and portable CD players usually come with the standard “earbud” headphones. Earbuds fit into the ear like a hearing aid and are lightweight and portable. Their advantages, however, stop there. When it comes to the quality of the music you are listening to, that quality can be greatly diminished due to the inability of earbud headphones to filter out the noises that you are not interested in listening to; such as the voices, car engines, train noises, and barking dogs that may be all around you when you are out in public.

One of the great advantages of MP3 players, such as iPods, and portable CD players is that you can take them with you wherever you go. Sometimes the very reason for bringing them along on an outing is so that you can entertain yourself while you are engaged in other activities, such as jogging, riding on the subway, or waiting in line at the Department of Motor Vehicles. Soothing music being piped into your ear can go a long way in easing tension when you are running errands; and upbeat, rhythmic music can help tremendously when you are exercising and need incentive to go that extra mile.

Fortunately, there is an excellent alternative to earbud headphones. Noise reduction headphones can enhance the quality of the music you are listening to by making sure that you get nothing but the music, in exactly the way you should be hearing it. While earbuds sit inside your ear, possibly causing irritation and discomfort, headphones are styled to fit around your ear like earmuffs, guaranteeing that they will not only reduce outside noise, but will feel comfortable as well. While, with earbuds you usually have to increase the volume to be able to hear the music that you are trying to listen to, noise reduction headphones can keep the volume at a comfortable level and allowing you to enjoy your music in the top-quality manner that it is intended to be heard.

The portability of MP3 players encourages prolonged use, especially by teenagers. Unfortunately, the combination of increased volume and longer listening time may cause hearing damage which can lead to hearing loss. The use of noise reduction headphones can help protect hearing by delivering music without the increased decibel level. This also allows listener to enjoy their music longer without suffering hearing damage.

Noise reduction headphones work not only by surrounding your ears, therefore helping to block out outside noises, but also by using noise-cancellation technology, which further enhances your “music only” experience. Not only do noise reduction headphones help to filter out all noises except what your MP3 player is outputting, they also contain your music thus not disturbing those around you. The noise reduction works both ways – you hear your music like you are supposed to, and others don’t have to listen along with you.

A good set of noise reduction headphones does not have to be cumbersome, either. Taking into consideration what portable music device users need, the makers of noise reduction headphones are making their product light, foldable, and easily portable.

When you purchase your MP3 player or portable CD player, one of the best things you can do after that is to put aside the earbud headphones that come with it and buy a good set of noise reduction headphones. You won’t be sorry.

www.printeranywhere.com - the best service to print your documents with any printer across the world

As technology is advancing new gadgets are getting discovered to make our life simpler. Computers and digital gadgets have made our life effortless. We use Internet to contact our friends and group peoples. We share many things with them and send them many files and photos. Lots of software are available that can help you to share your documents online. Printeranywhere.com is such website a rather a software that let you to print your document with any printer anywhere in the world. So instead of going to your friend’s home you can log on to this website and can access your friend’s printer to print your documents.
Many times in our home, we use to print many documents like important letters, profiles, papers, financial documents, and lots of other material. But what will happen if your printer is not working properly and you need to print urgent papers. You will defiantly get frustrated. Forget the frustration. With this website you can share your printer. You can also share your printer with your friends so that they can print their documents on your printer. Now instead of sending an important documents or files via mail, use this shortcut to print those documents directly on destination printer. And don’t worry it wont take your time. Within a moment or so you will get your printouts ready. This free software gets install on your PC in minutes. You can also install this software on your laptop.
Printeranywhere.com is such a website that allows you to use your client’s printer to print important documents about a deal that he/she wants. Only you have to set your user ID and the password and you are free to use any printer across the world to print your document. This wonderful little tool is the ultimate solution for long distant printing instead of those troublesome fax machines or file transferring. And don’t worry you will never loose your document while you use this online sharing. It is not like an email, which forward the copied pages to the third party. So, your each and every document is safe and secure while you this sharing tool. The special industry standard encryption language is used to share your document within the two PC’s. Hence, it prevents the misuse of the transferred information and maintains the privacy of your documents.
This free application is powerful enough to connect you with any printer across the world. Many printer scan document before they start printing. But here the Printanywhere.com saves your time by printing the document directly. One can find many reasons for why to use this amazing software to print the documents. With this tool you can ensure that the documents are not received only but you also have the hard copy of documents. It is the best way to print the documents directly instead sending the emails to your clients or friends. This useful tool will also help you to print directly photos on your relative’s printer, so that you need not to go to his/her house frequently. If you like a specific printer quality and you don’t have that printer but your friend does. Then you can ask him to share hi/her printer so that you can take out printings for you as well as for your friend.
This Printanywhere.com can also help you f your regular Microsoft Window Network is not working properly. You can ask to your friend or a third party to let you share their printer for time being. If you are working on an international project you do troublesome fax frequently, then you can use this for better and quick results. So, why to waste time on troubling printers instead of which you can do printing on your favorite printer irrespective of its location.
For additional information on the PrinterAnywhere service or technology, contact Efraim Gershom at (913) 312-1370 or visit www.PrinterAnywhere.com.

Windows Vista Ultimate Review

Windows Vista is Microsoft's first new operating system in more than five years and the successor to Windows XP. However, it is not worth rushing out to purchase. If you desperately need to buy a new PC (if your old one died or you've been waiting and waiting for Vista to be released), then by all means do so; there's nothing wrong with Windows Vista. But there's no one compelling feature within Windows Vista that cries out to switch over, neither the enhanced graphic capabilities (Aero) nor the improved system performance features (truthfully, our Windows XP doesn't crash). As for security, Microsoft's biggest improvements in Windows Vista are within the Enterprise or 64-bit editions, editions most home users will not be running. Windows Vista is not the Apple Mac OS X 10.4 killer one hoped for (or feared). Nor are there specific big-name software packages written exclusively for Windows Vista--most software available today is compatible with both Windows XP and Windows Vista. But the extensive tie-ins to Microsoft.com and Live.com, and the many, many interdependences upon Internet Explorer 7 left us desperately wanting more (and often best-of-breed) alternatives. Hard core Microsofties who live and breathe within the MSN, Live.com, and Microsoft desktop software ecosystem will rejoice with the release of Windows Vista, but for the rest of us who are product agnostic, who use Firefox, Google Desktop, ZoneAlarm, GMail, and Corel WordPerfect, Windows XP SP2 will suffice nicely until some killer program necessitates that we all upgrade to Windows Vista.

There are six major editions of Windows Vista; we're reviewing four. We chose not to review Windows Vista Enterprise (available only to volume license customers) and Windows Vista Starter (available only outside the United States). Windows Vista Ultimate includes everything, and this is the edition getting the most promotion from Microsoft. It is not the edition most people will find packaged on their shiny new PCs or will end up with after an upgrade of existing hardware. See our feature comparison chart to know which edition is right for your specific needs, and check the following individual reviews for more details:

Windows Vista Business
Windows Vista Home Premium
Windows Vista Home Basic

Setup and installation
The Windows Vista DVD disc includes a Windows Imaging (WIM) format of the code, so whether you buy the Home Basic edition or the Ultimate edition, the code remains the same; only the product key unlocks your specific set of features. This means users who opt for the lesser editions can always upgrade (assuming they have the proper hardware) by downloading some additional code and securing a new product key online. However, all features--even if you paid for them--are dependent on specific hardware configurations being present; if you don't have the proper graphics hardware, for example, you'll simply never see the Aero graphic effects on that old Dell computer in your basement.

Hardware requirements for Windows Vista should not be taken lightly. In a controversial move to garner positive reviews, Microsoft sent hundreds of bloggers (not including CNET) free copies of Windows Vista Ultimate; Microsoft did not send boxed copies, rather the software giant sent top-of-the-line Acer Ferrari laptops with the operating system preinstalled. So even Microsoft seems to admit that the best performance is only available on top-of-the-line machines manufactured within the last year or so.

That said, many people will still want to upgrade their current Windows XP SP2. This will keep all your current data and applications, importing them directly into the new operating system. To see which edition(s) of Windows Vista your current computer can handle, visit the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor to find specific hardware recommendations so you don't buy the wrong edition. Most people will find either Windows Vista Home Basic or Windows Vista Home Premium to be their best choice. While Windows Vista does make a backup of your previous operating system before installing, it is always recommended that you backup your current Windows XP system yourself, just in case.

Rather than upgrade, we recommend you perform a clean installation. With a clean installation, you keep all your current on the Windows XP drive and install only the data and applications you want to run on Windows Vista. A clean install can be accomplished by buying a new PC with Windows Vista already installed, partitioning an existing Windows XP machine to dual-boot into Windows Vista, or adding a new hard drive to an existing Windows XP machine.

Our clean installations took anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the hardware in the system. It's pretty much an automated process, with the installer first copying the WIM image onto the new hard drive or partition then expanding that image. Once again, we experienced an uncomfortably long plateau at "Expanding: 27 percent"; as with previous builds, we waited between two and five minutes before the expansion continued. About halfway through, the installer reboots and continues the installation in Windows Vista.

During the installation, Windows Vista will load the drivers included within the installation image, but it will also download additional drivers from a much larger database at Microsoft. This assumes, however, that one has an always-on Internet connection; dial-up users may find that upon completion of the installation process some drivers are missing.

Once fully installed, Windows Vista first asks for your country or region, then time and currency, and, finally, the desired keyboard layout. Next, you'll choose a username, a user icon, and a password. Then select your desktop wallpaper and security settings: Automatic, Install Important Updates Only, or Ask Me Later. After reviewing the computer's time and date settings, there's one more message: "Please wait while Windows checks your computer's performance." Here, Microsoft grades your computer on a five-point scale, with the overall rating based on your system's lowest score (in our case, that was for the video card).

Windows Vista includes new musical tones written by veteran musician Robert Fripp. Compared to the familiar start-up tones of Windows XP, Windows Vista's are lighter, almost spritely. The sounds for User Account Control and Log Off are also perkier than those found in similar security warnings within Windows XP.

New on the Windows Vista desktop is a Welcome Center which contains links to frequently asked questions such as, "How do you configure your printer?" and "How do you connect to your Internet service?" There is also room for some sales opportunities, either with manufacturer specials or online offers from Microsoft, such as the Windows Live OneCare service. Frankly, we think it is better for you to look beyond the Windows ecosystem for e-mail, Internet browsers, and security applications.

After closing the Welcome Center, you'll notice to the far right there is a shaded sidebar populated with three example Gadgets ("widgets" to everyone else), tiny desktop applets that display content, such as RSS feeds. In one Gadget, a slide show of images from the sample photo library display; in the next, the current time; finally, there's a Gadget for subscribed RSS feeds. We downloaded and installed Firefox 2, made Firefox our default browser, and quickly set up a few RSS feed subscriptions. Guess what? The Windows Vista Gadget was unresponsive to our efforts, displaying only the default MSN feeds from Microsoft. Microsoft says the default RSS Gadget feeds off a common store of RSS feeds within Windows Vista, and firefox hasn't yet adopted the API for that store. You have to use Internet Explorer 7 or choose a Firefox-friendly Gadget instead. By clicking the + symbol atop the sidebar, you'll see a panel of available Gadgets, with a link out to the Web to find even more. The Gadgets are not fixed to the sidebar; they can be dragged across the desktop. And even the sidebar itself can be disabled to allow for a full desktop view. An icon located within the taskbar will restore the sidebar at any time.

The familiar Start menu features some cosmetic changes for Windows Vista. Aside from the distinctive rounded icon, the Start menu now includes a built-in Search function. We would have preferred to have access to Search directly from the desktop rather than digging down a level or two. The All Programs list now displays as an expandable/collapsible directory tree, something Windows should have offered years ago. The new Start menu is divided in half, with access to documents, pictures, music, games, recent items, My Computer, network, Control Panel, default programs, and Help along the right-hand side.

Also new within Start is an Instant Off button. This button caches all your open files and processes, allowing you to turn off your laptop or desktop quickly without all the "cleaning up files" messages you see in previous versions. We like the feature, but on our Acer Travelmate 8200, Instant Off and closing the lid to hibernate sometimes produced limbo states where the laptop simply wouldn't wake up again, forcing us to reboot.

In Windows Vista, files become unmoored from the traditional directory tree structure--kind of. The more ambitious plan of including a whole new file system was scrapped early on; instead, Windows Vista relies on metatags, which are keywords linked to files to make them searchable. With metatags, you can create virtual file folders based on a variety of search terms. Say you're doing a report on mountains, any file that is keyword-enabled to include "mountains" will be grouped into a virtual folder without physically dragging that file to a new location. The downside is that older files (say you upgraded your system from Windows XP or imported data from an earlier version of Windows) will have to be retroactively metataged in order to be searched. Also different is the file path displayed within Windows Explorer. Gone are the backslashes, replaced with arrows that offer drop-down menus of alternative folders. We liked this efficient feature.

Finally, there's a compatibility wizard buried deep within Windows Vista. Most Windows XP applications we loaded performed just fine. Operating under the hood, Windows Vista convinces native Windows XP applications that they're running on Windows XP. Should you need to run an older application, say from Windows 95, the compatibility wizard allows you to tweak the display resolution and emulate Windows 95 for that program. For example, we were able to run a Windows 95-optimized game demo on our Windows Vista test system.

Features
There are too many individual features within Windows Vista Ultimate Edition to call out--seriously. However, our gut feeling is that most of the significant bells and whistles are designed for the Enterprise-level customers, not the home user. Having a large number of features should not be confused with actually providing significant value to all users across the board. We would have preferred fewer features executed extremely well rather than an uneven mix of this and that, a one-size-fits-all operating system. And we disagree with Microsoft's seemingly arbitrary division of features within individual editions.

Common to all editions of Windows Vista are ad hoc backup and recovery, instant Search, Internet Explorer 7 browser, Windows Media Player 11, Windows Mail e-mail client, Windows Calendar, Windows Photo Gallery, performance tuning and self-diagnostics, Internet protocol IPv6 and IPv4 support, Windows ReadyDrive, a maximum of 4GB RAM support on 32-bit editions (up to 128GB RAM on some 64-bit editions), Windows Sync Center for mobile devices, Windows Mobility Center for presentations on the road, User Account Control security protection, Windows Security Center, Windows Defender antispyware, Windows Firewall, Windows Meeting Space for ad hoc wireless meetings, Remote Desktop for working from home, XPS document support for PDF-like files, improved peer-to-peer networking, improved VPN support, and improved power management. Included within certain editions (and thus also included within the Ultimate edition) are Windows Media Center, Windows Tablet PC, Windows Movie Maker, Windows DVD Maker, Parental Controls, Windows SideShow for remote gadgets, domain join for Windows Small Business Server, Group Policy support, Client-side file caching, Roaming User Profiles for remote server access, Windows Fax and Scan, Windows ShadowCopy to create file backups, Windows Rights Management Services to protect documents, Windows BitLocker hard drive encryption, integrated smart card management, and various Windows Ultimate Extras to be named later. Despite many feature changes within Windows Vista, Microsoft has held onto its original marketing promise of providing users with Clear, Confident, and Connected solutions.

For Clear, Microsoft cites its new Aero graphics. Aero is part of the Windows Presentation Foundation, a subgroup of the .Net Foundation Framework, an underlying foundation for developers to build new applications. One applet is the New York Times Times Reader, the first of many products written exclusively for Windows Vista but hardly a compelling reason by itself to upgrade. Though video playback and, yes, even the tiny icons on Windows Vista are now crisp and colorful with Aero, unless you watch YouTube videos all day, you won't really need Aero, nor will you miss the tiny preview windows enabled on your desktop display. Also new is Microsoft's Adobe PDF-like file format called XPS (Extensible Page System); however, any Windows XP SP2 machine can view XPS-created pages with downloads of the .Net 3 Framework Foundation and the Internet Explorer 7 browser.

For Confident, Microsoft touts new security enhancements within Windows Vista. You shouldn't encounter User Account Control (UAC) except when changing system configurations or installing new software, and even then, wouldn't you--in this age of downloadable spyware--prefer to know when an executable file is about to run? While UAC notifies you of pending system changes, it doesn't always require a password. Microsoft's more controversial method to lock down the system kernel, PatchGuard, is only available in the 64-bit editions of Windows Vista; most home users will not run these editions. Another celebrated security feature works only within Windows Mail, which most people are unlikely to use. And finally, the jury is still out on whether Internet Explorer 7 is more secure than, say, Firefox 2. Windows Vista also includes a built-in but limited two-way firewall and free Windows Defender antispyware, which ranked poor in competitive testing done by Download.com.

For Connected, Microsoft points to the new peer-to-peer possibilities, some of which are the result of its acquisition of Groove several years ago. From within Windows Explorer (which displays different toolbar options for exploring documents, photos, or music) you can move any file into a Public Folder and then mark the file or folder for sharing on a network. Within the Business and Ultimate editions you can further mark individual files for remote access.

Performance
Upon installation, Windows Vista rates each system's overall hardware performance, with the final score reflecting your system's lowest individual score. This is handy. For example, if you suspect that everything's running a little slow, you might find that your hard drive is returning the lowest score. Windows Vista will then recommend a faster hard drive or a drive with larger compatibility. Mostly, though, the video card will be the sore spot for most users. There's also an event log viewer to show, for example, after a specific software install your system performance started to degrade, and that uninstalling the software may restore your overall performance.

Under the hood, Microsoft has moved device drivers for DVD burners and printers out of the system kernel; Microsoft says that a majority of system crashes can be traced to improperly installed third-party device drivers. Thus Windows Vista hopes to vanquish the dreaded Blue Screen of Death common to earlier releases of Windows. Indeed, after testing several early builds, we found Windows Vista to be remarkably stable and robust.

Support
Along with the performance monitors, Microsoft has improved the Help section considerably. There is a static FAQ, but it also links to Microsoft online and allows outreach to other users for help, either via a forum or direct PC-to-PC help. Of these, we really like a feature available on some, not all, FAQs that allows you to automate the solution by executing a script. This method doesn't teach you how to do it in the future, but it will accomplish the task at hand. For example, if you choose to update a device driver, Windows Vista will darken the desktop; highlight and open the Start menu, the Control Panel, and the Device Manager; then pause to ask you what device you want to update. It's like having a technician at your desktop, walking you though the process. There's an increasing reliance on user-generated support forums, which leads us to believe that Microsoft is shying away from its own live technical support. At press time, Microsoft's final support policy was unavailable.

Conclusion
Perhaps we're spoiled, but after more than five years of development, there's a definite "Is that all?" feeling about Windows Vista. Like cramming an info-dump into a book report the night before it's due, there certainly are a lot of individual features within the operating system, but the real value lies in their execution--how the user experiences (or doesn't experience) these--and like the info-dump, we came away shaking our heads, disappointed. Compared with Mac OS X 10.4, Windows Vista feels clunky and not very intuitive, almost as though it's still based on DOS (or at least the internal logic that made up DOS). Despite the addition of a system-wide, built-in Search, and various efforts to break away from staidly old directory trees, you still need to drill down one level to even access Search. And there are far too many dependencies on Microsoft products; this is not a very objective operating system, as preference is always given to Microsoft products (of which there are many), from MSN Search to RSS feeds only from Internet Explorer. But is Windows Vista a bad operating system? No. It's just a disappointment for PC users who hoped that Microsoft would deliver something truly exciting to finally leapfrog ahead of Apple. They failed. But stick around; this is just Windows Vista 1.0. Windows Vista Service Pack 1 is due out sometime before the end of the year. Windows Vista SP1 promises to fix what's known to be wrong within Windows Vista and should offer a few concrete reasons to switch.

Whether it's your housing, motor vehicle, work, service or old Product - Free Internet classified ad is the answer.

In past years datum show a extensive increase in the use of internet classified advertisements vs the use of standard print advertising, why is this you might ask? The answer is simple, using Free Online Classifieds not only expose you to a target market of over 1.2 Billion potential readers, but is also substantially cheaper, and in most cases free. Online classifieds spare you money and time, and take the trouble out of selling, whether it be your business, automotive vehicle or aged Items you have dwelling around the house.

If you have never used online classifieds before, or if you have only played around, you're probably speculative what all the publicity is about. You estimate that except for those families who reside hundreds of miles from the nearby store, purchasing online is a comfort, not a necessary. So how handy could it be? What could be simple than traversing in your automotive vehicle and travel to the shopping mall ... and seeking for a parking position, and walk from store to outlet and aisle to aisle looking for the products you want, and waiting in the check-out line, and move those bags out to the car through a drenching rain force, and driving home through the traffic.

The era in which we live in means we are not limited to local newspapers, billboards or limited posibilities, we are open to infinite renewable sources and best of all if you know where to look they are free. We are no longer restricted to local readers or a local market, we now have access to demonstrate our products, services, need and wants to over 1.2 billion people whom use the internet periodicly.

In many instances, shopping over the net is a immediate and painless alternative. Sometimes it enables you to do things that otherwise would be inconceivable for you, or can save you trouble and money -- lots of it. When that isn't the case, just shop the way you always have.

You should shop on the Internet when:

~ You know exactly what you want, and you want to get it over with, with a small indefinite amount of fuss and time. You don't want to spend an hour or more driving to a physical shop and going through the usual routine there; and, if the product is not in stock at the store you go to, you don't want to have to travel to another and another, or wait weeks for delivery.

~ You know what kind of object you want to acquire, but not precisely which one, which volume or recording or Movie. Likewise, you don't want to discard your cash acquiring something you won't want and throw away your time figuring out that you made a mistake.

~ You know what you want to purchase, but it's rare, few retail stores would seldom keep in stock such a item.

~ You want to buy something that is costly (such as a automobile or a business organization). You have to compare many different prices because you aren't fabulously loaded.


What do you need to look for?

Look for a website that offers a international market but with local possibilities. Most importantly make sure all the content is free!

Thats about it - Thank you and Enjoy

What is a MAC Address?

MAC addresses are an example of an address that resides on the datalink layer of an OSI model. The addresses themselves are written into the hardware proper at the time that the model is manufactured. This has led to some people referring to a MAC address as a burned in address.

Why is the MAC Address burned into the Data Link Layer?

It is important to understand how a data link layer is set up. The DDL, also known as Layer 2 actually has two sub layers. One is referred to as the Media Access Control (or MAC) and the other is the Logical Link Control. It is within the MAC sublayer that the MAC address is burned during the production process. The reason for this action is to make sure there is a default address connected with the device and that no additional programming of an address is necessary in order for operation to take place.

What Does the MAC Address Do?

The main function of the MAC address in the sublayer is to aid in the way that a node on a network gains access to data and helps to provision the method that is used to transmit the data as well. Acting as an identifier, the MAC address essentially provides a place for data to collect and a launching point for data to be sent out and distributed.

How is a MAC Address Set Up?

The typical MAC address is forty-eight bits long. This number of bits makes the configuration of addresses virtually endless, although it is possible to calculate the exact number of MAC addresses that could be created with this number of bits. Suffice it to say the number of configurations is sufficient to ensure there will be no duplications for many years to come. In actual script, the MAC address will translate into a series of both letters and numbers.

Is It Possible To Change A MAC Address?

Yes. While it is true the originating MAC address is burned in at the time of production, there are software packages that can help to change an address with relative ease. The software will generally identify the next logical configuration and offer it for approval to the user before replacing the originating address.

Using Fiber Patch Cables

Fiber patch cables are the backbone of the fiber optics industry. These fiber patch cables are strands of optically pure glass as thin as human hair. These cables carry information via mode of transmission of light. Short patch leads usually made with stranded wire are flexible patch cables. The fiber patch cables are used to plug one piece of equipment into another.

They have various uses in all kinds of industries. Fiber patch cables are used in medical imaging, mechanical engineering, LAN applications, cable TV networks, telephone lines, etc. Fiber patch cables have revolutionized the total network industry of telephones, cable, internet, audio applications, etc. The fiber patch cables offer accurate signal transfer which is totally distortion free. Thus due to these cables the audio or video transmission is completely distortion free and crystal clear. Since these fiber patch cables use light as a mode of transmission there is no hazard of electric interferences or any tampering.

Fiber patch cables are used to two nearby components with fiber connectors. Fiber patch cables come with their respective connectors. They can be an ideal and easy replacement of copper cables because they use the same RJ45 connector as copper patch cables.

Fiber patch cables are available in simplex, duplex, multimode, single mode with STST, STSC, SCSC connectors. Fiber patch cables are of two prominent types – single mode and multimode. Single mode fiber patch cables are used in long-distance high capacity voice applications like telephone transmission or long distance gigabit networking. These fiber patch cables can use 9/125 micron bulk fiber cables and connectors at both ends.

Multimode fiber patch cables are used in computer industry which is standard for data applications like local area network, wide area network, etc. Fiber patch cables in multimode are available in 50µm and 62.5µm. SC, ST, LC, FC, MT-RJ, E2000 and MU connectors have polished ceramic ferrules for precision and durability. The SC and LC duplex fiber patch cables come equipped with a clip to maintain polarity.

ST to ST fiber patch cable gives unlimited bandwidth at high speeds over long distances. These fiber patch cables are ideal for connections between fiber patch panels, hubs, switches, media converters and routers, etc. Fiber patch cables provide higher speeds and increased bandwidth, compared to conventional twisted-pair copper cable. These fiber patch cables are compatible with all standard fiber optic equipment and connectors. Ceramic connectors of these fiber patch cables ensure low signal loss and high reliability along with total immunity to electrical and electromagnetic interference.

Fiber patch cables are the most opted solution these days for the networking and broadcasting industry.

Used Computers are by far the cheapest solution

Cheap computers are everywhere. Dell is offering some stupidly priced computer hardware at the moment, all with a view to beating the online shopping market. The point is, this isn't really conducive with an ethical, environmentally friendly solution and is simply keeping Dell gainfully employed.

Low cost computers can also mean second hand and there's a few good reasons to buying used.

1) The processing power of a used computer may not be much less than that currently on offer by the Manufacturer
2) You don't need the latest and fastest computer to produce a spreadsheet, surf the web, write emails and write letters.
3) A used computer has been road-tested. It's not going to fail on you any time soon.

There's other reasons to get a used computer, but basically, that second hand unit you've been looking at will probably do most of the things you need your IT hardware to fulfill. Even the monitor doesn't have to be new. You may think that a brand new flat screen TFT is best with lower energy consumption and a small footprint, leaving loads of desk space. A flast screen monitor may be a great solution for some, but a used CRT screen is better for gaming, graphic design and photography. They're a proven and refined technology. They offer multisync solutions, allowing you to change resolutions and refresh rates on the fly, with every resolution being native (TFTs have one native refresh rate and the rest are emulated).

A CRT is pretty much as good as a TFT when it comes to energy efficiency. There's only a few watts in it and as long as you turn everything off at the mains once done each day, you won't see a marked increase in your electrical bill. A naturally flat CRT screen will give you the added benefit of super fast refresh rates and be able to keep up with the latest games on the market- all at a very low cost.

Cheap used laptops do however have some downsides. These include the battery life and general wear and tear of the unit from it's previous owner. Saying all that, as long as it's been relatively well looked after, it'll give you a great solution for emails and writing on the move. Not only that, but if it's stolen, you won't have lost as much money.

Toshiba offers you more

One product area that Toshiba has been doing very well in lately is the DVD player market. This includes normal DVD players and recorders that hook up to a TV, DVD drives that go inside computers, and portable DVD players that can be used to watch films on the go.

When it comes to TV DVD players, Toshiba was part of the original DVD working group that worked together to come up with the format, and had some of the first players on the market. Unlike the cheap clones that have since come out of the Far East, Toshiba DVD players implement the standards consistently and reliably, making sure that all DVDs will play, all the extra features will always work and the picture quality will be the very best that the disc can manage. Although Toshiba DVD players can be expensive, their reputation is second to none, and they are considered by many home cinema fans to be some of the best players available at any price.

Given its mastery of the high-end DVD player market, then, it is understandable that Toshiba has made moves to expand its product offering in this area. As recordable DVDs came on the market, Toshiba was again in the working group and one of the first companies to offer the product. The same goes for portable DVD players, where Toshiba was at the forefront of building a market for them, combining the great DVD playback of their DVD players with the build quality and light weight of their laptops to come up with some of the best portable players out there.

Finally, if you’re thinking of buying a new DVD drive for your computer, you would do well to consider getting a Toshiba. Toshibas tend to be able to read DVDs slightly faster than some other brands, and are much more reliable when it comes to burning discs. They are a favourite among computer enthusiasts, as they can copy some discs that other players can’t, making them especially good for making backups of copy-protected commercial software.

Thinking about a desk for your computer?

If you’re buying a computer desk for yourself, it can be difficult to know what to get, especially if you have never bought one before and have no idea about ergonomics. Remember that ergonomics isn’t just about stopping injuries when it comes to computer desks – it’s also like a kind of feng shui, making your work space the best possible one for you to be in.

You don’t need to go all-out on spending lots of money on some great kind of wood for your desk – something cheap from a DIY shop or Ikea should be fine. The important things are how big it is, where you put it, and its shape.

You should measure the space the desk is going in beforehand and make sure that any desk you buy will fit comfortably – there are few things worse than a crowded work room. If the room is too small to fit a desk comfortably, you might want to reconsider using it.

The ideal desk will have a slide-out tray of a size that can easily fit a keyboard, as well as a shelf underneath for a printer or scanner. Nothing should be too near the floor, as it’s not good to be bending down all the time – ideally the computer’s system box should fit on top of the desk, to allow you to turn the computer on, put in discs and so on without bending down.

If you can, make room for a piece of paper and a pen on your desk too – it’s good to be able to jot things down easily and have somewhere to put any pieces of paper you need to make use of, instead of having to perch paper on the side of your keyboard. The time and effort you save this way is well worth the tiny amount of extra space it requires.

The danger behind peer-to-peer file sharing

File sharing is very common nowadays. You can get a P2P (peer-to-peer) program for free, and soon start sharing stuff like music, videos and programs. We use these applications freely and most of us don’t know the risks involved when using them.

Questionable reliability of files – Once we get our hands on a P2P program, we download everything we want like crazy. Favorite music, free softwares, as long as it is available, you download them. Hackers, attackers, or whatever, use this to their advantage. They can insert Trojans, viruses, spyware and other kinds of malware, and then share it to the P2P network. Unwary victims fall prey to these traps, and pay its price.

They make you vulnerable. Don’t let them. – Some P2P programs request you to open up your firewall in order for you to share and download files. This makes you vulnerable and giving attackers openings and opportunities to attack your system.

Breaching privacy – P2P programs that require you to give personal information are very doubtful when it comes to keeping your data secure. Since security is also unreliable, unauthorized people can gain access to your information easily.

Piracy – Would you consider the fact that P2P hosts illegal action which violates the intellectual property rights of hardworking people? The music industry, for example, is going down and most people don’t even care, as long as they get songs for free.

To eliminate P2P risks, take preventive measures and just don’t use them. If you still want to use such applications, be sure to be prepared for the worse.

Keep an anti-virus software in your computer and regularly update its definitions. Everyday, there are new kinds of viruses that spread in the internet, so keeping your anti-virus programs updated is a must.

Enable your firewall. If the P2P program asks you to turn it off or open some ports, don’t do it. Just find some other program that doesn’t require you to do anything irrational to your firewall.

To keep your computer secured and optimized, you can go to here for more stuff regarding security. It also contains tips and tricks for pc, internet, softwares and hardwares that can be of real benefit.

Templates to make the Myspace page attractive

The Internet can be an effective source to tap all the resources to make the Myspace page attractive. The templates and layouts are offered for free by the Internet sites. Some of the layouts are also available in paid versions. Download the instructions to build the web page of Myspace using the layout as the base.

However, there are chances that the new features could spoil your profile or cause much damage to the way you planned to create the web page. Under those circumstances, it is imperative for the Myspace account holder retains the original identity. Begin with the starter layout of the myspace page. Maintain the profile for at least two weeks and study what additional features can be added to it. To make an assessment of the additions to the layout, visit other sites and study the profiles carefully. The profiles are created on the basis of the character and the attitude of the individual. Some wish to let out their desires float in the form of the web page of the Myspace account. You decide what is best for you, whether to identify your individual identity or present the inside by streaming information on the layout.

For Myspace account holders to mask identity, the best way to create is a disguised profile. Most people these days use a disguised profile to keep their identity protected. Such people can bank on a variety of layouts that are of optimum use. The layout appears high tech in nature and futuristic. If the user wants to be a bit adventurous, then the photo can be masked to provide only a glimpse of the member. The masking should be carried out in such a manner that the entire image is not sent to the layout. For instance, only the eyes or certain key parts of the face can be highlighted while the rest are hidden for view from the public visitors. However, some people carry images that are not original. They present themselves in the form of others. For instances, people loving beauty, normally have images of Hollywood stars on the web page. Though it is illegal for Myspace users to have the images of renowned personalities on the web page layout, some follow it. However, it is advised that people do not post the images of well known personalities on the layout. The best way to mask one's identity is to keep the page free from any image. This will ensure that the identity is fully protected. Besides, there is no curiosity from the visitor to identify the user.

The layouts can also have images of their younger days. It is not necessary that the images should be latest, taken in the near time. Such images can be pasted on the default layout bearing the theme of your choice. There is no restriction for experimentation on the layout. The account holder has the liberty to add as many programs as possible. However, the duplication of the programs has to be avoided. You can also go in for preset model of layouts called standardized layouts.

Securing Your Computer System

Title:
Securing Your Computer System

Word Count:
486

Summary:
Today, more and more people are using their computers for everything from communication to online banking and investing to shopping. As we do these things on a more regular basis, we open ourselves up to potential hackers, attackers and crackers. While some may be looking to phish your personal information and identity for resale, others simply just want to use your computer as a platform from which to attack other unknowing targets. Below are a few easy, cost-effective steps...


Keywords:
computer security, virus, trojan, worm, spyware


Article Body:
Today, more and more people are using their computers for everything from communication to online banking and investing to shopping. As we do these things on a more regular basis, we open ourselves up to potential hackers, attackers and crackers. While some may be looking to phish your personal information and identity for resale, others simply just want to use your computer as a platform from which to attack other unknowing targets. Below are a few easy, cost-effective steps you can take to make your computer more secure.

1. Always make backups of important information and store in a safe place separate from your computer.

2. Update and patch your operating system, web browser and software frequently. If you have a Windows operating system, start by going to www.windowsupdate.microsoft.com and running the update wizard. This program will help you find the latest patches for your Windows computer. Also go to www.officeupdate.microsoft.com to locate possible patches for your Office programs.

3. Install a firewall. Without a good firewall, viruses, worms, Trojans, malware and adware can all easily access your computer from the Internet. Consideration should be given to the benefits and differences between hardware and software based firewall programs.

4. Review your browser and email settings for optimum security. Why should you do this? Active-X and JavaScript are often used by hackers to plant malicious programs into your computers. While cookies are relatively harmless in terms of security concerns, they do still track your movements on the Internet to build a profile of you. At a minimum set your security setting for the “internet zone” to High, and your “trusted sites zone” to Medium Low.

5. Install antivirus software and set for automatic updates so that you receive the most current versions.

6. Do not open unknown email attachments. It is simply not enough that you may recognize the address from which it originates because many viruses can spread from a familiar address.

7. Do not run programs from unknown origins. Also, do not send these types of programs to friends and coworkers because they contain funny or amusing stories or jokes. They may contain a Trojans horse waiting to infect a computer.

8. Disable hidden filename extensions. By default, the Windows operating system is set to “hide file extensions for known file types”. Disable this option so that file extensions display in Windows. Some file extensions will, by default, continue to remain hidden, but you are more likely to see any unusual file extensions that do not belong.

9. Turn off your computer and disconnect from the network when not using the computer. A hacker can not attack your computer when you are disconnected from the network or the computer is off.

10. Consider making a boot disk on a floppy disk in case your computer is damaged or compromised by a malicious program. Obviously, you need to take this step before you experience a hostile breach of your system.

Projector Buying Tips: The Best Projector Shopping Guide

Technology has always been known to make people’s lives better. In fact, some surveys said that 8 out of 10 people who were interviewed showed significant representation of people who were relieved to have the best technology in their lives.

One of the primary reasons why technology is deemed as life’s enhancers is because it can unleash the limits set upon the rigidity of previous inventions.

This goes to show that with the new trend of technology, people can expect a better life because it provides a hundred and one ways of making the impossible doable.

Take for example the case of projectors. Before, projectors are known to be used in movie theaters and during business presentations or seminars.

But with the continuous technological advancement and development, projectors are now known to be used even at home. This is especially true to those who want to create a home-based theater of their own.

Technically speaking, projectors work in a way that the visual aspects that are limited on the tube of a television are directly converted into a bigger screen. This is where the graphics and images are unleashed on a bigger view and where space is no longer constrained in a tube.

However, not all projectors are created equal. Therefore, projectors may vary from one model to another. So the only way to get the best item is to know how to effectively buy a good one.

Here is a list of some tips that consumers may use when buying projectors.

1. Know the available type

Basically, there are only tow types of video projectors: the LCP, or the liquid crystal projection, and the tubed. Both of them can function well as far as projection is concerned.

Also, these two kinds of projectors are unique on each sense of functionality that may influence the presentation and setting up of the item.

Each has its own advantages and disadvantages as well. So it is best to do some research regarding this matter so you would only get the best kind of projector.

2. Decide on the magnitude and weight of the projector

There are three available categories of projectors. These are the conference room projectors, ultralights, and the fixed installation projectors.

Each category has its own purpose. So it is better to know the main purpose of using the projector so that you will be able to decide on what weight and size should be bought.

3. The price

As mentioned, not all projectors are created equal, that is why, they may be priced according to the level of their functionality and the way they were manufactured.

Generally, projectors re priced between $1,300 and $9,000. Though, 75% of the available projectors in the market today greatly fall under the $3,500 to $20,000 price range.

The main factors that influence the way projectors are priced are brightness and resolution. Hence, the higher the resolution and the brighter the projector can display images, the higher the price.

4. Consider your needs

When buying projectors, it really pays when the buyer knows what he needs before going to the store. This will make the buying process a lot easier and faster, avoiding the perils of motivations made by persistent salespeople.

The bottom line is that the quality of images that people should expect is reflected upon how they buy items like this. Hence, it is important to always have the initiative to research on the things that bring about the main concept of projectors.