Monday, April 23, 2007

Xbox 360: A Revolution in Console Gaming

by: Mitchell Medford

It wasn't so long ago that kids who got the "new" Nintendo 8-bit gaming console or the Sega system for Christmas were the envy of every less fortunate and burned out Atari owning neighborhood playmate. As time elapsed, Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, and NES's Turbo Graphix 16 became all the rave. Anyone now in their twenties can recall being impressed by the awesome advancements in playability and graphic display of the Nintendo 64 and Sega's Dreamcast system, and even more recently (only five or so years ago) the advent of Microsoft's Xbox, Nintendo's Game Cube, and the Play Station by Sony. The Video Gaming industry has made great strides in the past twenty years: from slow-moving, barely recognizable forms on screen in original Atari games such as Pac-Man, Calga, and Tron, to the extremely vivid and life-like graphics of Tomb Raider, Splinter Cell, and Tekken; available for the Xbox and Play Station. Now, just in time for Christmas 2005, Microsoft has made the next move in the continuing race for Video Gaming Supremacy with the introduction of the Xbox 360. The result is truly phenomenal.

The Xbox 360, as with all video game consoles, is basically just a computer with hardware and software dedicated to the function of running video games. The original Xbox was pretty much just a Microsoft PC with a modified Pentium III processor, some powerful graphics and audio capabilities, and a modified version of the Windows 2000 operating system, all packaged in that distinctive black box.

This year Microsoft has released two versions of the Xbox 360: the Xbox 360 and Xbox 360 Core System. The Xbox 360Core System is "plug and play", that is, that in addition to the console, it includes an integrated controller and an AV cable. The Xbox 360 (not the "Core system") comes with a wireless controller, an HD AV cable, an Ethernet connectivity cable, a headset, a media remote, and a removable 20-GB hard drive.

For anyone who thought the original Xbox was a technological marvel, you must try this out! As amazing and realistic as the play on the first Xbox was, the Xbox 360 makes its predecessor look tired and worn-out. Microsoft has rebuilt the Xbox from the ground up. From the name to the look, from hardware to features, the Xbox 360 is a radically different and more powerful machine than the original Xbox. Far more than a video game console, the Xbox 360 is a total media center that allows users to play games, network with other 360 owners; rip, stream and download all types of media, including high-definition movies, music, digital pictures and game content, as well as play DVD movies and audio CD's.

The Xbox 360 will revolutionize the gaming world. Microsoft has definitely set the new standard in video game technology.

About The Author
Mitchell Medford is an author and product development consultant for several consumer electronics manufacturers. Visit his websites for more information on the Xbox 360 and satellite TV:
http://www.newtechnologytv.com
http://www.1stboard.com

Find Yourself With Your Cell Phone

by: Madison Lockwood

A few years ago, the FCC mandated that cell phones have GPS capacity or some form of location mechanism so that the phone and its operator could be located in the case of a 911 call. The law took effect at the beginning of 2005. Today, over one hundred million cell phones in this country have a chip that provides GPS capacity and increasingly, software services are emerging that put them to use.

GPS stands for Global Positioning Software and it simply means that an equipped device can be located by the satellites overhead in geosynchronous orbit that are built to pick up GPS signals. While the cell phone companies initially were reluctant to participate, they have begun to develop subscription services that provide software to help you use the tracking system.

The GPS technology without bells and whistles simply pinpoints the location of your cell phone. A techie named Chuck Fletcher developed a freeware program called Mologogo that allows one Mologogo equipped phone to locate other, similarly equipped phones. It's become a method for a few thousand cell owners to keep track of each other, but hasn't moved much beyond that.

Verizon and Sprint have developed subscription services that will allow your phone to pinpoint your location, complete with overhead map. It's a mobile driving assistance tool that should enjoy some degree of popularity. The cell phone companies have been reticent to provide general access to the GPS feature in their phones, because it can be a sensitive privacy issue - especially if you're somewhere you're not supposed to be.

More to the point, however, is the fact that the cell operators see the GPS technology as a potential profit center. One way to get driving directions with a GPS cell phone is to subscribe to a GPS navigation service. Nextel offers two: Televigation's TeleNav and Motorola's ViaMoto. Using the GPS and Nextel's network, TeleNav and ViaMoto can send driving directions to a Nextel phone. If you make a wrong turn or miss a street, the service detects that you're off the route and new route is calculated to put you back on track.

Aside from the basic mapping and location support, if you're a Sprint-Nextel customer you can subscribe to a service called Smarter Agent. This GPS supported technology is tied to a real estate database and can provide you with information on home sales in the neighborhood where you and your cell phone happen to be located. It will identify which homes have sold in the neighborhood in the last few years, and for what price.

Verizon has a service called getGOING. You can download applications such as AtlasBook Places. With AtlasBook Places you can get maps and directions and navigate to nearby places. An option is a web-based planning tool. These functions are available on selected Verizon phones.

There's an inherent privacy issue here that is a challenge for the major cell providers. Sprint-Nextel is the only company that has always allowed access to the GPS chips in its handsets. They have a strict privacy agreement with any third party service providers such as Smart Agent. If you download software that is not provided through Nextel, however, you have no such guarantee of privacy. This issue, aside from dollar signs, is what has kept GPS functionality largely an in-house development of the cell phone companies.


About The Author

Madison Lockwood is a customer relations associate for http://www.apollohosting.com. She helps clients understand how a website may benefit them both personally and professionally. Apollo Hosting provides website hosting, ecommerce hosting, & VPS hosting to a wide range of customers.

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

My Top 3 Choice of Digital Camera

Wikipedia.com illiustrates digital photography, as opposed to film photography, uses electronic devices to record and capture the image as binary data. This facilitates storage and editing of the images on personal computers, and also the ability to show and delete unsuccessful images immediately on the camera or software itself.

Digital cameras now outsell film cameras and include features that are not found in film cameras such as the ability to shoot video and record audio. Some other devices, such as mobile phones, now include digital photography features.

Since digital cameras are now the most widely used gadget to capture images and even videos, here are my top three digital cameras which include its features. It is up to you which one to choose and buy depending on your budget. So here it is:

PowerShot A630 not only boasts show-stopping 8.0 megapixel resolution, but is packed with a full range of high-performance features previously found only on Canon's higher-end cameras. The result is an affordable camera that produces truly superior photography. The high resolution is complemented by a 4x optical zoom that brings the world up close, and you'll see it all clearly on the big, bright 2.5-inch Vari-Angle LCD monitor. The 21 shooting modes make photography easy, fun and creative, and are joined by great functionality like expanded ISO settings that let you shoot in low light without blur.

Here is another one. There's a lot to like about the Kodak EasyShare C875.
PRODUCT FEATURES:
8.0 MP for prints up to 30 × 40 in. (76 × 102 cm);
5X Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon Optical Zoom Lens;
2.5 in. (6.4 cm) indoor/outdoor color display;
Kodak Perfect Touch Technology;
Smart scene mode;
Advanced video features;
Panorama stitch mode.

Anf my last choice. Get crystal-clear shots with the 10 megapixel resolution
Get excellent color and clarity for glowing 4 x 6" snapshots and enlargements (up to poster size)
Zero in on your subjects: capture just what you want with the 3x optical zoom and 8x digital zoom
Remove red eye and shadows from subjects' faces-right in the camera-with HP's Real Life technologies features
Capture the beauty of a panorama by snapping up to five photos and "stitching" them together
Capture the action in high-quality VGA video (with audio); save still shots for printing directly from the camera
Frame and view shots with ease-indoors or out-on the 3" color display
Review and delete photos and videos by quickly navigating on-screen menus
Apply fun effects: use HP's in-camera Design Gallery options, for slimming your subjects, adding borders, and more
Get sharper photos at the touch of a button: prevent blurry shots caused by a shaky hand or moving subjects; HP's steady photo anti-shake feature delivers brighter, more natural looking photos, even under low-light conditions without a flash
Use the included dock to transfer photos to your PC or printer (and simultaneously recharge the battery)
E-mail your favorites without large attachments via simple photo sharing on your PC
Streamline photo editing, organization, and printing with the HP Photosmart software
Print PC-free using SD/MMC cards (sold separately) or via any compatible PictBridge printer
Store photos with the 32MB of internal memory, plus use the SD/MMC card slot for extra capacity
Choose the best HP products for you, then let them work seamlessly, helping you do everything from snap photos to print enlargements
Get peace of mind with the one-year limited warranty

Friday, April 13, 2007

Saving Your Digital Memories

Are you fun of taking pictures? How do you save your images? Do you directly save it to your hard drive? Do you have a backup of these files? These are questions that need to be considered if you want to keep your digital memories forever.

Backing up your digital memories is very essential. Back ups function like a data insurance. It gives protection to the works you do in your computer. No matter how advanced the technology right now, these machines are still vulnerable to theft, viruses, malfunctions and other technology related failures.Hence, these images could be gone forever if you dont have a back up.

So, how do you save your digital memories? A number of storage devices are now coming out in the market. These storage devices can vary from CDs to DVDs, to USB disks and online storage facilities.

Here are some devices to consider for your digital memories to last longer.

Compact Discs (CDs). Current technology offers an inexpensive solution the CD writer. CD writers use inexpensive compact disc recordables (CDR) media which offer large data storage up to 700MB, fairly fast access, low cost, and portability. Manufacturers even claim that CD-R discs will last for decades without developing errors or degrading your data.

A Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) is another media to best consider for your back up. A DVD can hold more data than a CDR. A single layer DVD can hold as much as 4.7GB. There are some claims that DVDs can store movies and other files from 50 to 300 years or even longer. Who is rightful to claim such????

Here is the latest optical media. Blu-ray, also known as Blu-ray Disc (BD), is the name of a next-generation optical disc format jointly developed by the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA), a group of the world's leading consumer electronics, personal computer and media manufacturers (including Apple, Dell, Hitachi, HP, JVC, LG, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Pioneer, Philips, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, TDK and Thomson). The format was developed to enable recording, rewriting and playback of high-definition video (HD), as well as storing large amounts of data. The format offers more than five times the storage capacity of traditional DVDs and can hold up to 25GB on a single-layer disc and 50GB on a dual-layer disc. This extra capacity combined with the use of advanced video and audio codecs will offer consumers an unprecedented HD experience (blu-ray.com).

Never wait to loose your most precious digital memories. Create a back up now!

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

How to Start Video Blogging?

by: Kanicen Nichathavan

Videoblogging is the next generation of posting ideas and products over the internet. Everybody knows about textblogging. Now they use videos for a better way of expression. This form of communication may entail a lot of resources, but it is all worth it. If pictures say a thousand words, videoblogging exceeds that by far.
A videoblog requires larger disk spaces on websites, a faster server, and a whole new set of programs to support it. Videoblogs can be fed through RSS. This is technology of syndicating your website to other RSS aggregators.
Videoblogging works with people on the internet expressing their selves. Now if you put this on a business prospective, you are up to a lot of benefits. Think of it as a powerful tool in making showing your prospective customers your line of products or your services. It’s just like showing a commercial all for free. And if you videoblog through RSS, then most probably you are getting your target market.
People like to see what they are going to buy. Some would like to see proof and be sure that they are getting their money’s worth before shelving their dimes on it. All of us know the influence of a thirty second commercial. The effect of videoblogging is similar to that. You show your product, people watch it. If they like it, they buy it. If you present it good enough, they’ll buy the product even if they don’t need it.
Now on the web, things are pretty much static, unlike in television in which all are moving. If you post something that is mobile, it would most likely catch attention. Now imaging your product parading in all it’s royalty through videoblog. You’ll get phone call orders in no time.
If your business is just starting up, you can create a videoblog right at your own home. All you need is your web camera, microphone, video software, and lights. For as long as you know how to use your camera, then you can create a videoblog.
Invest in a good web camera. The higher its resolution is the better the output. And you like to present your goods in the optimum way so get the best one possible. Make a short story, or just capture your goods in one go. Just make sure you are getting the best profile for each. Get those creativity juices flowing.
Lights are important in a production. Make sure you illuminate entirely the area you are going to use to create videoblog. The brighter the area, the crispier the images will be. You can also use lighting effects for added appeal to the presentation.
Should you require sounds for your videoblog, you need a microphone. Record you voice as a voice over for promoting the product and its benefit to consumers. Sounds are as important as videos on a videoblog. It is advisable to make your sound effects as enticing as the video.
Your video editing software can be any program. You need this to finalize your work. You can add sounds, delete some bad angles, or insert some still pictures in there too. Some programs are user-friendly and can be used even with zero knowledge on video editing. Even simple video editing programs should do the trick. Select your background carefully too. The light affects the presentation so make sure that the background and the light complements each other.
Videoblogging is a great tool but it also has it downside. It may slow down the computer so other may steer clear of it. Download time may also be time consuming especially if customer is still on a dial- up connection.
But don’t let those stop you. Let videoblogging be an alternative for you, though it is best to still keep the text and pictures present in your presentation to accommodate all possible viewers of your site.
Nowadays, the more creative you are in presenting your product to the market, they more you are likely to succeed. Videoblogging offers an interactive way of selling. You involve the customers. You instill in them the advantage of your goods. And at times, those are enough to make a sale.

About The Author
Kanicen Nichathavan is the owner of Kanicen's Blog, Kanicen's Blog welcomes everyone who intends to share knowledge, interesting products, ideas and those who want to start Internet Online Business. You will find all kind of Internet Marketing Tools and resources. For Newbie and Internet Marketers this blog will be the best option for lowest prices of all kind of Internet Marketing Tools at http://www.kanicen.com

Is Online degree ideal for you?

With the emerging of technology, the process of acquiring education has changed. The mode of instruction has become technology driven particularly in the most developed countries. One of very apparent changes is through online learning.

Online education or virtual schooling is gaining popularity for number of reasons. One, the requirements to attend an online course are very minimal compared to the usual course. The student must have a computer, an internet connection, motivation, and proper time management. Second, online programs offer online resources that a student can access 24/7. These resources may be in the form of online libraries, online interaction from online instructors. By this, the student can gain more contacts around the world.

Third, convenience and flexibility. You can acquire a degree without attending in the university or college you want. You are free from the limitations of time and location. You can learn and acquire a degree anytime and anywhere. Lastly, the student can develop proper time management. Learning to budget our time is the most difficult task to do. By doing an online course, one has the freedom to push himself/herself to finish a task based on his/her aims or goals to finish the course.

Is online degree ideal for you? The answer depends on YOU! If you can afford and you have what it takes to learn independently, then this an alternative to acquire a degree or to continue learning.

We want your thoughts on this, e-mail to jcmicrotek07@gmail.com. Your ideas will be published here!

Friday, April 6, 2007

Is mobile computing for you?

Mobile Computing is a generic term describing your ability to use technology 'untethered', that is not physically connected, or in remote or mobile (non static) environments. The term is evolved in modern usage such that it requires that the mobile computing activity be connected wirelessly to and through the internet or to and through a private network. Mobile computing has become so popular specifically those who are constantly traveling. It has already become a common device.

Many types of mobile computing have already been introduced in the market since 1990. Some of these are:


A laptop computer, or simply laptop (also notebook computer or notebook), is a small mobile computer, which usually weighs 2.2-18 pounds (1-6 kilograms), depending on size, materials, and other factors. As personal computers, laptops are capable of the same tasks as a desktop PC, although they are typically less powerful for the same price. They contain components that are similar to their desktop counterparts and perform the same functions, but are miniaturized and optimized for mobile use and efficient power consumption. Laptops usually have liquid crystal displays and most of them use different memory modules for their random access memory (RAM), for instance, SO-DIMM in lieu of the larger DIMMs. In addition to a built-in keyboard, they may utilize a touchpad (also known as a trackpad) or a pointing stick for input, though an external keyboard or mouse can usually be attached.

A subnotebook is a small and lightweight portable computer, with most of the features of a standard notebook computer but it is either substantially smaller or lighter. As opposed to palmtop portables running Operating Systems like Windows CE, a subnotebook will run full versions of Windows or Linux.


Subnotebooks are generally smaller than a laptop computer, but larger than handheld computers and ultraportables. They often have screens that are 10.4" (diagonal) or less, and weigh less than 1 kg; as opposed to full-size laptops with 12" or 15" screens and weighing 2 kg or more. The savings in size and weight are usually achieved partly by omitting ports and/or have removable media/optical drives; subnotebooks are often paired with docking stations to compensate.

Personal digital assistants (PDAs) are handheld computers that were originally designed as personal organizers, but became much more versatile over the years. PDAs are also known as pocket computers or palmtop computers. PDAs have many uses: calculation, use as a clock and calendar, playing computer games, accessing the Internet, sending and receiving E-mails, video recording, typewriting and word processing, use as an address book, making and writing on spreadsheets, use as a radio or stereo, and Global Positioning System (GPS). Newer PDAs also have both color screens and audio capabilities, enabling them to be used as mobile phones (smartphones), web browsers, or portable media players. Many PDAs can access the Internet, intranets or extranets via Wi-Fi, or Wireless Wide-Area Networks (WWANs). One of the most significant PDA characteristic is the presence of a touch screen.


A Portable Data Terminal, or PDT, is an electronic device that is used to enter or retrieve data via wireless transmission (WLAN or WWAN). They can also serve as barcode readers, and they are used in large stores, warehouses, hospitals, or in the field, to access a database from a remote location. PDT's frequently run wireless device management software that allows them to interact with a database or software application hosted on a server or mainframe computer



A mobile data terminal (MDT) is a computerized device used in police cars, taxicabs, courier vehicles, service trucks, commercial trucking fleets, military logistics, fishing fleets, warehouse inventory control, and emergency vehicles to communicate with a central dispatch office. Mobile data terminals feature a screen on which to view information and a keyboard or keypad for entering information, and may be connected to various peripheral devices. Standard peripherals include two-way radios and taximeters, both of which predate computer assisted dispatching. MDTs may be simple display and keypad units, intended to be connected to a separate black-box or AVL (see below) computer. On the other end of the spectrum, MDTs may contain full, PC-equivalent hardware. The function and programmability of the devices is similarly broad.

A tablet PC is a notebook- or slate-shaped mobile computer. Its touch screen or digitizing tablet technology allows the user to operate the computer with a stylus or digital pen, or a fingertip, instead of a keyboard or mouse. The computer is linked to a network using a wireless link. The form factor offers a more mobile way to interact with a computer. Tablet PCs are often used where normal notebooks are impractical or unwieldy, or do not provide the needed functionality.

A smartphone is a full-featured mobile phone with personal computer like functionality. Most smartphones are camera phones that support full featured email capabilities with the functionality of a complete personal organizer. An important feature of most smartphones is that applications for enhanced data processing and connectivity can be installed on the device[1], by contrast to regular phones which support sandboxed applications. These applications may be developed by the manufacturer of the device, by the operator or by any other third-party software developer. "Smart" functionality includes any additional interface including a miniature QWERTY keyboard, a touch screen, or even just secure access to company mail, such as is provided by a BlackBerry.


But, are the above devices for you? The answer could either be yes, no, or it depends. If your job requires you to travel a lot, then these devices are of great help.

Your One Stop Guide To Manufacturing Accounting Software

by: Ashish Jain

Manufacturing in simple terms means changing of raw materials into final goods, ready for selling. Different processing methods and equipments are used in this transformation. So, how do you manage all these processes? Definitely, you can take the help of a manufacturing accounting software. Manufacturing Accounting Software is developed with a view to achieve the various financial needs related to production. It is full of various functional modules assigned for different tasks. Accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger and much more are the essential modules of an efficient manufacturing software. No matter what your business is, no matter whether it is big or small, you are bound to face some of the critical business challenges. Some of the basic challenges of a business related to manufacturing like constant optimization of inventories, processing and fulfilling of customer orders in a timely manner have to be tackled in an efficient way while keeping a firm grasp on the financial aspects of the company. And here the great role of manufacturing accounting software comes into picture and enables you to face the challenges of your business set up. To define manufacturing software, it is an application used in the management and inventory field. Management and control of any organization has never been so easy. A manufacturing software enables you to handle everything associated with production very easily. Management of manufacturing involves four main steps- estimating, producing, accounting and reviewing. And, with manufacturing software, all these become very easy. A manufacturing software is very helpful in entering different plans electronically and monitoring their process regularly. It also helps in tracking the assets of a company which is a crucial part. Manufacturing software is great in the sense that it can easily link the product demand with the production ability of a company. It helps in the optimization of resource usage. It is great in forecasting future trends as well. Features such as sales forecasting, contact management, analysis and alike help in the effective management of the organization. There are several manufacturing accounting software which you will find beneficial to your particular industry. Some of the manufacturing software solutions have developed manufacturing- specific solutions for different product lines. Manufacturing business requires that when the demand hits, it must be able to deliver. This software provides you the required tools to keep production running smoothly and efficiently, including powerful inventory management tools, job costing tools and much more. One such excellent manufacturing accounting software is developed by Sage software to meet the unique accounting needs of the manufacturers. The name of the software is Peachtree Premium Accounting for Manufacturing. It encompasses key data and tools to assist you in fulfilling important jobs, quickly and easily. Other features of the software are manufacturing guide, pre-built reports, work tickets and quantity price breaks giving accurate inventory control and making you aware of the operational insight into your production and assembly processes. Above all, starting up and learning this software is very easy. The software supports core accounting features and reporting options. It helps you in keeping track of: a) Accounts Receivable b) Time, Billing and Job Costing c) General Ledger d) Inventory e) Accounts Payable f) Payroll Solutions g) Fixed Assets Peachtree Premium Accounting software thus makes it possible for you to conquer the challenges of operating a profitable manufacturing business. It gives you a powerful yet flexible tool, designed specifically to help you meet challenges of your manufacturing operations. This software is known for its sound inventory and assembly management features. All these make this software, the choice of millions of small businesses. I strongly recommend you this software for at least once in your business. And I’m sure that you will be hooked.

About The Author
Ashish Jain To get more information about accounting, accounting software and types of acconting software visit
http://www.managemyaccounting.com/

Point Of Sale Software

by: John Cantrell

If you have a business that takes cash from your customers at the front desk then you must have a good and robust point of sale software package, or POS as it is sometimes called.

The reasons are quite simple.
1. Many products today have bar code labels attached to them. This means that the product can be fed into the sales invoice via a bar code scanner. There are several advantages in doing this.
As the product is scanned into the point of sale software, or p.o.s., the product is immediately recognised by the software. The sales person is not fumbling around trying to find the correct product code, the correct product is charged for because the sales person isn't given the opportunity of picking the wrong product from a price list.
2. You have a computerised reporting system that tells you exactly what has been sold and for how much and the cash in the money drawer can be easily reconciled to this.
3. Your stock control is handled automatically for you. You know at a glance exactly which products you are low on and need to order as well as which products are not selling very well.
4. There is less chance with a point of sale system that your staff can give special prices to their friends, or in fact wether they charge at all, thus reducing theft of stock. There are employees that see petty stock theft as a perk to increase their take home pay. In fact there are even those that seem to think it is their right.
5. With a sales docket that most point of sale systems will produce your customer has a professional looking receipt for the transaction and, thereby, improving your business image.
6. Point of Sale software ( P.O.S. ) will keep track of any tax implications involved in the sale which will decrease your workload in doing manual calculations.
When choosing a point of sale system you need to be very careful of several factors -
* Is the P.O.S. suitable for your industry
* Is it easy to use or will you have to give new staff extensive and costly training
* Does it track and keep record of all sales history so that you can view your daily transactions or is it merely a reciept producing mechanism
* Does it have a back office accounting system that it links up to or will you have to amny post the results on a daily basis
* Does it have the facility to use a bar code scanner and will it open a cash drawer at the appropriate time. It is important that access to the cash drawer is secure and that it cannot be opened at any time without the opening being recorded
* Does it record different types of payment such as cash, various credit cards types, account customer payments and so on. This is important so that when you are balancing the cash at the end of the day you must now what value of sales was paid for by non cash means
* Is it necessary for your Point of Sale system to be able to process account customer payments. Therefore having extra money of one form or another in the cash drawer without the appropriate sale
There are some other security issues that also need to be considered when choosing a POS software system one of the main ones being - after a sale has been made and the customer has left the premises is it possible for the sales person to manipulate the sale to make it look like a lesser value sale and by doing so pocketing some of your money
There is always a temptation for some employees to help themselves to a little extra cash on the side if it is easy to do with the owners of the business relying on trust and honesty coupled with little control over how much has been sold and what goods.
I have seen staff members who have been employed for long periods of time sabotage or resist new point of sale systems when they are being installed. In some cases they have become fairly hostile about the whole thing. You can only guess why, and it's not just because they are resitant to change.
Point of sale software should be able to trigger a cash drawer when the sale is made as well as produce a detailed reciept for the customer. In some countries it is required by law that these receipts also give details of the tax that has been charged.

About The Author
John Cantrell
I have been involved in all aspects of the accounting software industry for over 20 years. I run several websites that specialize in various subjects including
www.diyaccounts.com.au that gives advice on all aspects of accounting software from choosing, setting up and using it. Amongst other sites that I run are www.sense-now.com that helps newbies understand what internet business will probably work for them and what won’t. www.oumas.com.au is all about arts, crafts, hobbies, wine and beer making.

How Safe Are You Online?

by: Tony Hetherington

What do the following five online activities have in common?
1. I download and swap music files
2. I visit chat rooms
3. I play online games
4. I buy and sell on eBay
5. I’m researching my family tree
They are not only five of the most common activities that people do online they are also potentially the most dangerous as they expose you to the real risks posed by scam artists, stalkers and worse that look for new victims each and every day.
Are you truly aware of the hidden dangers that lurk online waiting to strike at the unwary? I’m prepared to wager that you’re not. It’s far more likely that you’ll be as blissfully unaware as everyone else perhaps with that mix of ignorance and arrogance that “nothing can happen to you” that makes you an ideal victim!
Perhaps you also think that online security is a bit of an urban myth that has been blown out of all proportion by the media and companies selling security software. Unfortunately, there is a world of stalkers, scam artists and even terrorists working to their own agenda and that agenda includes you or your family.
Luckily, there’s something you can do about it right now – but first let’s look at what really lurks behind these seemingly innocent activities.
1. I download and swap music files
If you’re caught in the culture of the internet that is a grey area at the best of times and you think that “everything online should be free” and that there’s “nothing wrong with peer-to-peer networks” you face some real dangers and not from record companies looking for royalties!
As soon as you step into such a grey area you put yourself more at risk then normal because the scammers and fraudsters know that you can’t really complain without revealing your own illegal behaviour. The same is true of cons linked to dubious websites as they know you’re vulnerable.
The nature of such networks is equally worrying as they permit anyone to connect to your computer with the aim of swapping a music or video file. If you look at it as the equivalent of leaving your front door open to the person delivering a pirated DVD and you should become more alarmed.
The truth is that many people often get more then they bargained for as viruses and spyware can also be included with that new track.
These can cause you untold problems with the worst being one’s that you only find out about when it’s too late. It’s only when the letters start arriving from the bank that you discover that a trojan or spyware has copied everything you’ve typed, including your user name and passwords to every account you’ve accessed and sent them unseen to the hacker who is busy stealing your identity and running up huge debts in your name.
2. I visit chat rooms
You face several dangers when you enter public chat rooms. Not everyone will be who they seem to be and some have extremely distasteful agendas such as recruiting people to their cause, propaganda and stalkers.
Stalkers are not the figment of the imagination of an over zealous media they do exist and target the vulnerable online. They hide behind several identities that they have carefully crafted to select and test their victims. These are not only children that they are grooming for abuse but also adults that are threatened, conned, blackmailed and manipulated into handing over financial information.
If that wasn’t enough there are also representatives from what most would consider to be sick sites in chat rooms and on forums recruiting more to their cause. These include political groups of both extremes, religious groups including fronts for terrorism and well deviants such as “pro-ana” sites that teach young impressionable girls that “being thin is more important that being healthy”!
3. I play online games
Playing games online may seem a harmless activity but it’s that impression that can put you at risk as you will be off your guard. Game downloads can contain spyware, especially those to unlock pirate copies and stalkers inhabit gaming chat rooms.
4. I buy and sell on eBay
There are the obvious problems of eBay where trust in a buyer or seller can sadly be misplaced including a recent case when a gang stole huge amounts of money from thousands of bidders by demanding payment in cash or electronic cash transfer and then sent nothing in return.
You are also open to many more dangers. You will receive false or “phishing” emails claiming to be both from eBay and Paypal suggesting that if you don’t check your details immediately your account will be frozen. If you fall for this con that is carried out on an industrial scale you could not only give away your account details but also your credit card number as well.
5. I’m researching my family tree
Carrying out research in your family tree can make you incredibly open about personal information. Details such as your mother’s maiden name and previous schools are common and invaluable to an identity fraudster looking to open or access an account in your name.
What can you do about it?
There are two things that you should do today to protect yourself, your family and your computer.
1) Go to www.911stalkers.com or www.999stalkers.com and take the free test to fully evaluate how clued up or clueless you are about online security. You can either download it as a free ebook and then email it to your friends or you can do a version online via a link at the top of the page. It is vital that you open your eyes and see the true dangers that you face each and every time you are online.
2) Do something about it. Naturally, I’d suggest my ebook Scams, Stalkers and Online Security that uses 14 real life case studies to highlight the problems and then provide step-by-step practical solutions that everyone can follow. If you decide to buy that or find your own solution then please ensure that you and your family are safe online. Doing nothing is not an option.

About The Author
Tony Hetherington has been a writer and Editor in the computer industry for over 20 years. His ebook, Scams, Stalkers and Online Security is available right now for immediate download as an ebook from a number of sites including
www.911stalkers.com, www.999stalkers.com and www.p4books.com and costs just $7.95 (approx £4.44). Isn’t the safety and security of you and your family worth that much?

Thursday, April 5, 2007

The Top Ten Spyware And Adware Threats That Exists To Harm Your Computer

by: Karl Smith
If you have a computer, then chances are you have either spyware or adware lurking on it somewhere. Estimates suggest that 90% of computers are infected with malicious software (malware) of some type. They take over your computer, infest it with pop-ups and other junk, or even worse, steal your private information. Although there are countless types of spyware and adware, these are the ones generally considered the biggest threats to your computer. Gator - This adware is designed to track the sites you surf and so get a picture of your online interests. Once it has enough data, it starts to bombard you with everything from banner ads to pop-ups on similar subjects, hoping to grab your interest and attention. Generally your computer gets infected with Gator when you share files through Kazaa or other means, or when you download freeware. n-Case - Another type of adware, which subjects you to an endless flood of pop-up ads. Downloading freeware from online sites is the way your computer usually gets infected with this malware. PurtyScan - This is particularly sneaky adware. First it displays a pop-up ad on your computer offering to detect any pornographic content on your computer, with an offer to remove it. If you click on the ad, however, you end up a website which then infiltrates your computer with even more spyware and adware. Transponder - Similar to Gator, in that it 'watches' your online behavior, then bombards you with ads that this malware decides are relevant. CoolWebSearch - This malware is certainly not cool, but malicious. The first step is that it hijacks your Internet settings and web page, and then redirects you to another web page of its own. As you can imagine, that website is full of more adware and spyware, waiting to get into your computer. Internet Optimizer - You could almost call this piece of malware a hacker. It takes control of your home page, and also any other web pages you visit. The final step is to pass you on to its own web page, so that it can download other malware onto your computer. Perfect KeyLogger - This malware is a tool for hackers. It can record your keystrokes, which makes it simple to find out private information such as credit card numbers, passwords and other private details. These are then passed on to the hacker. ISTbar/Aupdate - Although it pretends to be a toolbar, this is still malware. It's a form of spyware, and it operates by continually displaying pornographic images and pop-up ads on your computer, which is both embarrassing and annoying. It also takes control of your Internet settings and web page. TIBS Dialer - If you access the Internet via a dial-up connection, this malware will hijack your phone modem and then transfer you to various websites full of pornography. Keen Value - This malware starts out by tracking your online behavior, analyzing every website you visit. It also collects your personal information if you fill out any forms online, and then bombards with endless advertisements, many of which link through to websites full of dangerous malware. This is why protection is always important even if you surf the next just once a week.
About The Author
Karl Smith sells No Adware software and he recommends the software to prevent spyware and adware. No adware is giving away a free trial of their software
http://www.deletespyware-adware.com.

Latest Mobile Phones

Technology changes the way we do things. It makes it easier and quick. It gives us the power to do things anytime, anywhere we want specifically the way we communicate. However, together with this comfort is the cost of acquiring these technologies.
A lot of people are constantly changing their technology specially mobile phones because they wanted to be the first one to get hold of the latest model. The latest mobile phones are now built with a lot of interesting features. A phone which can capture 2megapixel picture, can store to as much as 3,000 songs are already great deals to majority of concious buyers. But how sure are you that what you are buying is indeed a BRAND NEW MOBILE PHONE!
There are resellers proliferating in the market right now claiming what they are selling are brand new. So how do you that? In my case, I always ask the seller a question before I purchase. Interrogation can somehow help you whether what they offering is indeed NEW. Also try to feel if their customer service is good. If not, simply don't buy from them. Can you imagine how bad the customer service will be after you have given your money to them? If the unit is new then customer support like warranty can never be difficult to offer. Always ask how long is the warranty period of the unit.
So, don't be fooled. Think intellegently before buying the latest mobile phone.

Mobile Phone Deals: Choose The Deal And Enjoy

by: Carly Charu

One of the best ways to connect the world in the present time is through mobile phones. It has become the most important and essential gadget of this decade. Well, apart from the mobile phones, mobile phone deals are also important.Mobile phone deals are offered in the UK by different network service providers such as T-mobile, Three, Orange, O2, Virgin and Vodafone. All these network service providers offer mobile phone deals for consumers to have a cost-effective deal and services.
With the advancement in the mobile phone technology, mobile phone manufacturers are offering basic phones to latest mobile phones in the market. These mobile phones are endowed with camera, music player, Internet, office tools, and latest 3G technology for fast connectivity. These handsets include Nokia, Samsung, Motorola, Sony Ericsson, etc. So, if you have a choice, you have different mobile phone deals available in the market. Choose the handset and the cost-effective deals exclusively for you.
Mobile phone deals include pay-as-you-go and contract mobile phones. In pay-as-you-go phone, you buy a phone and it is usually loaded with some amount. You cannot make a call if you don’t have sufficient balance. You need to purchase vouchers for adding credits. Other mobile services are also limited. On the other hand, in contract mobile phones, you will have to pay a fixed monthly line rental. There are many tariff plans under a particular deal, compare the plan and choose as per your requirement. A cost-effective deal and seamless connectivity must be the first priority for all the consumers. Contract mobile phone deals fulfil these entire requirements. First choose the handset and then look for the deals available for a particular handset. You may get free minutes, free texts, free line rental and free insurance as an incentive.
Don’t think twice, choose the mobile phone deals and get connected with the people and the world anytime-anywhere.

About The Author
Carly Charu is the webmaster of
http://www.mobilerainbow.org specializing in Latest Mobile Phone Reviews and information.

Welcome to i-technology

Why i-technology? I denotes a lot of meanings. From chemistry, physics, mathematics to radio and television and to programming, it has its own connotation. I the ninth letter of the alphabet and the first-person singular pronoun has a personal touch. I-technology, therefore, is your technology, our technology.

Hence, this blog will publish technology updates and reviews. From cellphones to mobile computing devices to desktop computers and to technology utilized by businessses. Hope this will help you decide what technology to buy for your varied needs.

Welcome to I-technology!