Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Prevent Bluebugging

Everywhere you go, people are using their smart phones. They're surfing the Internet, checking their email, or maybe just making good old-fashioned phone calls. As the number of smart phones increases, so does the number of smart-phone attacks. Bluebugging, one form of smart-phone attack, can be very harmful to your phone and even compromise your security. Read on to learn prevent bluebugging.


Instructions


1. Understand what bluebugging is. The term describes attacks on phones that use the popular Bluetooth wireless technology. When a hacker successfully bluebugs your phone, he can access your Internet connection, make calls from your phone number, listen in on your conversations and change entries in your calendar and contact list.








2. Know where bluebugging occurs. Bluebuggers can only hack your smart phone from within a 30-foot radius, so bluebugging takes place most often in public places like subways, coffee shops and parks.


3. Conduct an Internet search for phone makes and models that are particularly susceptible to bluebugging. This way, you can know if your smart phone is at risk. The older a phone's Bluetooth technology is, the easier the phone is to bluebug.








4. Contact your phone's manufacturer if you are concerned about bluebugging. Several major cell-phone companies, including Nokia and Ericsson, have developed software "patches" that make it difficult for bluebuggers to hack into these older-model phones.


5. Turn off your phone's Bluetooth capability when you aren't using it. Bluebuggers can only make a connection when Bluetooth is enabled.


6. Scan all incoming multimedia messages and electronic business cards for viruses. Bluebuggers often gain access to your phone by relaying such information to you.

Tags: your phone, your smart phone, access your, Bluebuggers only, phone Bluetooth

Which Dslr Cameras Will A Tamron 2875mm Lens Work On

DSLR cameras can use third-party lenses, such as the Tamron 28-75mm lens, as long as the camera mounting matches the lens.


The Tamron 28-75mm lens is small compared to other zoom lenses. It is also much more affordable than many other comparable lenses. The focal length range of this lens is 28 to 75 mm, which covers the focal length used for most normal general purpose cameras. This lens is not made by a camera body manufacturer but it does fit into several Pentax, Nikon, Minolta and Canon camera bodies.


Nikon


Tamron has made this lens compatible with Nikon D60, D40 and D40x DSLR cameras. This lens offers additional zoom to the full size DSLR Nikon cameras. The lens features XR technology developed by Tamron to optimize the use of power in the lens using high refractive index, XR, glass. At the same time, the lens is lightweight and easy to use.


Canon EOS


Canon produces many lenses for its DSLR cameras, but a good third-party lens for these Canon cameras is the Tamron lens. The Tamron lens is offered at good value, around $400, which offers substantial savings compared to the equivalent Canon lens that retails at around $1,000. This is an excellent choice for individuals who use the 28 to 75 mm range and want a fast and high-quality mid-range zoom with sharp center focus.








Pentax


Pentax cameras with a K or KA mount will fit the Tamron 28-75mm lens. Pentax cameras with K mounts include the Pentax K1000, KX, KM, K2, MX, ME Super, K2DMD, LX, MG, MV1, MV and ME. Cameras with the KA mount include Pentax Super A, Program Plus, Program A, Super Program, A3000, A3, P30, P3, P30t, P30n, P3n, P50 and the P5.








Sony/Minolta


The Tamron 28-75 lens works on all Sony/Minolta cameras that use an A mount, also called AF. This includes the Sony Alpha DSLR cameras, Konica Minolta Dynax, Minolta RD, Minolta MS and Minolta SB cameras.

Tags: DSLR cameras, 28-75mm lens, Tamron 28-75mm, Tamron 28-75mm lens, cameras This, cameras This lens

Set A Ringtone On A Palm Treo

The Palm Treo allows users to customize their ringtones. In addition to being able to change the default ringtone, you can assign specific ringtones to your contacts. This helps you recognize a specific caller without looking at your Treo's caller ID. The default ringtone on the Palm Treo is called "Treo"; however, the Treo comes pre-installed with many other ringtones, including "Bach," "12-Bar Blues," "Sonata," "Bells" and "Chirp."


Instructions








Contact-Specific Ringtone


1. Press the "Phone" button, and then select "Contacts."


2. Scroll down and select the contact you want to set a specific ringtone for. Select "Edit" with the contact highlighted.


3. Scroll to "Ringtone" from the options menu. Select the ringtone you want to use from the list. Select "Done" to save it.


Default Ringtone


4. Press "Phone," then "Menu." Select "Options."


5. Scroll down and select "Sound Preferences."


6. Select the box labeled "Applications" and choose "Ringtones."








7. Select the box labeled "Known Caller" and choose your ringtone. Select "Unknown Caller" and choose your ringtone. Click "Done" to finish.

Tags: Palm Treo, Caller choose, Caller choose your, choose your, choose your ringtone, default ringtone

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

What Do I Need For A Complete Car Audio System

Audio systems can be a headache in general, but when considering putting an audio system in a car, this headache can quickly turn to a migraine. Once installed, audio systems supply much louder and clearer music than stock speakers. The speakers on a custom audio system will also blow out less frequently than stock speakers.


The Different Parts of a Car Audio System








Before purchasing a car audio system, it is wise to know what you are purchasing. Typically, complete audio systems will include an amp, speakers, subwoofers and a central unit, also known as a receiver. Amps will allow power to be delivered to your speakers and subwoofers so they function properly. Speakers and subwoofers supply the sound of the audio system. Subwoofers focus on the bass part of the equation, adding bass to the music. The central unit is where different media is gathered to be played. The receiver is the brain of the unit, as all commands are given here.


Different Options


A "complete" audio system varies depending on who you ask. They are highly customizable, so there are a lot of directions you can go with them. For example, people who want to use iPods in their car would not have a complete audio system without an auxiliary port for an iPod, or without an iPod adapter. Other people who want to play music with a lot of bass would not have a complete audio system with 6-inch subwoofers. Instead, they would only have a complete system with much larger subwoofers to produce the sound they desire.








Ease of Installation


When purchasing an audio system, if you do not plan on installing your system alone, plan on saving an extra wad of money for the professional installation. So for a complete system, tack on some extra money to the cost for the labor fees of the person installing. However, if you choose to install it yourself, understand that you will need patience for your complete audio system. Otherwise, the installation will be rushed, and expensive components may be broken. Look around your car or place of installation, and make sure you have room as well. If you have a Smart car, large subwoofers will probably not work for your space.


Extras


A good idea for those planning to go all-out on an audio system is to purchase a secondary radio service, like Sirius. Remember that a complete system is in the eye of the beholder, and that your system is only truly complete when you have your setup functioning to your satisfaction.

Tags: audio system, complete audio, complete audio system, audio system, complete system, have complete

Tell If I Have Tomtom One 2nd Or 3rd Edition

The TomTom ONE global positioning system has been updated three separate times in its history. These updates have been referred to as the "First Edition," "Second Edition" and "Third Edition." Each edition features new and additional utilities that were not present in the last, like access to more satellites that can determine your exact position with greater accuracy. You can quickly find out which edition you own by looking in a very specific place.








Instructions


1. Locate the manual that came with your TomTom ONE. Flip to the "Technical Specifications" page and look for a reference to an "SD Card." The TomTom ONE Second Edition stores maps and traffic data on a small flash memory card called an SD card. The TomTom ONE Third Edition stores this information on an internal storage drive.


2. Look at the label on the bottom of your GPS. If you have a TomTom ONE Third Edition, the words "Third Edition" will appear beneath the TomTom ONE logo. These words do not appear on the TomTom ONE Second Edition label.








3. Look around the sides of your TomTom ONE for a USB cable connector. The TomTom ONE Second Edition has a full-sized USB cable connector, while the TomTom ONE Third Edition has a MiniUSB cable connector.

Tags: Third Edition, Second Edition, cable connector, TomTom Second, TomTom Second Edition, TomTom Third, TomTom Third Edition

Monday, September 28, 2009

Change The Clock In A Magellan Maestro

The clock in the Magellan Maestro automatically is set using information from the United States Global Positioning System. This ensures that the clock on your GPS device reflects the most accurate time possible. However, if your Magellan Maestro is set to the wrong time zone, the time is displayed incorrectly. Select the correct time zone for your Magellan Maestro to correct its internal clock.


Instructions








1. Touch the "Settings" option on the main menu screen of the Magellan Maestro GPS device.








2. Touch the "System" option on the settings menu.


3. Tap the "Time Zone" option on the system sub-menu.


4. Press the checked box next to "Use Auto Time Zone" to deselect the option that automatically chooses the time zone for the device.


5. Touch the "Set Time Zone" option on the Magellan Maestro GPS screen. Tap the right arrow button until the desired time zone is displayed. Touch the correct time zone to select it; the device's clock automatically updates to reflect your change.

Tags: Magellan Maestro, correct time, correct time zone, device Touch, time zone, Time Zone

Replace The Cords In Canon Printers

If a cord on your Canon printer is missing or has stopped functioning, it can be frustrating to find and install the correct replacement. Fortunately, it's fairly easy to determine the type of cord you need--and once you know that, replacing a cord on your Canon printer is merely a matter of disconnecting the current cable (if you haven't lost it) and connecting the new cable to the printer and its appropriate destination port or outlet.


Instructions


Power Cord


1. Your printer's power input might look like a standard three-prong power connector.


Determine what kind of power cord your model of Canon printer uses by checking the manual or visiting Canon's website and finding the specs for your particular model. Many printers use a standard power cable that is used for printers, monitors and computers. This type of power cable can be purchased from any electronics retailer.


2. Turn off your printer and disconnect the power cord by gently pulling on the connector. Don't pull on the cable, as the cable and the connector could separate.


3. Disconnect the power cord from the power strip or electrical outlet by pulling gently on the connector. Again, don't pull on the cable, as the cable and the connector could separate.


4. Insert the new power cord's female connector into the printer's power port.


5. Insert the new power cord's male connector into a power strip or electrical outlet.


6. Turn on the printer.


USB Cable


7. Your printer's USB cable will look similar to this.


Determine whether your printer uses a USB cable to connect the printer to your computer. The USB port on your printer will usually be a square with two rounded edges. For this type of port, you will need a USB cable with one male "A" connector (which looks like a flattened rectangle) and one "B" connector (which looks like a square with two rounded edges).


8. Turn off the printer.


9. Disconnect the USB cable from your printer by gently pulling on the connector attached to the printer. Don't pull on the USB cable, as this could separate the cable and connector.


10. Disconnect the USB cable from your computer by gently pulling the connector attached to the computer. Again, don't pull on the USB cable, as this could separate the cable and connector.


11. Insert the male "B" end of the new cable into the printer's USB port.


12. Insert the male "A" end of the new cable into your computer's USB port.


13. Turn the printer back on.


Ethernet Cable


14. An Ethernet cable looks like an extra-large phone cable.


Determine whether your printer uses an Ethernet cable. If computers print to your Canon printer over a network, it's likely that the printer uses Ethernet to communicate. Ethernet ports and connectors look like large telephone ports and connectors. Ethernet cords are not printer-specific--you can buy one from any electronics retailer.


15. Turn off the printer.


16. Disconnect the existing Ethernet cord by pressing down on the connector's clip and pulling gently. Don't pull the cable or pull without pushing the clip, as this could damage the cable or the Ethernet input. Do this for both the printer input and the destination input--your router or the port on your wall).


17.Insert the new cord's connector into the printer port until the clip snaps in place. Push the clip in gently to avoid damaging the connector or the port. Do the same for the destination input.


18. Turn the printer back on.

Tags: power cord, pull cable, Turn printer, cable connector, Canon printer

Friday, September 25, 2009

Find A Checking Account Number

Finding your checking account number


All the numbers written across a check mean something to the bank that the check is drawn on, and to other banks who process the check. These numbers are all standardized in the United States for ease of processing. So no matter where you are, the bank can tell by the numbers on the check what bank the funds are drawn on, the account number and even your check number. Here's find those numbers for yourself.


Instructions


1. Look at the bottom of the check and you will see three sets of numbers. The first set of numbers has a symbol around it that looks like a sideways face with one short line and two vertical dots to the left of the short line. The number between the two symbols is the bank routing number. This is how banks know what bank the check is drawn on. This number is always nine digits in the United States.








2. The second set of numbers is the account number. The account number is followed by a symbol that looks like two short side-by-side vertical lines with a large dot to the upper right of the two short lines.


3. Note that there is one number left; that matches the number in the upper right corner of the check. This is the check number. The two numbers should always match.








4. You may have a debit card, but it most likely does not have this account number on it, although it is tied to your checking account internally.


5. You may also find your account number on your bank statement and on the papers that you received when you opened the account.

Tags: account number, account number, check drawn, check number, checking account, looks like, number numbers

Car Battery Facts

A car battery is one of the components necessary to make a car turn on and function. The size and design of the battery needed for a vehicle depends upon the engine specifications for the vehicle. For example, a battery that fits on an U.S. made SUV will probably not work on a foreign compact car.


Types


There are two types of car batteries. An SLI battery powers the starter, lights and ignition. A traction battery is the power source for an electric vehicle.


Storage


A battery that must be stored should be fully charged and free of corrosion. Additionally, it must be checked and recharged periodically to prevent loss of power.


Recycling


Because most car batteries are lead acid based, recycling them is a must. In an effort to encourage recycling, a deposit is charged when purchasing a new battery. This charge is usually refunded when the old battery is returned to the store.


Maintenance


Battery posts must be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent corrosion. To do this, you must take the battery cables off the battery and wipe the posts off with a clean towel.


Charging


Under normal working conditions, the battery is recharged automatically by the alternator. In the case of a malfunctioning alternator or severely drained battery, external battery chargers may be needed.

Tags: battery that

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Put Batteries In A Polaroid 600 Camera

The Polaroid 600 camera is a color instant film camera powered by a battery. The battery power source for the 600, unlike many other camera models in the market, is housed in the camera's 10-shot film pack instead of a battery compartment within the camera. Whether you're using the Polaroid 600 for the first time, or features such as the counter display, flash or flash ready light have stopped working, to use your camera you must place a fresh film pack in it to supply it with power.


Instructions


1. Press the "Open/Close" button at the back of your Polaroid 600 camera to pop up the viewfinder and lens.


2. Push the film door release button on top of the camera to unlock the film door at the front. If the camera has film in it, grasp the tab at the front of the film, pull it straight out and then set the pack aside for disposal.


3. Remove the new film pack from its packaging and slide it into the empty slot.


4. Flip up and close the film door. If done correctly, the camera should automatically eject the film cover and the counter will read "10" -- the number of shots remaining. The battery in the film pack will now power the camera. Use the camera as desired.

Tags: film pack, film door

Set A Threeway Electronic Crossover For Car Audio

An electronic crossover routes frequencies from your stereo to the proper speakers. There are many different types of electronic crossovers, including two-way (lowpass and highpass) and three-way (lowpass, bandpass and highpass). Commonly, the speakers in the front and the rear of the car play highpass. The subwoofers play lowpass. Midrange speakers play bandpass. These instructions are for a three-way crossover.


Instructions








1. Set the highpass crossover point at the tweeters' spec recommendation and up. Let's say the specs show the tweeter can play down to 4,000 Hz. Set the crossover's highpass at 4,000 Hz and up.


2. Listen to the tweeters. If you want the tweeters a little louder, cross out the lower frequencies and set the highpass crossover point a little higher. Listen to the tweeters at the volume level you would normally listen to your system.


3. Adjust the crossover highpass a little higher if you hear distortion. Set to taste.


4. Set the midrange or bandpass adjustment to the tweeters' lowest frequency at the top end. Set the bottom end of the bandpass at 150 Hz. and up.


5. Listen to music and adjust setting until the midrange and tweeters blend.








6. Set the lowpass for the subwoofers at the bottom frequency of the bandpass.


7. Listen to music and adjust the lowpass crossover point to your liking.

Tags: crossover point, bandpass Listen, bandpass Listen music, crossover highpass, highpass crossover

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Camera Settings For Taking Photos On A Gray Day

It can be difficult to obtain the correct camera settings for shooting on an overcast day.


Gray, overcast days have such low-light conditions that can make it difficult to shoot a good photo. Sometimes, a professional photographers must complete a shoot on such a day. In those situations, the automatic adjustment settings on your camera might not provide the fine control needed to produce the best shots. Manually adjusting the camera's settings might be more beneficial.


Adjusting ISO Settings


A camera's ISO setting determines its sensitivity to light. The higher the ISO setting, the more light that the camera's sensor will pick up in photographs. Most commercial cameras have ISO settings ranging from 25 or 50 to 400. Higher ISO settings capture more light but also introduce "noise" into the photograph. This "noise" makes the image appear grainy. Shoot on the lowest ISO setting possible on sunny days. Usually, this setting is around 100. Dark, overcast days shoot best with an ISO setting between 200 and 400.


Adjusting Shutter Speed


Shutter speed refers to how long the camera's shutter stays open when taking a photograph. This affects both the amount of light allowed to stay on the photo and how well the camera stops the action of whatever is photographed. For example, a shutter speed of 1/1000 means that the photo is exposed to light for 1/1000th of a second. Because dark days offer less light to illuminate subjects in a photograph, a shutter speed of 1/60 for example would keep the shutter open much longer. By contrast, shooting on a sunny, bright day with a shutter speed of 1/125 -- signifying a smaller exposure time -- would be more appropriate.


Adjusting Aperture








The aperture is the size of the hole in the lens through which the picture is taken. Aperture is measured with "f-stops," such as f/4, f/5.6, f/8 and f/11. Each f-stop setting doubles the size of the aperture, in decreasing order. So, an f/4 aperture is twice as large as an f/5.6 setting. A smaller aperture allows less light to enter the camera lens. A larger aperture, such as f/8 or f/5.6, is more appropriate for low-light shooting conditions.


The "Sunny 16" Rule


The "Sunny 16" rule is a guideline for photographers to determine the correct settings on cameras. The name of the rule refers to the f/16 aperture setting used for sunny days. To find your "Sunny 16" setting, match your chosen ISO setting with the closest shutter speed setting. For example, if your ISO setting is 200, choose the 1/250 shutter speed. Next, adjust your aperture to an appropriate setting for the light conditions. A sunny day with shadows would call for an aperture of f/16, while an overcast day would photograph better with an aperture of f/8 or f/5.6.

Tags: shutter speed, less light, more appropriate, more light, overcast days

Fix A Nikon Digital Camera Lens

Camera lenses are very precise pieces of photographic equipment. They cost a lot of money to purchase, and they cost money to fix, unless you can do it yourself. Some aspects of each Nikon lens can be fixed by the user, although the manufacturer discourages this. Here are some tips for getting started.


Instructions


1. Figure out what exactly is wrong with your Nikon digital lens. Does the focus not work properly? Does the aperture cause under- or overexposures? Does the image you see through the viewfinder differ greatly from what appears in the final print? Does the lens attach to the camera correctly? Are there spots on the images?


2. Check for specks and chips on the lens first, if there are spots in the images. Take the lens off the camera and look through it at a low-level light source. If there is dust or lint, clean the external elements according to Nikon's recommendations. Look through the lens again. If there still are spots, there may be dust on the internal elements. You will need to take the lens apart to clean each lens element. Taking the lens apart is a delicate procedure. Use Phillips-head screwdrivers or the Japanese crosshatch type. Lay out the lens and screwdrivers on a soft, lint-free cloth, and place each part of the lens in the correct order so that you can remember replace them. Clean each element with soft lens tissue or cloth or use a manufacturer-specific kit, such as the Nikon Lens Cleaning Kit 8176.


3. Clean the electronic contacts on both the lens and the camera lens mount with a soft, lint-free cloth. With Nikon, the contacts usually are silver. If they are really dirty, use a tiny drop of alcohol. Clean them thoroughly so the lens and camera can communicate. This often can solve problems such as incorrect aperture opening, incorrect exposure and failure to focus properly.


4. Check the aperture opening by again holding the lens up to the light and turning the aperture ring. It should stop down at even intervals. If the lens doesn't have an aperture ring, keep it on the camera, set the correct aperture and use the preview button to stop it down. If it does not stop down properly, the leaves of the aperture may be stuck. You can take apart the lens to adjust these or lubricate them with a little WD-40 or other fine-equipment lubricant.


5. Check that the lens locks into place correctly when attaching it to the camera. This can be a problem. If it doesn't lock properly, the lens won't work correctly with the camera. Clean the lens mounts on both the lens and the camera. If it still won't work, look for an obstruction with a magnifying glass. If this doesn't work, you may need to go to a lens repair facility.

Tags: lens camera, stop down, aperture opening, aperture ring, both lens

Realtime Car Audio Analyzers

A real-time car audio analyzer, which often goes by the abbreviation RTA, can assess the quality of your car stereo system's sound or that of any other audio device. An RTA does this by measuring and displaying the frequency spectrum of an audio signal. Real-time audio analyzers range in price and come in all shapes and sizes from small handheld devices to large rackmounted hardware units. There is even real-time audio analyzing software available that can run from your computer.


History of Real-Time Audio Analyzers


Audio engineers made real time analyzers popular in the late 1970s, displaying the frequency spectrum of audio signals for all to see accompanied by music. These graph-like formations on LED screens amazed viewers, who loved watching audio graphs "dance" along with the music. Today, digital technology provides the same results.


Downloadable Real-Time Audio Analyzers


There are several free real-time audio analyzer software programs that can be downloaded for free onto your computer. This software takes advantage of your PCs sound card to analyze the frequency spectrum of any audio source, including your car's stereo system. Simply connect a specially designed microphone with the ability to connect to your PC's USB port and you are ready to get started.








Portable and Handheld Audio Analyzers


Portable and handheld real time audio analyzers may cost a bit more but are smaller in size and therefore much easier to handle. Resembling PDAs, these devices work like larger stationary units to provide audio output from any system.


Costs








Real-time audio analyzers cost anywhere in the $300 to $400 range with handheld units at the higher end of the range and traditional stationary units at the bottom. RTA software that you download to your PC is often free, but you must purchase an RTA microphone specially designed to connect into your computer's USB port. You can expect to pay around $100 for this type of microphone.


Alternative Uses


In addition to analyzing car strereo audio quality, RTAs are used by sound engineers and by those who install audio systems into a variety of venues from movie theaters to home theaters to opera houses. RTAs are also used in the design and testing of musical instruments as well as voice and music learning aids.

Tags: Audio Analyzers, frequency spectrum, frequency spectrum audio, spectrum audio, your computer

Night Photography Tips Using Dslr







It is possible to take good night photographs, if you use the right camera settings.


Digital SLR cameras capture images because they have a light sensitive electronic sensor, which replaces photographic film. Night photography can be a challenge even for experienced photographers. However, DSLRs are equipped with special settings that make good quality night photography possible. Use high ISO values, appropriate flash settings and slower shutter speeds if you want to take good night photographs.


High ISO Values


If taking night pictures without a tripod, set the ISO value in the camera beforehand so the camera sensor becomes more sensitive to the available light. A ISO setting of up to 1,600, for instance, is available in most DSLRs, and it can produce good night shots. However, high ISO values produce noise or grainy pictures. The ideal is to use a tripod, avoid noise by keeping ISO values low, such as 100, and use a much slower shutter speed.


Slow Shutter Speed








The shutter speed is related to the time that the electronic sensor is exposed to light, during the process of taking a picture. The slower the shutter speed is, the more light the sensor gets. Although there is no standard shutter speed to suit every situation, values from 10 seconds to 30 seconds offer a good choice for night photography, but can only be used to shoot still scenes and with a tripod, according to SLR Photography Guide.


Right Flash Light Setting


Most DSLRs come with a built-in flash, which can be efficient when photographing at night. Built-in flash lights offer different intensities and speeds, which you can manually regulate. Always consider the amount of natural light available and the distance from the photographed subject. For moving subjects use flash shutter speeds of 1/60 of a second or faster. Ideally, use a external flash unit, which allows you to set much faster speeds, reports Simon Stafford in Nikon D80 Magic Lantern Guide. However, choosing the automatic TTL (Through-The-Lens) flash option you are less likely to overexpose or underexpose your pictures, because the camera adjusts the flash intensity, while you focus.

Tags: good night, slower shutter, electronic sensor, good night photographs, high values, night photographs, shutter speed

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Get My Panoramic Pictures Printed

How Do I Get My Panoramic Pictures Printed?








Panoramic cameras rotate at a 360-degree angle from a single point, capturing photographs while it turns. This creates a panoramic photograph. Panoramic photography is ideal for capturing large areas such as landscapes. This type of photography can actually be done using any camera; however, the photographer using a standard camera will have to manually move the camera to take several shots of the area. Finally, the photographer can use panoramic software or graphics programs to create one seamless image. When printing panoramic photographs, there are a few things one can do.


Instructions


1. Determine if the settings on the printer can accept a custom paper size.


2. Select a paper size. Most printers accept up to A4 size, which is 8.2 inches by 11.69 inches. For panoramic printouts, a larger sized paper, such as A3 (11.69 by 16.53 inches), Super A3 or A3+ (13 by 19 inches), A2 (16.5 by 23.4 inches), paper that comes in roll form or special panoramic paper.


3. Choose a paper type. For the best results, use a coated paper that is specially designed for the user's printer.


4. Place the paper on the cutting board. Use the straight edge and the Exacto knife to cut the paper so that it fits in the printer. For A3 paper, cut to 5.84 to 16.53 inches; for Super A3 or A3+, cut to 6.5 by 19 inches. For A2 paper, cut to 8.3 to 23.4 inches.








5. Load the printer into the paper and adjust the tabs so that the paper fits snugly, but not too tightly. Print the image.

Tags: paper that, inches inches, inches paper, inches Super, inches Super inches, Panoramic Pictures, Panoramic Pictures Printed

Get Ku Band On A 920 Receiver

The Pioneer VSX-920-K receiver is a 7.1-channel 3D-ready A/V receiver designed to control a number of devices in your home theater setup. It is iPod/iPhone certified and Bluetooth-ready, and can handle HDMI through its four input/one output configuration. The VSX-920-K can handle several different types of video input, including Ku-Band satellite input. The setup for getting Ku-Band signals through the VSX-920-K receiver is fairly straightforward.


Instructions


1. Press the power button on the VSX-920-K receiver to turn it on.


2. Plug the RCA video cable into the "TV/SAT IN" port in the back of the VSX-920-K. Then, plug the other end of the cable into the "Video Out" port on the Ku-Band satellite receiver.


3. Plug the dual-end analog audio cable in the "TV/SAT L/R" ports on the back of the VSX-920-K, then plug the other ends into the "Analog Audio Out" port in the back of the satellite receiver.


4. Press the "Power" button on the Ku-Band satellite receiver, then navigate to a desired channel.

Tags: Ku-Band satellite, satellite receiver, VSX-920-K receiver, back VSX-920-K, cable into, Ku-Band satellite receiver, plug other

Monday, September 21, 2009

Install Slide Viewer 1 2

Slide Viewer 1.2 is a small program that allows you to take a set of images and create a slideshow with them. What sets Slide Viewer apart from the rest is that it uses an unordered list and can therefore use any image on the Internet (as long as that image is publicly viewable). This adds tremendous potential when combined with a website that contains an abundance of photos that you would like to use on your own Web page.


Instructions


1. Download Slide Viewer 1.2, the jQuery 1.4.1 plug-in and the jQuery easing 1.2 plug-in. Extract the the files to a directory.


2. Open a text editing program. Open a blank document and save it to the same directory as Slide Viewer. Create an HTML block by typing " ."


3. Type the following syntax into the space between the tags. This loads the jQuery and the jQuery easing plug-ins that are required for Slide Viewer 1.2 to function.


4. Copy the following section to create a space where the slideshow will be viewed. Replace "myimages" with a meaningful name. Replace "image0" with text describing your photo. Replace "picts/01.jpg" and similar names with your own image names and paths, such as "images/lion_king.jpg."


5. Type the following code into the file after the code from previous step. This initiates Slide Viewer.


$(window).bind("load", function() {


$("div#myimages").slideView()


});


6. Save the text file. When the file is opened in a Web browser, Slide Viewer will automatically be executed.

Tags: Slide Viewer, jQuery easing, Type following

Tips On Taking Family Portraits

Family portraits are a wonderful way to capture a moment of childhood and will provide joy for the whole family for years. Many parents prefer to save money on a photographer and have a family member or friend help take their family portraits. A little bit of planning and education can help parents get the family portraits that they are looking for for a fraction of the cost of paying a photographer.


Schedule the Time


It is best to schedule a family photo session during a time when every one in the family will be well rested, fed, and not in a rush to be anywhere. Family portraits, especially when you are working with young children, can take a bit of time. Parents should prepare as many things before hand as they can to avoid feeling rushed and stressed because kids will pick up on that and react in the same way.


Make the Photo Session Fun


Natural smiles are much more appealing in photographs than forced smiles from unhappy children. Make the family photo session fun by being animated, encouraging family members to interact, and break up the session with some play time to help children get some extra energy out. Children will be much more likely to cooperate for family portraits if they are having a good time.


Use Quality Photo Equipment


The better the photo equipment parents use, the better quality of pictures they will receive, but a nice point and shoot does have the ability to capture some wonderful shots. A camera with at least 7 mega pixels should be used. Parents could consider asking a family friend with a good camera to help take their pictures. Even basic cameras can be used to capture wonderful family photos if the photographer takes advantage of good lighting conditions, holds the camera steady and composes the picture well.


Use Creative Poses


Parents can pose their family in creative ways to make family portraits more interesting. Try a variety of poses so that you have several to choose from after the photo shoot is over. Position family members closer together than you feel that they need to be to create a better final shot and fill the frame of the camera with people instead of background.

Tags: camera with, family members, family photo, family photo session, family portraits, family portraits, help take

Friday, September 18, 2009

Make Your Digital Photos Look Better In Three Easy Steps

Improve your digital photos with photo editing software.


Using only free software, anyone can improve the look of their digital photos quickly and easily. Most new computers are pre-bundled with some sort of digital imaging software, as are nearly all new digital cameras. These programs are too numerous to list, but some searching through your Applications folder or "Start" menu will usually lead to a suitable program. Similarly, the CD included with your new digital camera should have a program on it.


If you do not have such a program, there are many available on the Internet for free, including Gimp (gimp.org). After just these three steps, your unexceptional photos can look drastically better.


Instructions








1. Load your photos onto your computer. It is helpful to place them all in one easy to find, well organized folder. Open up an image with your image editing program. It is wise to immediately save the image under a different name. This way, no matter how many changes you make, you still have the original, unaltered file to revert back to if some change goes wrong.


2. Fix the color balance. Many digital cameras won't always calculate the proper white balance when taking a picture. This can leave your images too red or too blue. In addition, fluorescent lighting or mixed lighting can cause incorrect color. In your photo editing application, go to the "Image/Adjustment/Color balance" menu to do these adjustments. You may have to search through the menus of your particular program.


Move the sliders around until you find an optimal look. If your picture is too red, for example, find the "Red/Cyan" slider, and move the slider away from the red side, toward cyan. Move it slowly at first -- a small change can make a big difference. Your program may not use sliders, but it still should have a way to "move" the balance away from one color toward another.


3. Increase the contrast of your photos. Much of the difference between expensive and cheap camera lenses is the amount of contrast they can reproduce in the image. However, you can adjust this in your image editing program. In your photo editing application, go to the "Image/Adjustment/Color balance" menu to make these adjustments.








Most programs will offer a preview of your change, so watch the image and increase the contrast until you like your image's look. Don't overdo it. You can also fiddle with the brightness if you want.

Tags: photo editing, your image, Adjustment Color, Adjustment Color balance, application Image

What Is A High Definition Channel

A high-definition (HD) channel is a channel provided by over-the-air broadcasters, digital cable and satellite companies that gives the viewer higher picture resolution and signal quality than those of standard television channels, making for a noticeably sharper image.


History


HDTV was being developed in Japan as far back as 1969. The U.S. demonstrated a similar version in 1981, but the process was hampered for years, until the technology could handle the high bandwidth and the manufacturers could agree on one standard. Plus, the costs involved with producing the televisions, along with creating the network needed to transmit and receive the signals, were prohibitive. The first public HD broadcast in the U.S. was in Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1996.


Specifications


Digital compression and the expanded capabilities of high definition allow for pictures to have an aspect ratio (screen size) of 16:9, which is similar to movie screens, as opposed to the 4:3 ratio of standard televisions. HD provides up to 1080 lines of resolution, which is much higher than the 480 lines of standard TV.


Benefits


The increased aspect ratio, enhanced resolution and higher frame rate (frames per second) create a much sharper picture and greater detail than seen before. Also, the digital compression allows for multi-channel stereo surround sound.


Recent Developments


As of 2009, the majority of Americans still have standard definition TV sets, though HDTV is rapidly growing. Therefore, the major cable and satellite providers offer separate standard and HD channels of stations and cable networks that broadcast in HD. The availability and number of those HD channels depend on the cable or satellite provider.


Potential


With the U.S. switching to digital-only broadcasting by June 2009, and the growing popularity and shrinking prices of HD television sets, the time is coming where every channel will be a high-definition channel.

Tags: cable satellite, aspect ratio, high-definition channel

Phones That Use Sim Cards

Many modern cell phones require a SIM card (Subscriber Identify Module) to access cell phone service. SIM card phones work on Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) networks, whereas phones that don't need SIM cards work on the competing network, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA). The SIM card system is somewhat convenient, because you can easily save information to the card and take it with you to another phone. But at the same time, the risk of losing your SIM card (along with your valued information) is high.


Blackberry Pearl 8120


The Blackberry Pearl 8120 is a sleek, WiFi capable smartphone that works with a SIM card.


iPhone








The iPhone from Apple is one of the most popular SIM card-capable phone of this century.


Sony Ericsson W760


The Sony Ericsson W760 is a popular walkman phone that uses SIM card technology.


One Big Downside


The major downside of phones that use SIM cards is that they are easily stolen and resold. All that the thief has to do is get a new SIM card and pay a few dollars to get an unlock code to use or resell the SIM phone. Alternatively, some CDMA phones (phones from Verizon use this technology) are automatically locked from ever being used again when stolen.


Cell Phone Providers








Cingular and T-Mobile are two of the most popular United States providers that use GSM technology and offer SIM card phones for customers.

Tags: Blackberry Pearl, Blackberry Pearl 8120, card phones, Ericsson W760, most popular, Pearl 8120, Sony Ericsson

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Recycle Yankee Candles

Yankee Candles can be recycled and reused, instead of being tossed out.


Yankee Candle Company candles, and other jarred candles, often burn down until they no longer can be burned safely. The jars and the remaining candle wax usually is thrown out. But the wax is usable. Recycling Yankee or other jarred candles is a crafty endeavor that is cost-friendly and eco-friendly.


Instructions


1. Fill the pot or double boiler half full with water. For this task, use a 4- or 6-quart pan.


2. Place one of the jar candles into the center of the water-filled pan. Bring the pan to a slow boil.


3. Remove the burned wick from the melting wax in the jar. Discard it. Pour the melted wax from the candle into the clean, empty candle jar.


4. Place the 12-inch wick into the bottom of the jar, letting the anchor sink into the melted wax. Drape the excess wick over the side of the 8 oz. jar.








5. Place a second candle jar into the pot of boiling water. Lower the heat to a medium setting. Remove the wick from the melting wax, then transfer the wax from the jar to the one with the wick hanging over the side. Hold the wick to the outer side of the jar to keep it from falling in while you pour the wax.








6. Repeat these steps with assorted jars of partial candles until you have achieved 8 oz. of wax. Ordinarily, a Yankee or other jar candle leaves about an ounce or two of wax that can't be used, depending on the size of the jar in which the wax is molded.

Tags: candle into, from melting, jarred candles, other jarred, other jarred candles

Why Does An Auto Battery Explode

Auto batteries may explode through defect, abuse or accident.


Auto batteries are filled with dangerous substances such as sulfuric acid. Accident, abuse and manufacturing failures can all cause auto batteries to explode. Therefore, batteries should always be treated with great respect.


Basics


Most automotive batteries are composed of lead plates with a sulfuric acid electrolyte. Twelve-volt automotive batteries typically have six cells and a positive and negative terminal.


Cells








As part of the chemistry that makes batteries work, the electrolyte is diluted with water. During charging, the water molecules are separated into their component parts, hydrogen and oxygen.


Chemical Reaction


Hydrogen is explosive. Oxygen supports burning. Charging your battery too quickly causes it to emit gases that may explode. The gas-emitting process is called gassing.


Causes








A spark may be caused by a broken internal battery connection (i.e., a manufacturing defect). A spark may also be caused by excessive vibration or a large shock when, for example, you drop the battery. Sparks cause explosions.


Shorting


A battery might also explode if, when you were jump-starting it, a piece of metal shorts the battery terminal. Battery explosion may result in acid splatter and will certainly result in a loud bang and noxious smoke.

Tags: Auto batteries, automotive batteries, batteries explode, sulfuric acid

Download Skins To My Phone







Nearly every cell phone comes with the ability to change how it displays its menus, background graphics and sounds. These new sets of graphics and sounds are called "themes" or "skins," and can make the difference between a cell phone you dislike using and one you enjoy.


The Default Skin








Your cell phone will come with what's called the "default skin," which is the standard set of graphics and sounds. Typically, this will include the brand name of the phone or the cellular carrier, emblazoned upon the background of everything you do with your phone. Most people don't particularly enjoy such constant advertisement, so changing the background graphic (sometimes called the wallpaper) is a good reason to customize your skin.


Take note of what you like and dislike about your current skin, so you can choose which skin you'd like to use. Are the menus and displays in a color which contrasts well with the background? Is the wallpaper pleasant, or a distraction from making the phone useful? Does the screensaver provide you with useful information?


Before downloading new skins, try out the other skins which came with your phone. The menu option to do this is usually buried in a submenu under "Appearance" or "Settings." You may find that an alternative included skin is exactly what you want.


Purchasing New Skins


The easiest way to add new skins to your phone is to buy them from your carrier; typically, these are available in an in-phone online store, and cost only a few dollars. The advantages of using the carrier's store is that the download is provided over the air, and should automatically integrate with your existing list of skin options. The obvious disadvantage: purchased skins cost money, while free alternative skins are available for most phones over the Internet.


Downloading Third-Party Skins


The first step to downloading a free skin is knowing what model of phone you're using; most American cell phones are sold under a model name invented by the cellular provider, which may differ from the model name used by the manufacturer. Type the name of your phone into an Internet search engine; a mobile phone review site should tell you if your phone is rebranded, and what other phones are compatible.


A direct Internet search for "[your phone name] themes" will likely lead you to a site with available skins; alternately, try the excellent online discussions at Howard Forums for far more information on customizing your phone. Once you have found a provider site, download the themes you like, each of which will come in a single file. If you have a full Internet browser on your phone, you can try downloading these files directly; otherwise, download them onto your computer and use your synchronization software to move the files to your phone. The phone should recognize these new files and automatically list the new themes in your settings menu.

Tags: your phone, cell phone, graphics sounds, with your, Internet search, model name, these files

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Transfer Pictures From Computer To A Sandisk

SanDisk's USB drives allow users to transfer and store images and other files.








SanDisk allows computer users to transfer and store files onto portable USB storage cards. These cards may be connected to other computers with USB ports and users may access, add to, or erase files stored on the card. Once the card is inserted, the computer will recognize the card as a drive, and users should treat the card as any other hard drive. They may open the drive as a folder and add or remove files from it.


Instructions


Transferring images to a SanDisk drive








1. Plug the SanDisk drive into the computer's USB port. Wait several seconds for the computer to recognize the drive. Once recognized, the computer will display a pop-up alerting the user that the drive is ready for use.


2. Copy the images into memory by highlighting them. Once they images are highlighted, hold down "CTRL" and the letter "C" at the same time. This will copy the files into memory.


3. Open the SanDisk drive by clicking "My Computer" and opening the drive. Depending on your computer's configuration, the drive's letter will be E, F, G, or some other letter. Usually, the A, B, C and D drives are in use.


4. Copy the images to the folder by right-clicking in the drive's folder and clicking "Paste." Wait several seconds for the files to transfer.


5. Close the drive by clicking "X" at the top of the folder. Disconnect the device from your computer.

Tags: SanDisk drive, computer will, Copy images, drive clicking, drive folder

Make Cardboard Lamps







Recycle cardboard to make a custom lamp for your home.


Cardboard is a versatile material that can be used for a variety of projects around the house. Lamps made from cardboard can be used in the family room or to give a fancy touch to a kid's room. Making cardboard lamps allows you to recycle cardboard boxes instead of throwing them away. With some paint, crafty decorations and a lamp wiring kit, a cardboard lamp can be an easy one-day project.


Instructions


1. Use the letter-size paper as a template to cut cardboard squares of the same size. Trace the paper onto the cardboard. Cut four cardboard squares to make the sides of the cube-shaped lamp. Cut another piece of cardboard 8.5-by-8.5-inches square to form the base of the lamp.


2. Measure 2 inches inside each side of the paper. Use the ruler to help you draw a straight edge 2 inches inside the edges. The light that you use will reflect through this newly drawn rectangle. Draw your designs inside the new rectangle.








3. Measure 2 inches inside each side of the cardboard rectangles. Use the ruler to help you draw a straight edge 2 inches inside the edges. Cut out the interior rectangle. The cardboard that is left should be open in the middle, like a picture frame.


4. Glue the paper to the inside of the cardboard frames. You should have four window-like cardboard frames, with your decorated paper showing through the middle. Decorate the cardboard frames as you like.


5. Glue the four cardboard frames together to form a cube.


6. Drill or cut a hole in the center of the cardboard base square to attach the lamp wiring kit. Install the lamp wiring kit according to manufacturer directions. Glue the base cardboard piece to the cardboard cube.

Tags: cardboard frames, inches inside, lamp wiring, cardboard squares, draw straight

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Crop A Picture Into A Round Shape In Photoshop Elements

How Do I Crop a Picture Into a Round Shape in Photoshop Elements?


People tend to think of Photoshop Elements as being merely the pared down little brother of Photoshop. Actually, Photoshop Elements is a powerful graphics program in its own right, possessing many of the same tools and functions as Photoshop. Many of the instructions and tutorials for Photoshop also generally work in Photoshop Elements. In fact, the process for doing something like cropping a picture into a round shape is virtually identical in both programs.


Preparation








Load the picture you want to crop onto your computer's hard drive. Transfer it directly from a digital camera, CD or SD card or scan it. but if you scan it, use a high resolution (600 DPI or more). This higher resolution results in a a better final image.


Creating the Shape


Open Photoshop Elements. Select "File" and click "Open." In the dialog box, browse to the picture you loaded and open it. Select the "Elliptical Marquee" tool from the toolbar. In the options at the top, change the tool to "Fixed" so it will maintain the same proportions. Set the "Feather" to 20-50. The exact number depends on the size of the picture you use. Then draw out a selection on the canvas, with the sizes of the selection not quite touching the sides.


Choose "Select" from the menu and click "Inverse." Now hit "Delete" on your keyboard, and the space around the area you originally selected will be deleted, leaving a blank area around the image.


Saving the File








To save the file, select "File" and click "Save As." In the dialog name your file and save it as a GIF or PNG file to preserve the transparent area around the picture. If you print this file, you will have a circular image you can cut out. As another option, you can place it on a website as a circular image (if you saved as GIF, since some web browsers can't handle PNGs).

Tags: Photoshop Elements, area around, circular image, Crop Picture, Crop Picture Into

The Disadvantages Of Visible Light

Visible light has significant advantages and disadvantages to the human body.








Visible light is undoubtedly a vital part of human life as it allows you to see the world using your eyes. This type of light is part of the electromagnetic spectrum of waves that the human eye can detect. While the essential need for visible light is very clear, it also has disadvantages in certain conditions or when not used properly.


Eye Health Problems


The light you see has a wavelength within the range of about 380 nm to 780 nm and a frequency range of about 405 THz to 790 THz. The human eye can suffer from retinal injury due to overexposure to visible light. Although some damage can heal, more serious overexposure to visible light may lead to permanent eye damage or even blindness. This type of eye problem is caused by looking directly at something too bright like the sun.


Vision-Related Accidents


The human eye's primary defense to damage due to overexposure to light is for it to close through the help of the eyelids. In some cases in which a person doesn't close her eyes right away prior to exposure to very bright light, this can cause temporary blindness. One vision-related accident that can happen is when a person is driving during the night, then another vehicle with high beams passes by from the opposite lane. This can cause the driver to close his eyes or experience temporary blindness if his eyes remain open during the incident. This can lead to a road accident.


Film Exposure Problems


Visible light affects films including those used in X-rays, film photography and movies. A film creates an image by using its chemical characteristics, which change according to how light strikes its surface. An X-ray machine or a film camera controls the light used for them. These films are protected from light through their containers. Accidentally removing them from these containers would result in exposure of the films, which would render them useless or cause permanent damage on the supposed image that should appear on them.


Deterioration of Materials








Visible light can cause chemical changes to different materials, which typically result in deterioration of their quality. Prolonged exposure to the light can result in a more weary look to these materials -- due to how light affects a material's molecular and chemical properties. This condition is especially evident in very old documents and photos like those historical ones archived in museums that tend to fade over time.

Tags: visible light, Visible light, close eyes, light affects, overexposure visible

Monday, September 14, 2009

Choose A Digital Camera Lens

Lenses are crucial to good photography.


When you are buying a digital SLR system, the lens should be where you invest most of your money. Although camera bodies can become outmoded as new technologies arrive, good glass can last a lifetime, and since the optics are used to magnify the image, the lens is, in many ways, the most important component of good photography. Choosing a lens depends on many factors, including the type of camera you have and the type of photography you are doing.


Instructions


1. Check your camera body to find out whether it has a full-frame sensor. Full-frame sensor cameras work only with certain lenses, in the case of Canon, or have a cropped resolution, in the case of Nikon. Full-frame sensor models include the Nikon D700 and D3, Canon 5D and 1Ds and Sony A900.


2. Determine the focal length you need. Wide-angle lenses, such as 18 mm, are good for landscape shots and panoramic shots. Telephoto lenses, up to 300 mm or more, are good for wildlife and sports shots.


3. Check the aperture value on the lens. A fixed-aperture lens, usually an f/2.8, allows more light to hit the sensor and is ideal for low-light photography and action shots. These lenses are more expensive. Many popular zoom lenses have a variable aperture of f/3.5 to f/5.6.








4. Work out the conversion factor on a non full-frame camera to make sure the adjusted focal length will work for your needs. For Nikon, Canon, Pentax and Sony, non full-frame sensor cameras have a 1.5x crop factor, so any focal length needs to be multiplied by 1.5 to determine the true 35 mm focal-length equivalent. For Olympus, the crop factor is 2x. While the crop factor gives better telephoto, it reduces wide angle capability.


5. Check some third-party lenses from companies such as Tamron, Tokina and Quantaray. Although third-party lenses aren't as good as the best lenses from the camera manufacturers, some offer very good shooting capability with low aperture values for a lot less money.

Tags: crop factor, focal length, full-frame sensor, good photography, lenses from, lenses more

Pick An Outdoor Security Camera

Security cameras can show you who in on your property.


No matter where you live, there is always the possibility of a break-in or home robbery. To help give you peace of mind about your safety, as well as the safety of your family and possessions, you might consider installing an outdoor security camera. Surveillance systems deter criminals and can let you see who is on your property at all times. If you've decided that an outdoor security camera is the right choice for your home, you need to learn a little more about your options before you can pick one.


Instructions


1. Research the differences between wired and wireless outdoor security cameras. Wired cameras are less convenient because they cannot be placed anywhere, but they can offer a better quality video output. Wireless systems are a bit more expensive and less reliable; however, you have the convenience of placing them wherever you need to and hiding them.








2. Look into the specific features of the outdoor security cameras you're considering. For example, the chip size of the camera will affect its performance. Larger chips, such as ½ inch, will produce a better quality video. However, smaller chips, such as ¼ or 1/3 inch chips, can produce the same image as larger chips if they are high density. The larger the TV lines of resolution, or TVL, the better the picture quality. Large TVL range from 480 to 570. You should also pay attention to the field of view for the lens. Generally, a 72 degree field of view lens works well for most home security cameras, but larger fields of view are available with wider lenses.








3. Avoid outdoor security cameras that pick up audio in addition to video. Recording a person's voice without their knowledge or consent is illegal, but you can record their image. Cameras that record audio are not meant to be outdoor security cameras.


4. Pay attention to the difference between color and black and white outdoor security cameras. Black and white cameras have a better image quality at night than color options, and they are generally less expensive. However, color cameras produce a much better image during daylight hours.

Tags: outdoor security cameras, outdoor security, outdoor security, security cameras, security cameras, about your

Protocol For Disposal Of Mercury Traps In The Dental Office

Dental work frequently requires the use of chair-side mercury or amalgam waste traps to catch saliva runoff.








According to the Washington State Department of Ecology, dental waste water contains 100-2,000 parts per million (ppm) of dangerous mercury contaminants. Mercury traps, also known as amalgam separators or chair-side traps, that are properly maintained and cleaned or replaced, can reduce high levels of the mercury or amalgam run-off created in the dental office before it contaminates the waste water system for the office. Careful adherence to protocol for removing and disposing of the chair-side traps will help protect the water supply. Removal and disposal of the traps should strictly follow the manufacturers' suggested guidelines.


Instructions


Disposal Procedure


1. Using protective gloves is a safety precaution for the person changing the traps.


Collect supplies for the disposal job. Bring the certified contact amalgam recycling container and the replacement traps to the first chair and slip on the protective gloves.


2. Remove the disposable trap from the chair-side receptacle and immediately place it in the certified contact amalgam recycling container. Seal the lid to prevent accidental spillage.


3. Open a replacement trap and reinsert it in the chair-side receptacle, ensuring a proper fit.


4. Red containers marked biohazard should not be used for trap disposal.








Repeat Steps 2-3 for all dental chair-side traps in the office, using as many certified, contact amalgam recycling containers as necessary to contain all traps.


5. Labels on the contact amalgam containers should clearly indicate "contact" amalgam for the disposal service.


Clearly label all contact amalgam containers.


6. Follow the specific instructions of your amalgam recycler for the disinfection and shipping of amalgam containers.


7. Store all contact amalgam recycling containers away from office activity until your certified dental amalgam recycler or hazardous waste hauler can pick them up.

Tags: contact amalgam, amalgam recycling, contact amalgam recycling, amalgam containers, certified contact, certified contact amalgam

Friday, September 11, 2009

Compare Verizon & Cingular Cell Phones

The key to choosing a cell phone is preparation.








Choosing between different cell phone providers can be difficult, especially when they share similar phone models. Do your research before committing to a contract. Careful preparation can prevent disappointment later.


Phone Features








Narrow down your cellular needs. There are three basic categories of phones on the market: basic, multimedia and smart phones. Basic (feature phones) are suitable for texting and making calls. Multimedia phones have the same features as basic phones, but also sport cameras, music players and picture/video messaging. Smart phones are the flagship devices, capable of Web browsing, word processing, email and other advanced features. Although there is crossover in the ability of these phones, it is easy to see which category you fit into. If you just want to make phone calls, go basic. If you want an office on the go, you're a smart phone user. Use the sorting options on the Verizon and AT&T/Cingular websites to narrow down your choices by features.


Plans


Look into the various plans available from Verizon and AT&T/Cingular. There is no use getting a smart phone if you cannot afford the monthly charges and additional fees. Verizon has many talk/text plans but only three data plans: pay-per-use, 25 MB and unlimited. You are required to have a monthly data plan if you choose a multimedia or smart phone. This can be an additional $10 to $30 a month, not including tax. AT&T has more messaging/data plans and charges $15 to $45 a month depending on the type of phone you have (i.e., basic or smart phone). Use the Verizon data calculator to get an idea of the type of plan you will need.


Style and Design


Once you have narrowed down your choices by function and applicable plans, you may compare and contrast styles and design options. Look at the shape, color and size of different phones. Visit a store or shop online to get a better idea which devices work best with your style and needs. (For example, a rugged phone case is essential for use on construction sites.) Ask friends and family which phones they have used. Usually, you will find that people lean toward a particular brand or shape. If you are caught between two phones of the same model, make the decision based on coverage in your area and the cost of the service plan.

Tags: smart phone, down your, Verizon Cingular, cell phone, data plans

Troubleshoot A Canon S2 Is

The S2 IS from Canon is a Powershot model that has a built-in flash with a 12x optical zoom. The camera is 5 megapixels with many types of shooting modes, which include portrait, indoor and auto. When problems occur with the S2 IS, you will need to make adjustments to continue taking pictures. Problems may include the batteries draining quickly and a blurred or out-of-focus image.


Instructions


Batteries Drain Quickly


1. Place only new AA-sized batteries into the camera or use Canon AA-size NiMH rechargeable batteries. Using batteries that have been previously used or are not charged will cause them to drain quicker than new or fully charged batteries.


2. Place the batteries in a coat or inner shirt pocket if the temperature outside is cold. When the batteries are kept warm the batteries will not drain as quickly.


3. Open the battery cover on the camera and verify that the terminals are clean. Wipe them off with a dry cloth if they are dirty.


4. Recharge NiMH batteries at least three or four times to return them to normal performance if they have not been used in over a year.


Blurred or Out-of-Focus Image


5. Verify that you are holding the camera steady when pressing the shutter button. Any movement when taking a picture will cause a blurry image.


6. Set the camera on a tripod and use a lower shutter speed when taking pictures. If a tripod cannot be used go into the Main Menu and turn on the Image Stabilizer function.


7. Make sure that you are at least 2 feet from the subject of the picture. Exceeding this distance can cause the image or picture to be out of focus.


8. Turn on the Focus Lock or use the Auto-Focus (AF) Lock to have the camera set the focus. You can also set the focus of the camera manually, if needed.

Tags: have been, taking pictures, when taking, will cause

Thursday, September 10, 2009

What Camera Resolution Do You Need For A Poster Sized Print

Enlarging a photo can transform blurry into beauty, or the other way around.


The resolution of the camera's digital sensor is not the most important factor in the quality of a print. David Pogue of the "New York Times" experimented with 16-by-24-inch prints in 2007 and concluded that "five or six megapixels is plenty." Other factors make a bigger difference.


Depth of Field


A picture taken all at the same focus, such as a distant landscape, will hold up best at poster size. A picture with a face or flower in focus and surroundings blurry might look poorly balanced when it's enlarged.


Initial Composition


A good way to change that balance of depth of field is to crop out large swaths of unfocused imagery. When you crop, though, you diminish the number of pixels you have to spread over that poster-sized print, and the finer points of the focused part can start to look coarse.


Print Resolution


Resolution makes a much bigger difference in printing than it does in capturing the image. A 16-by-24-inch poster printed at 72 dpi (dots of ink per inch, not the same as pixels) can show less than half of your 5 megapixels. Printed at 300 dpi, there's room for nuance within each dot space, and that will make a very visible difference.

Tags: bigger difference

Disable International Data Roaming

Turn off data roaming to avoid nasty surprises on your cell phone bill.


If you have a cell phone with international capabilities, you can use it when you travel outside of your home country. Most cellular service providers charge very high fees for international roaming, for both voice and data. It is easy to control voice charges, but if you have a data plan, your phone may download large emails or receive unwanted text messages, incurring steep charges on your next bill. To avoid this problem, turn off international data roaming before you leave home.


Instructions


1. Turn on your phone.


2. Locate the Network Services menu. The location will vary depending on what type of phone you have. On the iPhone, you would go to Settings>General>Network menu. On a Blackberry, you would look under Applications and then choose "Manage Connections."


3. Turn off data when roaming from the Manage Connections menu. You should have the option to turn off data services when your phone is in roaming mode by moving a slider or checking a box.


4. Change your push notifications to "manual." This will prevent your phone from updating data on its own and instead you can choose when to update and download information. This option will also be available in your network settings.

Tags: your phone, cell phone, data roaming, Manage Connections, Turn data

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Find Audiobooks For An Ipod

Audiobooks are like books on tape that you play on your iPod. You can find audiobooks on the iTunes store or on the Web. Sometimes you can even find audiobooks for free! Follow these steps to find audiobooks for an iPod.


Instructions


1. Install the latest version of iTunes.


2. Visit the iTunes store (see below). From the list on the left-hand side of the screen, click "iTunes Store." Click the "Home" icon near the top should you not see the iTunes store main page.


3. Click "Audiobooks." This should be in a panel on the left under the heading "iTunes Store."


4. Browse. You will get a display of some featured audiobooks. Click on some titles or authors that interest you to get more details.


5. Search. When you have something particular in mind, type the name of the author or title into the search box in the top right. Results that are audiobooks will have a "Buy Book" button.


6. Buy your book. Once you find something you like, click the "Buy Book" button. Once you enter your information and check out it should appear in your iTunes library.


7. Connect your iPod. Add the audiobook manually. Find the audiobook in your iTunes library and drag and drop it to your iPod icon.


8. Sync the audiobooks automatically. Click your iPod icon to open the settings. Make sure "Sync Music" under the "Music" tab is selected. Now click "File" then "Sync iPod."


9. Disconnect your iPod. Hit the "Eject" button right by your iPod icon and wait until it is safe to disconnect.


10. Enjoy your audiobook!

Tags: your iPod, find audiobooks, iPod icon, your iPod icon, your iTunes library

Install A Bluetooth H500

Motorola has a complete line of bluetooth headsets in a full range of prices and features. The headsets are high quality and relatively easy to use-even for a novice.


Once the bluetooth headset is paired with a compatible cell phone, the user can then enjoy hours of hands-free talk time. This is especially good to use when it isn't convenient to hold a phone to your ear. Simply clip the phone to your person or place it in a pocket and the headset will enable easy conversation.








Instructions


1. Before the bluetooth headset can be used it must be charged with the charger specified for this model headset. After plugging the headset into the charger and the charger into the wall, the charging process will take about two hours. A blue light turns on while the headset is charging and when the charge is complete the blue light turns off.


The bluetooth headset cannot be used while it is charging.


2. After charging the headset, turn on the cell phone and consult the accompanying instructions for bluetooth pairing.


First, the bluetooth function for the phone must be turned on.


3. Once the cell phone and its bluetooth function are turned on, the headset must be set to "pairing mode."


The "call button" is the large button on the top of the headset with the small telephone icon. Press this button firmly for ten seconds. When the blue light turns on and remains on, release the call button.


4. Direct the cell phone to search for bluetooth devices that are within range. When the H500 Bluetooth device is found by the cell phone, select it and proceed to pair the two devices.


The cell phone will ask for a passkey. The passkey is always "0000" and these digits must now be entered. After entering the number, press OK.








5. When the two devices are successfully paired, the bluetooth headset will flash instead of emitting a steady light. Test the pairing by making a test call with the cell phone and ascertaining that ringing can be heard through the headset.

Tags: cell phone, bluetooth headset, blue light, blue light turns, light turns, bluetooth function, call button

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Add Pois To Magellan Maestro

The Magellan Maestro is a GPS navigation device that figures your exact location and provides travel directions via satellites. One of the many features of the Magellan Maestro is the POI, or Point of Interest, locator that provides step-by-step directions to one of the thousands of POIs preloaded onto your device. Even more POIs can be added to your Maestro via the SD card reader on the Maestro's body.


Instructions








1. Create a POI using the POI Manager software that came with the Magellan Maestro. Insert the SD or MMC card into the computer's card reader slot or into the card adapter. Wait for the computer to recognize the drive and open a folder associated with the SD card. Drag the POI you created into the SD card's folder. Once it is loaded into the card, right-click the folder icon and choose "Eject." Remove the SD card from the reader or the adapter.


2. Insert the SD or MMC card into the expansion slot located on the left side of the Maestro.


3. Turn on the Maestro and wait for it to load to the main menu. Tap the "Enter Address" button and select the "Enhanced" option.








4. Select "My POI" in the menu and tap the "Change My POI File" option. Tap on the file name of the new POI to add it to the Magellan Maestro. Repeat these steps with each POI you added to the SD or MMC card. The newly added POIs can now be accessed from the "My POI" option in the "Enter Address" utility.

Tags: Magellan Maestro, into card, card into, card reader, Enter Address, Insert card, Insert card into

Tell If A Nimh Battery Is Good

NiMH batteries often look like standard alkaline batteries.


NiMH batteries are a type of rechargeable battery. They generally come in AA size but can sometimes come in smaller and larger sizes. They have uses ranging from digital cameras and remotes to wireless video game controllers and other portable electronics. Often they are used to replace disposable one-time use alkaline batteries, allowing the user to reuse the NiMH battery over and over again. Over time the batteries will lose their original charging capacity and eventually cease to function. Testing them determines if you need to replace them.


Instructions








1. Remove the NiMH batteries from the device they are in. Most devices have a battery compartment that opens by a sliding door or hinged door.


2. Insert the batteries into the NiMH battery charger. Plug the battery charger into a wall outlet. Allow the batteries to charge for up to five hours. It is important to not overcharge NiMH batteries as this can shorten their lifespan.








3. Remove the batteries from the charger and reinsert them into the device. Turn on the device and use it normally. If the device powers on and is usable, the batteries are still working.


4. Note the amount of time of normal use it takes for the batteries to drain. Over time and after hundreds of recharge and discharge cycles, the NiMH batteries lose their full charge capacity. Also, if the batteries fail to hold a charge for more than a few minutes, then they are no longer usable.

Tags: NiMH batteries, alkaline batteries, batteries from, battery charger, lose their