Monday, September 10, 2007

Microwave Oven Radiation Dangers & Safety

The microwave is possibly one of the best inventions for busy people. Allowing us to cook food in a fraction of the time it would take in an oven, the microwave has made cooking simple for millions of people worldwide. However, the amount of radiation we are exposed to in our day to day lives has become a worry for many people.

How Microwaves Work

Microwaves heat food by sending out waves that cause the water molecules in a food item to vibrate rapidly. This creates an energy that presents itself as heat to cook the food. Ideally, the waves are contained within the microwave because the door is closed as it is turned on, releasing waves and cooking the food.

Problems arise when living skin tissue is exposed to these waves. This type of radiation is only present while the microwave is running and if it has a leak. This leak is undetectable to the human eye, as microwaves are colorless and odourless.

Microwave Radiation Health Concerns
The radiation from your microwave can cause potentially serious health problems.
These problems include:
Skin Cancer, Cataracts, Dizziness and Headaches, Blood Disorders, Temporary Sterility in Men

Experts fear that children are more susceptible to possible damage caused by microwave resonance. This is because a child's cells are still dividing rapidly as they grow and any interference with that natural biological process could cause cellular mutation and possibly long term damage.

Unfortunately, the studies that have been done to determine the "safe" levels of exposures to microwave radiation tested subjects exposed to a high level of radiation for a relatively short period of time. The effects of low-level exposure over several decades is unknown.

The danger is compounded when people are bombarded with radiation not only from their microwave, but from cell phones, wireless networks, radio towers and more. It is hard to pinpoint exactly which technology could be causing the level of environmental radiation to rise to an unsafe level. Without actually knowing what that unsafe level is due to a lack of solid research, one can only try to limit their exposure.

How to Avoid Dangerous Microwave Exposure?

Research conducted by microwave repair servicemen indicates that over 50% of microwaves which are at least two years old leak around 10% higher radiation levels than what is recommended by the FDA. The good news is that by doing a slight readjustment, the problem can be solved. If you do have a microwave that more than two years old, have it serviced to see whether it is safe to use.


http://www.articlesbase.com/electronics-articles/microwave-oven-radiation-dangers-safety-185923.html

Inkjet Printers -- A Helpful Guide To Understanding This Technology

Inkjet printers are one of the most common and effective printing technologies on the market today. There are many variations on this design in use for both commercial and private needs, although models used in the private sector use the same basic design and technologies.

What Makes an Inkjet Printer Work

Although there are many versions of inkjet printers, they all share some basic methods. One of the basic methods that an inkjet printer utilizes is to propel miniature drops of ink out of their nozzles and onto blank paper in such a way as to form a pattern that will end up in an image. Normally, the part of the printer that holds these nozzles, called the print head, will move quickly across the paper, spraying ink. Then the paper will be moved a small distance, and the printer will travel over the paper once again. An image is formed from the small lines of ink.

Using An Inkjet Printer

When you first purchase a printer, you will need to hook it up to your computer. The majority of people use either a USB port or a parallel port, which should match up to the proper port on your computer. Once it is plugged in the printer will need to be synched up with the computer, however, most modern operating systems will either do this automatically or provide directions.

After the printer has been installed properly, it will then be able to print your documents and pictures from any program. Every so often you will need to replace the print cartridge when the old one runs out of ink. Because of the fact that these printer cartridges vary from printer to printer, you should keep in mind that you need to purchase the proper one to fit your model. Installation should be very easy and instructions should be included in the owner's manual.

Inkjet Printers Advantages and Disadvantages

Inkjet printers have various advantages over other printing technologies. Their functional operations are much cheaper and quieter, and they start up quicker than the majority of other printer technologies. The printers themselves are also often cheaper than other styles. The majority of them can output very high-quality images, where the majority of other printer technologies do not have this type of ability.

Unfortunately, inkjet printers often have trouble creating these higher quality images unless given specially treated paper, which is often costs more. The ink cartridges can also be very expensive, and are often incompatible with other printer models. The heads of an inkjet printer can sometimes be prone to clogging and flimsy as well.

In conclusion, due to the fact that inkjets use water-soluble ink, the output onto the paper has the potential to be smudged by even the smallest amount of water. The images have the potential to be blurred even by highlighter markers.


http://www.articlesbase.com/electronics-articles/inkjet-printers-a-helpful-guide-to-understanding-this-technology-186786.html

Consumer Electronics And Water Damage, Things You Should Know About

One thing that most people who own a cell phone or a laptop are very concerned and careful of is spilling water or another liquid onto it.

It happens quite often and can easily put you out $100 and up, depending on what the liquid ruins. Maybe you like to drink a cup of coffee while you're working and you reach over for a pen and it topples onto your keyboard or maybe you've dropped your cell phone into the toilet or the bath tub.

No matter how the liquid came into contact with your electronic device, most of the time you assume that it's completely dead and there's nothing that you can do about it. Sometimes this really isn't the case.

Even if you completely submerse a CD player or other electronic device in water, if it's not powered on at the time, it can usually be saved if you allow it to dry out completely before trying to turn it on and use it.

One thing to worry about, though, is how long the object is allowed to stay in the water. Depending on what the inside is made out of, it may or may not absorb water and expand the longer it stays submerged. Wait at least a few days before trying to power on the device again and allow it to dry out naturally.

If you have a device that is powered on when it comes into contact with a liquid substance of any kind, unplug the device from the wall or from your car's cigarette lighter or whatever power source it happens to be using at that moment. Remove any batteries that could accidentally be instructed to supply power to the device by pressing a button.

If you have an item that has been water damaged by more than just spilling a cup of liquid on it or just dropping it in the toilet, it's best to consult a professional.

For example, a computer that has been submerged in flood waters for a period of time isn't that likely to be recovered, but with the right care and proper conditions, it can be done. It all depends on the circumstances of your situation, but whatever you do, don't try to power on the device or use it in any way before it's dry, no matter what size or kind of device it may be.


http://www.articlesbase.com/electronics-articles/consumer-electronics-and-water-damage-things-you-should-know-about-186890.html

Getting Your Home - Wired

David Adams over at OSNews has mapped out his new custom Wired Home. Some of the things he's looking at are: Structured wiring (Cat5, RG6, and a patch panel), Wired networking (ethernet), Wireless networking (802.11g), Remote lighting control, Remote heating and air conditioning control, Intrusion alarm, Fire alarm, Surveillance cameras, and more.

Want to add some value to your home? One of the best ways is to retrofit your home with structured wiring, which incorporates RG6 and Category 5 cabling. Structured wiring, which incorporates RG6 cabling and Category 5 wire, is the most effective electronic foundation to support high-speed voice, video and data connections. For homeowners desiring a comprehensive home automation system, with a single PC coordinating HVAC, lighting, communications, entertainment, and security systems, structured wiring may be a necessity.

Because structured wiring can increase a house's value, it's an upgrade a growing number of homeowners will consider. Remodelers who can educate homeowners about structured wiring and the functionality it offers stand to increase current sales and plant the idea for additional projects down the road. And it's not just for customers planning a whole-house remodel, either.

DoItYourself has a great article on wiring your home for the 21st Century. The article mentions: If you're just beginning to plan your new house, you may not even know that you need the gray box and the structured wiring network, though you may be well aware that the gizmos you have now computers, phones, televisions, and VCR's or DVD's can be a cause of information gridlock and familial discord. For example, in the evening family members are frequently nagging the person on the computer to get off so they can check their e-mail. Or, both phone and e-mail are tied up because your teenager is Instant Messaging six or seven friends, while yakking to an eighth on the phone.

Confused about all the differences in lighting? Don't know your lightbulb from your LED? Check out this excellent FAQ to indoor lighting, brought to you by the good folks at CNET. This helpful article discusses the differences between Incandescent lightbulbs, Compact fluorescent lightbulbs, LEDs, and even daylighting, very helpful for the lighting neophyte.

If you're going to have a wired home, you better have the right lighting so you can see all the goodness that comes with your fine home. After all, do you think it's easy playing your PS2 with nothing but one little bulb of light? Heck no!


http://www.articlesbase.com/electronics-articles/getting-your-home-wired-186957.html

Data Logger Use in Environmental Monitoring

With worldwide concern about global climate change the use of data logger equipment to monitor a wide range of environmental factors such as temperature, solar radiation, rainfall, and water table levels is becoming increasingly prevalent.

Many modern data logger models offer long operation on internal batteries coupled with multi channel universal input capability. This makes them ideal for use in the field with a variety of environmental sensors. The basic data logger inputs required for these sensors are listed below:

Data Logger Temperature Sensor Inputs
The three main types of temperature sensors are thermocouples, PT100 sensors and thermistors. Thermocouples require a data logger with high resolution and cold junction compensation. Thermocouples do not require external power making them ideal for use with data logger installations in remote locations. Thermistors are low cost and accurate, but are non linear so the data logger needs an internal look up table to read these devices accurately. PT100 sensors are very accurate, but as they are three wire devices many low cost data logger models are not compatible.

Data Logger Rain Gauge Inputs
A rain gauge is a barrel shaped device with a rain collector. The collector funnels the rain water onto a tipping bucket sensor. When the bucket fills up it tips, triggering a pulse from a reed switch to measure 0.2 of a millimeter of rainfall. A data logger must have a pulse input to work with a rain gauge.

Data Logger Inputs for Solar Radiation Sensors
Whilst many low cost data logger models can work with temperature sensors and rain gauges, the very low voltage output of solar radiation sensors can present a problem. With a typical range of 0-20 mV to represent a range of 0-2000 WM2 a data logger needs a very low measurement range and high resolution to take meaningful readings.

Data Logger inputs for Water Level Sensors
Water level sensors are usually submersible pressure sensor types or ultrasonic non contact. As most pressure based depth sensors require excitation the data logger needs to be able to power the sensor. Many data logger models have a five volt supply available for this type of sensor. For use with ultrasonic level sensors the data logger needs to be able to power a 4-20mA loop.

Data Logger Inputs for Wind Sensors
These are available with voltage, mA and serial outputs. Whilst most data logger types can handle voltage and current inputs few are able to read serial devices. The new generation of Omni Instruments data logger models support the serial protocols used by the latest wind sensors.

So it can be seen that for environmental monitoring applications it is important to select a data logger with multi channel input capability which is able to support a wide range of sensor inputs

Omni Instruments has many years of experience of providing data logger equipment for these applications and can also supply compatible sensors.


http://www.articlesbase.com/electronics-articles/data-logger-use-in-environmental-monitoring-187162.html

Data Logger Use in Hospitals

Increasingly, in hospitals data logger technology is becoming indispensable for the monitoring and recording a wide range of parameters.

Data logger use for fridge and freezer monitoring:
A common application for data logger use is in the monitoring of temperature in fridges and freezers used to store drugs and samples. Many drugs must be stored within a narrow temperature band at around 6 degrees C to be kept in useable condition. Prior to the advent of data logger technology hospital staff would have to frequently check the temperature of the fridge with a traditional thermometer. Not only was this inefficient, but also could not guarantee that the temperature had not gone out of limits in between readings. By placing a small temperature data logger inside the fridge, temperature can be recorded continuously. Also the data logger will usually have a warning LED which blinks if there has been a temperature excursion. Because the data logger has a visual alert, staff generally only need to download the data from the logger on a monthly basis, saving valuable time for other activities.

Data logger use in cold stores:
Large walk in cold stores are often used for critical storage of medical supplies. Here a data logger with an SMS text alarm may be used to alert staff out of hours or at weekends if the door has been left open, or if there has been a system failure. The data logger may have an integral GSM modem or an external modem to send the text message.

Data logger use for liquid gas monitoring
A data logger with a very low range temperature probe can be used to monitor liquid nitrogen. Sometimes a dual channel data logger is used to monitor the pressure as well as temperature.

Data logger use in incubators
Incubators are often fitted with a data logger to record temperature an sometimes other parameters such as CO2 and oxygen levels.

Data logger uses in operating theatres
A data logger is often used to monitor temperature and humidity in operating theatres to ensure the comfort of patients and staff.

Data logger applications in medical research
It is not possible within the scope of this article to list all of the applications for data logger technology in medical research, but here is an interesting example:
Recently medical researchers used a data logger fitted with strain gauges to measure the force being applied to an external steel brace on a broken limb. As the bone healed the bending force applied to the brace slowly reduced. The data logger was set to record this force every few seconds so the healing process could be monitored very closely over a period of four weeks, providing invaluable data.

So it can be seen that data logger technology is now used extensively in hospitals to help maintain both the quality and safety of the care that they provide.


http://www.articlesbase.com/electronics-articles/data-logger-use-in-hospitals-187165.html

SDHC Memory Cards - What Are They And How Do They Work?

Much like the standard SD memory card, the SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity or SD 2.0) memory cards are a basic flash digital storage device. The difference is that they allow for capacities above 2.0 GB as well as a variety of speed class ratings.

SDHC memory cards will only work in SDHC-compatible devices and are a relatively new technology, so check your equipment first before you purchase. If you have an older device, it will most likely not work with the Secure Digital High Capacity platform. However, if you own a SDHC-compatible camera, phone, voice recorder, reader, or camcorder - you can use both the updated SDHC format as well as the old SD memory card standard.

There are three SDHC speed classes - Class 2, 4 and 6 and they guarantee data-writing speeds of 2, 4 and 6 MB per second. These speed classes can be extremely important to photographers who need to get a lot of shots in seconds and can't afford to wait for their memory cards to keep up as well as videographers who want to be able to capture lengthy files with a higher quality.

Other benefits also include the ability to easily move large files in the absence of a network, at an acceptable speed and on a medium that's reusable. Unlike recordable DVDs or CD-Rs (including rewritable discs), memory cards have a much longer product longevity up to thousands of cycles and can make data transfer more affordable and sustainable.

Because the Secure Digital High Capacity cards use a different memory storage system and data structure, they will theoretically be able to reach storage capacities of up to 2 terabytes - that's just over two thousand gigabytes. There is one drawback to massive storage capacity in such a small device and that is the risk of physical loss. With the ability to store large amounts, users are less likely to dump their data on a regular basis. Because the cards are so small, they can be easily misplaced or, though it's unlikely, they could malfunction causing a damaging loss of data. Just as it's important to back up your hard drive data, it's crucial to back up your SDHC cards.

Overall, the new Secure Digital High Capacity memory cards are a massive improvement on the SD standard however, they are not compatible with non-SDHC devices, including readers, and their massive storage capacity can increase the impact of a data loss.


http://www.articlesbase.com/electronics-articles/sdhc-memory-cards-what-are-they-and-how-do-they-work-187341.html

A Detailed Look At The XD-Picture Card

If you are trying to buy a digital camera, but are clueless about what the different memory card types mean, it can get quite confusing. In this article, we'll cover one particular type of memory card - it's features, advantages, and disadvantages. Armed with this information, it will be much easier for you to choose which memory card type to use.

The xD-Picture Card is a specialized form of flash memory card that is primarily used in digital cameras. Introduced to the market by Fujifilm and Olympus in 2002, the name of the card was intended to stand for "extreme digital" and is now marketed under a variety of different brand names. Other companies that now sell their own versions of the xD-Picture Card include SanDisk, Kodak, and Lexar.

The xD-Picture Card is meant for use in digital cameras made by Fujifilm and Olympus. It is also compatible with Fujifilm MP3 players and Olympus digital voice recorders. The cards are available in a variety of different capacities, including 2GiB, 1 GiB, 512 MiB, 256 MiB, 128 MiB, 64 MiB, 32 MiB, and 16 MiB. Regardless of the capacity, each card is the same size and weighs the same amount, with dimensions of 20 mm x 25 mm x 1.78 mm and weighing in at 2.8 grams.

The first xD-Picture Cards to be developed were only capable of holding anywhere from 16 MiB to 512 MiB of information. With the introduction of the Type M card, which was released in 2005, the new design was technically capable of holding up to 8 GiB of memory with the help of its Multi Level Cell architecture. The cards are actually only available in 256 MiB to 2 GiB of space, however, and have a slower read-write speed than the original design.

The Type H card was also released in 2005 and is capable of providing a higher date rate then what is provided by the Type M card. These cards are available in just 256 MiB, 512 MiB, 1 GiB, and 2 GiB storage capacities. Newer models of Olympus cameras require the type H cards in order to capture video at a higher rate of 640x480x30.

As the Type M and Type H cards have evolved, changes have been made to their storage architecture. As such, some older cameras may have difficulty with properly using the newer Type M and Type H cards. This is particularly true when utilizing the video recording feature. The newer design is also incompatible with some cardreaders. In order to make sure the card is compatible with the camera, compatibility lists are available through the companies.

Despite this inconvenience, the xD-Picture Card does have many advantages. For example, they are faster when compared with older formats such as the MemoryStick, SmartMedia, and MultiMediaCard. They are also quite small, though it is possible to find smaller memory cards on the market today. In addition, they have a small power consumption.


http://www.articlesbase.com/electronics-articles/a-detailed-look-at-the-xdpicture-card-187342.html

A Detailed Look At The MiniSD Memory Card

The miniSD card is a form of portable memory device that can be removed from the device it is intended for. The miniSD is not the same as the regular SD memory card because it is much smaller than the standard SD memory card. Nonetheless, most products that take the standard SD cards include an SD adapter that allows the miniSD to be used.

When compared with the standard SD memory card, the miniSD is 10.5 mm shorter, with a total length of just 21.5 mm. It is also only 20 mm wide while the standard SD memory card is 24 mm wide. In addition, the miniSD card is 0.7 mm thinner than the standard SD memory card and has a total card volume of only 589 cubic mm.

The miniSD card is not the same as the microSD, which is actually smaller than the miniSD. The micro SD reduces the width by a another 9 mm, the length by another 6.5 mm, and the thickness by another 0.4 mm. In all, the microSD card takes up only 165 cubic mm of volume.

Whereas the miniSD can be used with gadgets requiring a standard SD card, the miniSD card cannot be used with equipment that requires a micro SD card. On the other hand, a microSD card can be used in a gadget that requires a miniSD card if an adapter is utilized.

The minds card is used in a number of electronic gadgets that the standard SD card is used for, except these gadgets are often much smaller as they take advantage of the smaller size of the card. Some of these gadgets include digital cameras, cell phones, and MP3 players.

Although there are several different brands of miniSD cards available on the market, the compatibility of the cards is universal. Therefore, users do not need to seek out a specific brand in order to achieve proper operation of their gadgets.

MiniSD cards are available in a variety of storage capacities. For the most part, the available capacities range from 16 MB to 4 GB. The storage capacity is an important consideration when purchasing a miniSD card, as storage of items such as music, videos, and photos will require more storage space. Similarly, some devices will only accept miniSD cards up to a certain amount of storage capacity. Therefore, it is important to check with the manufacturer first in order to avoid spending more on a card that cannot be used to its fullest capacity.


http://www.articlesbase.com/electronics-articles/a-detailed-look-at-the-minisd-memory-card-187344.html

Don’t Touch That TV Screen! No, Really . . . I’m Serious . . . Don’t!

So you just bought a flat screen TV and no one told you anything about care and cleaning?

“What do you mean, care and cleaning?” some will say. “I grew up with a TV in the house, didn’t I? Everybody knows how to take care of a TV . . . right? You just dust it off every couple of months and don’t let the kids chew on the power cord. . . right?”

Well-l-l-l, there’s a little more to it than that when you own a Plasma, DLP or LCD flat screen TV. Some of it is common sense, but a lot what you need to know is unique to caring for the new television technology.

Special care must be taken when handling a flat screen TV, especially when touching or cleaning the display screen. Thin sheets of glass hold the Plasma cells on a flat screen TV, if they crack, the screen is ruined and cannot be repaired!

(If you’re not familiar with the differences between Plasma, LCD or DLP TVs, you should Google the "123 Guide To Plasma TV.com")

Bottom line: you need to know what you’re doing if you want to protect your expensive new TV from damage. You’re in luck . . . I’m about to tell you!

1) Avoid Touching The Screen!

Handle the TV only by the sides and bottom. Do your best not to touch the screen; don’t rub, scrub, tap, hit or touch it, since this could scratch, mar or permanently damage the screen. I actually want to encourage you not to touch the screen with your bare hands. (Good luck keeping the kids away from it!)

2) Keep Your Plasma TV Upright!

Whether you’re moving it, installing it, storing or displaying it, you should never lay your Plasma flat on it’s face, even if the directions tell you to. The plasma elements that make up the picture are sandwiched between two thin layers of glass. If these glass panels crack, your TV screen will be ruined. Large LCD and DLP display screens can be just as delicate.

3) Clean Your Flat Screen TV Correctly!

Even routine cleaning can present special challenges. You shouldn’t use dust cloths, chemical cleansers, soaps, sprays, alcohol or aerosols. Please don’t rub the screen, just dust it gently with absorbent cotton or chamois only. Clean the frame with a slightly moist sponge or cloth, don’t use chemicals or soaps. It’s best to unplug the TV before you begin cleaning.

4) Buy A Good Surge Protector!

Spring for a quality surge protector with a reset button and power switch. A phone line or ethernet surge protector for your modem and a coax surge protector for cable TV are great features to look for. If you can’t find these features on a power surge protector you can order them separately. A basic surge protector costs less than $10, and a really good one costs $30 - $50. There’s no excuse for not connecting every major appliance in your house to one. One lightning strike, one power surge and your $2,500 flat screen TV could be fried!

5) Don’t Let Your Big Screen TV Tip Over!

Most table stands are well designed, but be aware! When your teenager tries to imitate Kobe’s fantastic slam dunk or your toddler jumps up to slap Sponge Bob on the head, you don’t want a 150-pound big screen TV toppling over on them. Make sure your TV stand is sturdy, that it’s large enough to hold your TV (6-inches wider than the base) and is positioned against a wall, away from doorways and foot traffic.

6) Make Sure Your Wall Mount Is Properly Installed!

A correctly installed wall mount has little chance of allowing your TV to tip over; just one more reason to get a professional installation. If Harry Handyman from next door installs your Plasma and the mount comes off the wall, you could be facing substantial damage or injury. If you don’t know how to run wiring inside your wall, get a pro to do it.

7) Avoid Screen Burn-In!

Plasma displays have improved recently, but screen burn-in is still possible. Static images that don’t move or change, like video game scores, TV station logos, stock ticker displays and computer programs can burn images permanently into a Plasma screen. It may take weeks, months or years for the damage to become permanent, but it certainly can. LCD and DLP TVs cannot suffer burn-in.

With proper care, your big screen TV will give your family decades of brilliant service and lasting memories. Just tune in to Entourage and enjoy!

It's as easy as 1 2 3!


http://www.articlesbase.com/electronics-articles/dont-touch-that-tv-screen-no-really--im-serious--dont-189206.html

Mp3 Player Buying Advice

Music is one of the best sources of entertainment. It is music that can work wonders at times. Even medical science believes in the miracle of music, and incidents are not very rare where the so-called `music therapy` has cured diseases that medical therapy has failed to do. Hence, the popular propensity towards music has improved considerably.

However, this interest for music has increased in an unprecedented fashion ever since the market was flooded with gadgets like MP3/MP4 players and iPods. These gadgets are widely popular due to their portability. But, portability is not the only deciding factor that you should consider while buying an MP3 player. There are several other elements that have to be taken into consideration before buying an MP3 player.

1. What do you want an MP3 player for? Choose according to your needs, listening to music in your bedroom is different from doing so in the kitchen or living room. In such cases, go for an MP3 player with an optional stereo dock. If you want to listen to tunes during work-out, then opting for a flash-based MP3 player is a wonderful idea.

2. It is always a good idea to spend some time with the MP3 player in person instead of assuming that it would be as good as it is shown in the ads. Incase, you want to buy it online, visit an electronics store to physically handle it and see if it is suitable in all circumstances of your day-to-day activities.

3. Always make a research before by an MP3 player. You can read magazines such as CE Lifestyles or take the opinions of your friends, colleagues, acquaintances and relatives who may have used it before. It will save you a great deal of time and after-buy regret.

4. It always pays off if you carry a small notebook to compare different shops before buying an MP3 player. Note down the standard features of each edition or brand and take the decision on the basis of that.

5. Though buying an MP3 player online has its own advantages such discount, but when it comes to possibility of return and exchange, it is actually difficult doing so online. On the other hand, if you buy the same from an actual electronics store then you are most likely to get the exact model you want.

6. Check out the earphones to find if they are really compatible with your need or if you are feeling comfortable using them. Check the battery back-up capacity and other features as well. Besides, it is worth spending some time playing the MP3 player to get used to the functions and applications of player to prevent any possible future damage due to mishandling.

Tip 1 - Know your music files.

MP3 players can play music of different formats. Some popular digital formats are WMA, ATRAC3, OGG and AAC. However, not all MP3 players can play all formats. For example, if you buy songs from an iTunes store, they are in AAC file and your MP3 won`t play them unless its software favors these formats. Hence, knowing about this will avoid future tense and disappointments.

Tip 2 - Keep your music organized with ID3 tags:

ID3 tags enable you to store data along with your MP3 files such as title, artist, album, and track number. It also allows you to edit your PM3 ID3 tags using Windows XP or any other music software such as iTunes or Musicmatch Jukebox. ID3 tags are the best way to keep your music organized.

Tip 3 - Back up your digital music:

Be on the safer side by having a back-up of your purchased tunes against any unforeseen computer crash. Most online music store including iTunes do not allow redownload facilities to the purchased files.

This article is under GNU FDL license and can be distributed without any previous authorization from the author. However the author's name and all the URLs (links) mentioned in the article and biography must be kept.


http://www.articlesbase.com/electronics-articles/mp3-player-buying-advice-189927.html

Printer Ink Cartridge - The Benefits of Refilling

Have you ever tossed aside an printer cartridge? If you're the kind of person that does a lot of printing each day, you'll probably end up using more than one ink cartridge in a month. When your it runs out of ink, throwing it away is not always the best option.

There is good money to be saved by taking your empty printer ink cartridge and getting it refilled instead of buying a new one. In the majority of cases, you can save as much as 70% of the price of it if you choose to refill them instead of purchasing new ones.

In addition to saving money, you actually help the environment by reducing the amount of garbage that goes into landfills each day by refilling your printer cartridge instead of throwing it away and buying a new one. Keep in mind that the majority of printer ink cartridges nowadays are constructed of non-biodegradable materials such as plaster. What this means is it would take hundreds and hundreds of years to have a small ink cartridge disintegrate.

If you're the type of individual that uses more than one new printer ink cartridge in one months time and you do not refill your empty cartridge, you are in effect adding more pollutants to the environment. Imagine how mu
oing now.

Choosing the Appropriate Ink For Your Printer Cartridge Refill

There are many different types of ink on the market today based on the fact that certain printer brands use specific kinds of ink. If your computer brand is say a Hewlett-Packard then there are specific types of ink cartridges with ink made especially for that brand that you should use.

It is not a good idea to use an ink that may be incompatible with your computer printer because the possibility exists that you could damage your printer. It is also prudent that you not use any of the cheaper ink's that may adhere to your printer causing distortions and discolorations in the colors.

To ensure that you have the right cartridge refill, it would be wise to bring your empty cartridge to a local retailer that specializes in refilling ink cartridges. Even though refilling the printer ink cartridge on your own may be somewhat less expensive than bringing your empty ink cartridge to someone who specializes in that work, there may be many things that may not go as smoothly when you're refilling your ink cartridge. Also, keep in mind that refilling ink into your ink cartridge can be a messy job.


http://www.articlesbase.com/electronics-articles/printer-ink-cartridge-the-benefits-of-refilling-190568.html

Tips For Choosing A MP4 Player

MP4 is a popular multimedia format, allowing for playback of audio or video using the same extension. Because of this flexibility, you can find all sorts of entertainment available in MP4 format. And because of its popularity, there are many different portableMP4 players on the market. If you want to get one, you should pay attention to several key specifications.

First, what is the bulk of what you want to play? This will affect the size capacity that you choose (and therefore the prices as well). Video takes up a lot more space than audio does. So if you've got dozens of movies that you want to bring with you wherever you go, you're going to need a larger capacity. The average movie with handheld quality settings takes up about 700 MB (1 GB is 1024 MB). A song with decent quality takes up about 1 MB for every minute of audio. On the other hand, speech audio such as books on tape take up even less space, since they are still acceptable with less quality. Look at your collection of multimedia, and decide what you really have to have with you. From there you can decide on what size you want.

Next you can go on an internet shopping site and look through all of the options. You should look for the size capacity that you decided on before - or find a player that has an expandable capacity. In addition to this, make sure that the player has the ability to play everything you want it to play. Some only play audio, so make sure that it has video support. On top of these specifications, you can also look for other things to make sure that your purchasing experience is positive. For example, does it come with a warranty in case it breaks? Is the company one that has been around for a while, or one that you have bought from before?

Another great way to catch any issues before they happen is to read reviews from other consumers. There could be another issue that the MP4 player suffers from that you had not thought of before. Maybe the batteries spontaneously explode, setting fire to whatever surface they are on. If so, you should find out about all of these things before hand. Just make sure that you do your research thoroughly, and you'll get an MP4 player that will fulfill all of your needs.


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China Wholesale Electronics

It is no secret that today China has been branded as the worlds “electronics factory” due to the ever increasing technological advances and brand popularity gained in the consumer electronics niche. Having said that, It has become the largest producer and supplier of consumer electronics products in the world. Chinese consumer electronics products are becoming increasingly popular not only because of the great deals that they offer but also because of the quality of products and services that they provide. Many satisfied customers from around the world can agree to the exceptional quality of services that Chinese suppliers provide.

The phenomenal economic growth in China has had an ever-increasing effect on world trade, and in the world of re-selling products on the Internet. Anybody looking to source products just has to start their search in the Chinese wholesale markets. Many Consumer Electronics re-sellers in the United States and Europe are aware that the way to make a quick fortune, is to order in bulk from China, and sell at competitive prices locally.

China already has a good reputation for quality clothing, shoes, and basic commodities, but increasingly China wholesalers are turning to high-technology products.

With this in mind, importing consumer electronics from China is quite simply the way to go at the moment! Of course you can look elsewhere on the internet , but the main point that I would like to make here is that Chinese electronic products are manufactured and exported cheap without compromising quality.

Just Remember, your goal in buying goods from China is to buy low and then sell high. Where do you find these suppliers and manufacturers? Thanks to the wonders of the Internet, the problem of having to locate reliable suppliers from China has been passed on to your fingertips. Doing business can’t get any easier than doing it online. Search them out one by one and contact them through email, and even give them a call to make yourself feel content that you’re about to do business with the right people. I can’t emphasize more the importance of really building good relationship with these suppliers. These wholesalers are not picky as long as you build good relations with them and they are really into exporting their goods to US and European marketsSo before your competition already starts capitalizing on it, take advantage of importing consumer electronic products from China now, whether it be for business or for pleasure.

There are a few excellent resources on the internet with a lot of expertise in sourcing China wholesale products. You can visit this website at www.alibaba.com, which offers excellent advice, and can immediately supply details of Chinese manufacturers for your chosen product.

http://www.articlesbase.com/electronics-articles/china-wholesale-electronics-125955.html

Blackfox Training Institute and Resourcemfg Answer Electronics Staffing Shortage

Al Dill, President of Blackfox Training Institute commented that, “There is a huge shortage of skilled workers to fill the demand in Electronics Manufacturing. The Staffing Industry, in general, has long struggled with providing Electronics Manufacturing with the right person with the right skills at the right time. The typical staffing company claims to have the ability to staff individuals in any industry and in any job position. The Myth is that they have the ability to screen, assess, and train individuals in all facets of electronic manufacturing before they are placed. The truth is that training and certification are not their core competencies and they need a specialist such as Blackfox to provide that service. Blackfox has provided this service to other staffing firms in the past, but has been challenged to keep them focused on the requirements of Electronic Manufacturers, due to distractions to fill the needs of every other industry. We found them to be generalists in all industries and specialists in none. The technologies in this industry are forever advancing and require the service providers to be abreast of the skill sets required to succeed. This all changed when Blackfox met ResourceMFG, a manufacturing only staffing firm. RMFG is focused and has the support staff that is knowledgeable and understands the needs of electronics manufacturers.”

ResourceMFG and Blackfox Training Institute opened a specialized electronics training and placement branch on June 5th, 2007. This branch is unique as it is a ResourceMFG branch (specializing in one manufacturing industry, electronics) with a training center (run by Blackfox on the premises.)

Blackfox's core expertise is electronics, although they provide training and certification to the entire supply chain of manufacturers. Blackfox is an IPC Approved Training and Certification Center, one of four in the world authorized to train and certify to all standards. The IPC Standards are the internationally accepted quality standards that govern the acceptability criteria for Electronics Manufacturing.

ResourceMFG recognizes the core competencies of recruiting, screening, hiring, placing and retaining a temporary workforce. ResourceMFG has to be proactive in training the skilled electronics workforce of tomorrow and partnered with Blackfox Training Institute to provide and end to end solution to the Electronic manufacturing sector. This solution provides a qualified, certified, contingent workforce which is more productive for customers; it also creates great opportunities for trained employees. With the growing demand for skilled employees in the electronics industry this strategic partnership provides a seamless solution.

ResourceMFG (www.resourcemfg.com) is involved with the total spectrum of manufacturing positions including production, quality, maintenance, supervision, and all levels of management. The company serves a wide variety of industry segments that include automotive, electronic, machining, sheet metal, fabrication, and many other specialized producers.
Manufacturing is the sole focus of ResourceMFG allowing a better manufacturing workforce.


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