Amazon's Online File Storage S3

Relocating files onto external hard drives, USBs, and CDs can prolong the longevity of files and make personal files portable. However, some do find these external devices to have drawbacks of their own. For example, external hard drives can be expensive and USBs and CDs can be easily lost because of their small size. Consequently, more and more people are looking for alternative ways to back up and externally store their files.

Online file storage has become a recent trend and though there are multiple online storage site options, one in particular has begun to capture the attention and loyalty of many. S3 (Simple Storage Service) is a service provided by Amazon.com that allows users to easily store their files (large or small) online for inexpensive rates. Files as small as 1 byte and as large as 5 gigabytes can be stored in accounts that are capable of holding unlimited files. Prices for S3 service run about 15¢ per GB per month and additional discounts are offered as operating file space is increased. Because these files are held by an online server, customers of S3 are able to access their files from any internet accessible computer anywhere in the world.

Nevertheless, like all digital technologies, S3 does have drawbacks of its own. Though the network is secured by authentication mechanisms that prohibit unauthorized access to files, S3 offers no guarantee that customer files will not be lost. In addition, like all online servers, temporary outages are a rare possibility; meaning customers may not be able to access files during temporary system errors.

So if you are looking to for substitutes to your standard file storage, give online storage services a trial. Accounts with S3 are easily set up (and are even more so if you already have an account with Amazon.com) on S3’s sign up page. In no time you will feel the conveniences of online file storage.

Nevertheless, it is very important to note that for the really important files that you do not want to loose under any condition, the best way to ensure that your files do not get electronically lost is to back up those files onto hard copy re-writeable DVDs. This is the only sure way to avoid any electronic errors when saving files. And because many of us know from experience that DVDs are susceptible to getting scratched and breakage your best option to ensuring the longevity of your files is to both save files with an electronic file saving device and to save an additional copy of the file onto a re-writeable DVD.

An End of Immunity for Apple?

A post on Apple’s website this past November suggesting that Mac users install antivirus software has generated much confusion among the Mac community. Many questions were raised as to the security of Mac computers and Apple was forced to face the public. Quickly after the public discovery of the article, Apple pulled the post from its site. In acknowledgement of the pull, Apple spokesman Bill Evans said, “We have removed the KnowledgeBase article because it was old and inaccurate. The Mac is designed with built-in technologies that provide protection against malicious software and security threats right out of the box.”

However, this statement has not eased the fears of many. Though it is known that Apple computers are generally not affected by viruses as PCs are, Apple computers are not immune. With the growing popularity of Apples, hackers are now beginning to develop more viruses targeted at attacking Macs. And accordingly many Mac users feel it necessary to further their protection against the viruses that the internet can bring. Also, with the growing number of Mac users using Windows, it is important for those users to realize that they are making themselves more susceptible to viruses as PC users are. While their personal Macs may not suffer any harm directly from the virus (though they can), it is very possible that the viruses can be passed along to any friends using Windows on PCs through infected files.

So take precautions and protect your Mac and your PC using friends form any future dangers. The costs of purchasing antivirus protection programs are relatively low, in comparison to the potential costs of fixing a computer with a virus. Still not convinced? Well, the absolute costs are also moderately low. Symantec makes great antivirus programs compatible with Macs that can be bought for about $50. Or if you are a Mac user using Windows on their virtual PCs, a reliable antivirus protection such as McAfee can be purchased for under $40.

iPod Accessories Make Great Budget Friendly Holiday Gifts

Overwhelmed by holiday gift ideas? Paired with the strict budgets many people are forced to stick to this holiday season- gift buying is quickly becoming a topic of stress. Well, worry no more. With the ever growing number of people owning iPods (both young and old), iPod accessories can make for great low cost gift ideas.

Gift ideas under $50:
The Cables to Go iPod Compatible Retractable Travel Kit is an all inclusive kit that contains an AC travel charger, DC car charger, USB 2.0 sync/charge cable, FireWire charging cable, and earbud headphones that are all contained in a handy easy to carry travel case. This kit makes a great gift for any iPod using traveler who is on the go. With this kit, forgetting to pack any iPod chargers will be merely a memory of the past.

The iPod Shuffle is another great gift idea for under $50. This small compact MP3 player can hold about 240 songs and has a small light weight design that enables the entire unit to be effortlessly clipped onto any item of clothing. The innovative practical clip design makes the unit more functional for any active lifestyle. The simplistic design also makes this product easier to navigate then the classic versions of the iPod for any new iPod users.

Still looking for some less expensive options?
For about $35 you can give the iPod owners in your life Cables to Go iPod Compatible FM Transmitter. The iPod FM Transmitter transmits signals from any iPod to FM air waves. This enabled iPod owners to conveniently listen to their music over the radio in the privacy of their own car.

Additionally, for under $10 you can give iPod accessories such as the Cables to Go iPod Audio Cable. This cable allows iPod users to play music form their iPod via their home stereo, car stereo, or desk top speakers. This cable connects your iPod to the headphone jack of multiple products giving high sound quality. This cable is multi functioning and will be of great use for any iPod owner.

So don’t stress about gift buying this holiday season. iPod accessories can make useful inexpensive gifts for many of the people on your list this year. And with the abundant array of iPod accessories that Cables to Go is now offering, you have your choice of a variety of budget friendly gifts to choose from. And remember when giving gifts, it’s the thought that really counts!

LCD TVs vs. Plasma TVs

With the new market for HDTV’s becoming ever more affordable for the average consumer, people are often questioning- do I buy LCD or plasma?

Why LCD is better then plasma:
LCD televisions tend to have higher native resolutions then plasma televisions. Meaning that there are more pixels in the LCD screen, giving images viewed more detail because of higher resolution.

LCD TVs also use as much as 50% less electricity then plasma TVs because LCDs are lit by florescent backlights rather then having each pixel fueled by power as plasma televisions have.

LCDs weigh less and are more easily moved then plasma televisions of the same dimensions, making LCD TVs a better candidate for wall mounted televisions then plasmas.

Additionally, LCD televisions on average last longer then most plasma televisions. The life span of an LCD screen is usually guaranteed at 60,000 hours- meaning that this is their minimum lifespan and can actually last longer then these specs. On the other hand, plasma televisions last anywhere between 30,000 to 60,000 hours- meaning that the longest a plasma television generally lasts is for 60,000 hours.

Lastly, LCDs are less susceptible to screen burn in then plasmas are. Screen burn in is the ghost of an image that is left after that image is left still on the screen for too long.

Why plasma is better then LCD:
The major reason why people prefer plasma over LCD television is that the color contrast is generally better then that of LCD. This means that the black that is viewed on a plasma screen will appear darker and more black then that viewed on an LCD screen; accordingly the whites on a plasma TV will appear brighter and more white then the whites seen on a LCD television.

Also, plasma televisions have a wider viewing angle then that of the average LCD TV. Normally, plasmas are designed to have a viewing angle of 160° where as a LCD screen’s viewing angle is about 120° to 130°maxium.

So, which should I purchase?
Because both LCD and Plasma televisions are extremely comparable, while having clear advantages over one another, many people make their final decision based on price and value. If you are in the market for a big screen television (50” plus) plasma is definitely the way to go; simply because large sizes of LCD televisions have proven difficult to produce because of the material which they are made. However, if you are in the market for a smaller television (15” to 42”) you are probably better off buying a LCD television. The price difference compared to a plasma television is slight while the picture resolution for the lowest quality resolution LCD TV is in actuality higher then that of a higher end HD plasma television.

Online Holiday Scams

The Better Business Bureau has recently sent out alerts warning consumers of the dangers of buying online. Usually a safe and routine process, many fraudulent sites are now popping up around the holiday season because of the increased business in the e-commerce world. These deceptive sites usually initially say that they accept credit cards, however when it comes time to place the order and pay, customers are faced with messages saying that something along the lines of, “…due to high rate of fraudulent activity,' they would only accept a wire transfer from consumers”. This should be a red flag for any consumer shopping online. No internet retail site should ever ask you to pay for products using wire transfer. Unlike credit cards and PayPal, wire transfers offer no consumer protection from fraudulent retailers. Money is taken directly out of the consumer’s bank account and transferred to the fake retailer and goods are never shipped or delivered.

So when shopping online try and stay true to trusted and recommended e-tail sites; if ordering off a new site, do a simple search to find background information about the site and read customer reviews whenever possible; most larger well know sites have customer security pages which inform online consumers about the security of their sites- often noting that the site, such as Superwarehouse.com, are secured with well know internet infrastructure services such as VeriSign Secure or McAfee Secure; trust your instincts, because if an offers sounds too good to be true, it is probably because it is; and finally, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER agree to pay with an wire transfer.

Stay protected this holiday season- Happy Holidays form Superwarehouse.com!

Becoming an Expert Director of Your Own Home Movies

Whether you want to get better footage of family activities or you are attempting to film an armature movie with your home video recorder, anyone behind the camera can benefit from these 10 production tips. And if you don’t yet have a home video recorder, but are interested in better capturing priceless memories, try one of the most trusted brands in technology, Sony. The Sony DCR-SR46 40GB Handycam Camcorder (pictured at the right) is a reliable, high power, easy to use camcorder for any cameraman, beginner or experienced.

1) Read the manual: I know that this may sound like an obvious step, but it is worth mentioning because of amount of people who do not actually take the time to learn the full potential of their electronics. As technology develops, so do the functions of our tech products, such as camcorders. Functionality far exceeds that of the zoom button, and all video recorders are different, so it is highly important to figure out the distinct capabilities of the product you own.
2) Use a tripod: Stability is one of the most important aspects to make your video footage look more professional. Tripods and other stabilization tools are an inexpensive way to get the most out of your shots.
3) Pick the best lighting: Without the aid of additional lighting, the best time of day to shoot outdoors is during sunrise or sunset. Shots come out the most clear when the light is hitting the back of the person filming and is directly on the subject of the shot.
4) Don’t rely on zoom options: If you want to film an object close up, get physically closer to the object. Using the zoom button will give a different visual perspective and you will most likely loose sound with far away objects. Shots will appear nicer and clearer if the person filming uses real-life distances when filming up close.
5) Use additional microphones: This tip is mainly for armature directors. Sound quality will be much clearer if an external microphone is used (instead of relying on the one built into your camcorder). Also, additional microphones allow the person filming to pick up on sounds much further away then the microphones on the video recorder can pick up on.
6) Set the correct white balance: Getting the correct coloring of a shot can make film look much more realistic. By adjusting your cameras white balance you can ensure the colors in the shot are the correct tone and that objects appear more authentic.
7) Mix up your shots: When you shoot from only one angle or perspective, the film can appear dull and lifeless. Changing the angel or perspective from where you are filming can create more interest in your film; however it is important not to over do this. If too many perspectives are put together in on scene, it can make the film look choppy and unprofessional.
8) Film objects other than your subject: Again this tip is mainly for the armature film makers. Shots filmed of other things then just your main subject will come into use when editing your film. By having small clips to break up entire scenes will help your film to appear more professional.
9) Decide upon an objective and plan: It is important for all people filming to set an intention. Thinking ahead of time about what you want to be shot and how you want to shoot it will help your film flow better.
10) Edit, edit, edit: Don’t be afraid to cut bad footage. Film that is shaky or has bad lighting or sound should not make the final cut. By being critical of your own work you will be aiding in the overall feel of your finished piece.

I wrote these tips for people to take as an overall guide to keep in mind while using their video camera at home. By simply applying one or a few of these concepts to your filming, your home videos can look much more professional with little effort.

Office 2007 Made Compatible

Have you recently made the switch to Microsoft Office 2007? Like myself, many Office users have or are in the process of switching over from Office 2003 (or earlier) to the newer Office 2007. Though the new program formats took a little time for me to learn how to navigate, the functionality of Office 2007 has actually proven much more user friendly then previous versions of Office. Despite being user friendly to the programs direct users, many have felt the difficulties of unsuccessfully sending Office 2007 documents to co-workers and/or friends who are still using earlier versions of Office. However this problem can be easily solved. Simply clicking on the circular Office Button in the left hand corner of the navigation tool bar; then click Save or Save As option; once you are in the Save As pop-up menu, direct yourself to the drop down option labeled Save As Type at the very bottom of the pop-up box; click the Save As Type drop down option and pick Word 97-2003 Document. This will save your Office 2007 document as a document that can be opened with Office versions 1997 or 2003. Problem solved!

However if you are on the other end of this, and you are currently using older versions of Office and you have had trouble opening files sent to you in Office 2007; you too have options. You can either update your system and buy the new Microsoft Office 2007 Software, or you can download the Microsoft Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007 File Formats off of Microsoft’s website. This free download allows users of older versions of Office to open files sent to them from programs offered by Office 2007. Again, problem solved!

Making Dual Monitors Work For You

If your job entails you to sit at a desk in front of a computer all day or you’re just a techie who enjoys all that the online world has to offer, I guarantee that you would be more then satisfied with the advantages brought from adding a second monitor to your computer. No longer are dual monitors solely for those working in graphic design, now duel monitors can make most computing tasks much more efficient for everyone. Having two monitors instead of one eliminates the mundane task of clicking between multiple browsers or programs when working on projects that simultaneously use multiple computer functions. No more confusion as to which tab to close or which browser contains what information, dual monitors allow multiple windows to be viewed side by side at the same time. Essentially, two monitors will double your desk top space, enabling you to flow with ease from one document or browser to another.

Hooking up dual monitors to your PC is simple. Though I have never personally attempted this task, I have been told and seen first hand that it can be done with ease, even for those who would not consider themselves to be a tech expert. So take it from the professionals at PC world who have put together a short “How to Set up Multiple Monitors” video. In no time, you will see that with the addition of another monitor and an upgraded video card, at work or at home your productivity will increase and frustrations will quickly decrease.

Once you go dual, you’ll never go back.

Why Should I Buy Refurbished?

When thinking about buying a new electronic toy, consider buying refurbished. Though many consumers are often detoured by this title, refurbished items are often a great cost-saving alternative to new. Unlike reconditioned products which frequently bear greater savings at a bigger risk, refurbished products have never been used, installed or repaired. A product having a refurbished title merely indicates that the product itself or its packaging has been renewed or updated in some way. There are many reasons for this “renewal” to take place, if: the product was returned unused, but with an open package; the exterior of the product or its packaging was damaged during shipping; the product was used for demonstrations; the product’s packaging was opened in-store; the product was deemed defective during production; the product was recollected by the manufacturer because of overstock. These products often need minimal work to repair damages implying minimal risk for the “renewed” product.

Also, buying refurbished offers benefits beyond the obvious cost savings advantage. Refurbished products are eco-friendly as well. When manufacturers refurbish products toxic waste is kept out of landfills. Replacing defective parts instead of scrapping entire units helps to reduce the estimated 4.6 million tons of electronic waste that are dispensed in the U.S. each year. This lessens the release of toxins such as lead, cadmium, beryllium, mercury and arsenic from entering our landfills and environment. In this sense, buying refurbished products can be viewed as a consumer form of recycling (eCycling).

Now you must consider which refurbished product to buy, many factories as well as third parties offer refurbished units. Buying a factory certified refurbished product is probably your best bet, offering the benefits of being both cost-saving and being eco-friendly, while having the least amount of risk associated with the refurbished product. Because these products have been refurbished by the original manufacturer they are re-tested with the same standards as the original product and are often paired with better warranties. Also, the convenience of the internet makes finding available refurbished products simple. Online retailers such as Superwarehouse.com can direct customers to refurbished products such as refurbished printers, monitors, LCD TV’s, and MP3 players. So when thinking about your next tech purchase, think economically and think green- consider refurbished.