Point of Sale Software Means Big Profits

Today, most financial transactions use invisible or electronic money. Cash still has its place, of course, but most merchants do a huge portion of their daily transactions through a point of sale device. Point of sale devices, or point of sale terminals, connect a merchant to a financial network that can process electronic transactions. Each point of sale terminal runs a piece of point of sale software that holds the transactions and gives the merchant various options for tracking sales, inventory, profit, and other information. Because POS software is so important to a modern business, picking the piece of point of sale software that is right for the business is important.

When a merchant does much business, it can be difficult to keep track of profits, sales, and inventory. For example, in a restaurant it can take much time, and therefore money, to run totals and hand count items left in stock. Using point of sale menu software you can keep accurate records of business done each day. When you sell a certain item, the software can automatically subtract it from inventory. Even if you do not directly tie your specific system into your inventory, it can at least keep a running total of the each product sold. So you can take off that amount from your inventory without having to count the remaining stock. The time you save by not having to count manually inventory can make the cost of the software worth it all by itself.

Business software has to keep up with the ever-changing nature of modern business, finances, and merchant needs. You may be happy with your current point of sale software, but upgrading to something newer and more current can be a money-saving decision instead of a cost. Think of it like an investment that makes a return every time you make a sale.

Point of sale software has to be written by someone, which is why the cost to buy the most current software can be high. Software programmers and designers have to be creative to design the features that merchants need and will use. There is no need t pay for a bunch of seemingly neat features that you will either never use, or will use but will not save you time or money. You should buy the software that is right for your business and specific needs. This may mean buying a more basic piece of software instead of the high-end example. However, you should be sure the software still meets all of your needs and is designed with a small business in mind. You should also be sure the software will be able to grow with your business so you do not have to replace it right away.

Marvin Cains owns and operates http://www.pos-software-results.com Pos SoftwareAlyson Blog60501
Adina Blog34267

Kenya tour and vacation travel: Your Ultimate tourist Guide

Airport Nairobi

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is approximately half an hours drive from Nairobi City centre. Taxis are readily available but establish the fare before getting into the vehicle as there are many drivers who will approach you for business. The JKI Airport is a busy hub for both the Kenyan tour and vacation travel and the East and horn of Africa region.

The state-controlled Kenatco taxis work on a fixed rate using reliable and clean vehicles. Other taxis tend to vary: some appear to be old wrecks and as they do not come under the control of the municipal councils, you may find they are not insured. Always check first. Most Kenya tourist hotels have their own minibus transport for your Kenyan tour, which can be arranged through reception.

Mombasa Airport

The new Moi International Airport on the Kenya coast is approximately 10 minutes from the city centre, although most of the Kenya tourist hotels are situated to the north and south coastal regions. Allow an extra half-an-hour to your journey to the south coast because of the Likoni ferry crossing. The traffic Jam at the ferry has been a pain to many travelers on their Kenyan tour, especially during departures. Most visitors on their Kenyan beach vacation prefer to arrive and depart from Moi International airport.

Important airport fees

For international departures there is an airport tax to pay of $20 and Kshs 200 for internal flights which is normally included in the price of your ticket. This is mandatory for either Kenya vacation and business travelers.

Kenya Car hire company

Most international car hire companies are represented in Kenya in addition to some of the enterprising locals. Some rates may vary on a daily or weekly basis depending on type of vehicle ranging from four wheel drives to small saloons. Vehicles travel on the left-hand side of the road-and most cars are right-hand drive. A current driving license with photograph is accepted for up to three months stay. Self-driven Four wheel cars are also on hire for the do-it yourselfer Kenyan beach, wildlife or safari vacationer.

Public transport in Kenya

City buses operate in Nairobi and Mombasa at reasonably low rates. However, avoid peak hours as most transport is crammed full. Fares are paid to the conductor.

Trains transport in Kenya

There is a rail service from Nairobi to Mombasa and Kisumu where first and second class accommodation is available. The train is especially a favourite of the 6-14 day Kenyan vacationer who wants to sample a lot of the country offering.

Kenya Communications and Postal Services

Post offices are identified by the words posta Kenya and mail posting boxes are red. Usually you can buy stamps at post offices, stationers, souvenir shops and hotels. Post office hours of business are from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday and from 9am until 12noon on Saturday at main post offices.

Telephone services in Kenya

Telkom Kenya provides advanced telecommunication services that include voice data, internet,

and multi media, whilst cellular mobile services are provided by Safaricom (0720/0721/0722/0723) and Kencell communications (0733,0734).

Faxes, telexes and emails can be sent from your hotel via the operator. International calls can sometimes be dialed direct or operator assisted by dialing 0195 or 0196. Telkom Kenya also runs a few international public assisted call offices in selected areas in major towns.

Public payphones are fully automated. Simply pick up the handset and follow the digitalized prompts on the screen to make your call. Card and coin phones are available. Phone cards of different denominations may be bought from Post Offices or international call offices in major town. You can also make use of hotel phones but the charges are usually 100% more. Local dialed calls cost a minimum of Kshs 5, so have plenty of change on your Kenyan vacation travel.

As from 4th July 2003, all Nairobi area codes changed so check if the number you are calling is still operational.

Kenyan Currency

Kenyas unit of currency is the shilling (Sh/s) (slang: Bob), written 1/-, 2/50 etc. Divided into 100 cents (c). There are copper coins of 50 c and 1/- and silver and copper coins of 5/-, 10/-, 20/- and 40/-. Bank notes are available in denominations of 5/-, 10/-, 20/-, 50/-, 100/-, 200/-, and 1000/-.

Currency restrictions

There are no restrictions on the movement of currency into or out of Kenya for currency transactions.

Banking Hours

Banks in Nairobi and other large towns open from 9am-3pm Monday to Friday and 9am-11a on the first and last Saturday of each month. 24 hr access to your account can be facilitated by ATMs country wide.

Banks in Mombasa and the coastal areas, open and close half an hour earlier. Some banks at the international airports open round the clock every day as do the new foreign exchange bureaux. This is to ensure that the Kenya Traveler accesses currency at point of arrival.

Credit cards accepted in Kenya

All the major international credit cards are accepted in Kenya and most ATMs can accept any international VISA and MASTERCARD credit cards.

Standard chartered banks computer network allows access to over 60 Moneylink ATMs situated at all its branches, major shopping malls, gas stations and other strategic locations countrywide. Holders of VISA cards can also link up to their home bank or credit card account through money link ATMs around the clock.

KCB have 55 visa and visa electron compliant ATMs available 24 hrs nationwide accepting international credit cards.

Travelers cheques in Kenya are also readily recognizable and accepted at most places.

Voltage

All regions in Kenya are supplied with 240 volts AC. Some safari, wildlife and beach lodges have independent power generators which may carry. The plug in use through out Kenya is of the three square pin, 13amp type.

Security in Kenya

As in other countries, it is always advisable for a traveler to hand in their passport, travelers cheques, excess money and any other valuables at hotel reception desks for placing in their safe for security. Alternatively, where available, you will find a safety deposit box in your hotel room.

It is a sensible precaution not to walk alone in isolated towns or beach areas, particularly after dark. Ask for advice from your hotel manager or tour representative if you are with a package holiday company.

Kenya Hotels Bill payment

Most Kenyan hotels expect vacation and business travelers to pay in convertible foreign currency such as US dollars. However, in some Kenyan tour lodges and hotels, tourists may have the option to pay in Kenya Shillings or credit card if this method is preferred.

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory but not forbidden as in some other African countries. Tipping is entirely at your discretion and most hotels and restaurants include a 10% service charge to the bill.

Clean safe Water

Nairobi and Mombasa hotels are virtually 100% safe for drinking water for Kenyan vacationers. However, if in doubt, a variety of bottled water is available in most places. Most isolated lodges keep filtered water in jars or flasks which is a direct warning that tap water is not safe, even for brushing teeth.

Water Conservation

Shortage of water due to inadequate rainfall means that you should ensure that you try and conserve water as much as possible. Responsible travel calls for sustainable and conservative use of water and energy resources in your Kenyan tour.

Kenyan Visa requirements

Most incoming Kenya tourists whether for business or pleasure, now require a visa irrespective of nationality. Multiple and single entry visas are available. The single entry fee is US$ 50 (Correct at time of writing this article) or the equivalent in local currency and can be obtained upon arrival at the airport.

Visa applications can be made at any Kenya High Commission or Embassy prior to traveling. For more information contact your nearest Kenya High Commission or Kenya Embassy. Alternatively Visit Landmark Safaris website:

Robert Muhoho is a tour consultant in Kenya and has planned business and vacation safaris for over 10,000 tourists in the East African region. He is a tour operation- major and involved in National tourism policy development in Kenya.Cassaundra Blog25142
Ailina Blog12546

Online Dating In The UK

Online dating in the UK has gotten very popular in the last few years. The most in demand UK online dating service now has over 3 million members. The singles come from every major city in the UK so anyone has the opportunity of find romance by starting a relationship online.

The UK is a tiny island compared to America so 3 million singles using the same online dating service is a high concentration of people. Everybody who uses these services should have plenty of singles living within a few miles of themselves. And if you live in a city you will be spoilt for choice.

It doesn't take long to out grow the bar and club scene so more UK singles are turning to online dating to find their ideal partner. It saves you a lot more money as well if your goal of going out is to try and start a meaningful relationship with someone you meet.

Another advantage with dating online is you're not trying to get to know someone who's had too much to drink. How many singles wake up on a weekend and regret what's happened the night before? And it was all because of too many drinks. Online dating lets you start enjoying your nights out again instead of focusing on getting a date for the following weekend.

Why limit your choice of partners to one night club when you can put your profile in front of thousands of potential dates. And they're all their looking for someone as well. You don't have to guess if someone is single because they all are.

There are plenty of UK online dating services to choose from so finding the most popular and user friendly is the first thing you need for a good start. Once you have read a few online reviews you should be able to narrow your choice down, and start looking for love and friendship.

Once you have chosen your dating web site all you need to do is register an account, and create your online dating profile. This is probably the most difficult part, and it doesn't take that long at all. Taking a bit more time on this than 90% of other UK singles will give you a much better chance of being contacted by another single. You don't want to rush your profile, and leave it empty otherwise it will just get ignored. The more UK singles that contact you will increase your chances of success at starting a relationship.

Online dating in the UK starts of with some sort of free trial. Some dating agencies will let you use more features than others during this period. And other web sites will let you use them for a longer time period. This is where you can see if you get on with the dating web site, and find out if their are enough singles living near you using the service.

Once you have found the online dating web site that will give you results all you will need to do is upgrade your membership and start contacting other UK singles. For the price of an online dating membership it will be worth it. You want to get that special single's attention, and start a relationship before someone else does.

For UK online dating reviews, and advice for a better quality online dating experience visit - http://www.the-online-dating-reviews.com/uk-dating.html

Jason King is the webmaster for The online dating reviews. http://www.the-online-dating-reviews.com.Albertina Blog76974
Alfie Blog61321

Weed Them Out! Common Weeds and How to Fight Them

All gardeners, from the seasoned professional to the weekend novice, hate to see the onset of weeds in the garden. Weeds threaten the very life of your prized flora and fauna. Here are some of the more common weeds found all across the nation and what you can do to stop them.

When it comes to common weeds, winning the war requires a patient and methodical approach. Pouring synthetic chemicals on your garden or lawn is not only environmentally irresponsible, but often ineffective as well. By sticking to the basics of weed control, you can restore your garden or lawn into a healthy state without breaking the bank on the latest weed-be-gone fad.

Common Weeds

* Dandelions. Pretty to look at but murder on your flowers. These perennials are found all over the US, save the southernmost regions. Dig out the entire root and use corn gluten to stop seeding.

* Sowthistle. Found primarily in lawns across the US and Canada, these perennials flower from July to October. Dig out the entire root system and add a generous helping of organic matter to the affected area.

* Crabgrass. These annuals can grow to a height of 3 feet and spread by joining root and plant stems. You must pull out the entire plant as mowing will not kill the base. Spreading corn gluten will also help against this invader.

* Poison Ivy. The toxicity of this plant makes it public enemy number one in most areas. Manifested in the form of a vine or shrub, rid yourself of this pest by cutting it at the base and letting it dry in the sun.

* Ragweed. This annual pest causes a variety of the airborne allergies for homeowners and their families. Remove ragweed from your affected area by pulling up sprouts and mowing larger clumps.

Recognizing common weeds is the first step in controlling them. For a more in depth education on common weeds and how to stop them, visit your local home and garden center.

Kelly Richardson covers the home improvement and lawn care scenes in major cities across the country. His articles appear in educational journals, periodicals, and e-zines. For more about common weeds visit http://www.allaboutlawns.comCal Blog68275
Berta Blog93016

My Least Favorite Diamond Shapes for Engagement Rings

Marquis engagement rings are oval shaped diamonds which have both ends pointed. Marquis diamonds have 56 facets and are twice as long in length as their width. The 2 to 1, length to width ratio is considered ideal and something to think about when shopping for a marquis, as it will effect the sparkliness of the diamond. A good cut is important cut is also important in that it helps prevent the dreaded "bow tie" effect, whereby the center of the diamond is darker and has reduced brilliance. While the Marquis diamond is by no means my favorite shape, it boasts a number of cool properties:

1) It has a cool story behind it: The shape of the stone was said to be designed for Louis XIV of France who wanted a diamond fashioned after the Marquise de Pompadour's smile.

2) The marquis diamond is considered one of the most flattering for the hand as it makes the finger look more slender

3) The stone may look bigger than it actually is. The marquis diamond not only has a large surface area but the elongated lines can make the carat size look larger than what you plunked down money for.

Yes, I'm a pear-hater. Perhaps I've been influenced by some of my friends who also don't like the pear. I remember one time when an acquaintance of mine got engaged. My friend, who was closer to this person, forwarded me a picture of her pear diamond with a disparaging caption about the ring shape. All cattiness aside, everyone has different views on what looks good, so don't let my taste unduly influence you.

The pear shaped diamond is considered to be a round brilliant diamond at one end and a marquise shape at the other. It is sometimes referred to as a tear drop due to its rounded side and pointed edge. A length-to-width ratio between 1.45 and 1.75 is typically considered most desirable for the pear. Just so you know, the pear-shaped diamond is less sparkly than the round brilliant, and loses more brilliance, if poorly proportioned. One thing in particular to avoid when shopping for a pear shape is the dreaded bow tie effect: a dark area in the middle of the diamond which looks just like a black bow tie. It is hard to avoid the bow tie effect completely with the pear. One nice thing about the pear is that it tends to make one's fingers look slimmer.

I hope I'm not offending anyone by saying that I think heart shaped engagement rings are ugly. I used to wear rings with hearts on them in middle school, thus I connect heart shaped rings to a typically horrifying period in most anyone's life. Plus, the symbolism of a heart shaped engagement ring lacks creativity. We already know you're in love, if your wearing an engagement ring. At this point, your woman's not only got your heart, but your savings account, freedom, and body, mind, and soul. You're whipped. No need to let the world know this with a big, cheesy heart. Don't get me wrong...there are plenty of heart-shaped diamond admirers. Some would say that the heart shape is the most romantic of all the diamonds. In fact, Joan Collins received a heart shaped engagement ring from her husband.

Hearts can either be wide or long. They are most similar to the pear shaped diamond but have a cleft at the top. When looking to purchase a heart, make sure the top arches are symmetrical in appearance. Assymmetrical hearts will look more like pears. When looking at other women's ring fingers, you won't see too many hearts. Hearts are less typically found in an engagement ring setting and more commonly seen in earrings or pendants. I will say one good thing about heart shapes: that they cost around 20%-25% less than round diamonds.

Julie Shields recently got married and sports a beautiful ascher cut diamond ring. She and her husband put together the website: http://www.ultimate-engagement-ring-guide.com to help you find the perfect engagement ring.Cecile Blog60371
Abbye Blog17920

Isle of Wight Museums

Isle of Wight museums are an outstanding assortment of wide-ranging historic collections located around the Island. They are so diverse that everyone, regardless of age will enjoy a visit to at least one of these excellent museums.

Below is a selection of the main Isle of Wight museums, listed by location.

Arreton

The National Wireless Museum (also at Seaview)
Arreton Manor
Arreton
Newport
PO30 3AA

The museum houses a good collection of vintage wirelesses and radios.

Bembridge

Bembridge Maritime Museum and Shipwreck Centre
Sherbourne Street
Bembridge PO35 5SB
Tel: 01983 872223

A museum devoted to displaying nautical heritage. Displays of shipwrecks, salvage, pirate treasure, early and modern diving equipment.

Brading

Wax Works Museum
Brading: The Experience
46-48 High Street
Brading
PO36 0DQ
Tel: 01983 407286

The original Isle of Wight Wax Works Museum and Animal World was founded by Graham Osborne-Smith and opened in 1965. Today it is still owned by an Islander who has developed this historical and wonderfully interesting attraction into more than just a Wax Works. It now has many exciting ongoing developments, and in particular the huge new extension - World of Wheels which opened in 2005. The site also boasts a unique and beautifully themed caf serving homemade delights, a discount factory outlet store and a gift shop. This is one of the most popular of the Isle of Wight museums.

The Lilliput Museum of Antique Dolls and Toys
High Street
Brading
PO36 0DJ
Tel: 01983 407231

This cottage museum was established in Brading in 1974, and was formed from the private doll collection started by the Munday family in 1960.

It is acknowledged as being one of the finest and most important collections in Great Britain with over 2000 exhibits on display dating circa 2000 BC to approximately 1945 AD. There are examples of almost every seriously collectable doll together with a number of dolls houses, rocking horses, tin plate toys, trains, bears, soft toys, and many other unusual play things.

Brading Roman Villa
Morton Old Road
Brading
PO36 0EN
Tel. 01983 406223

Brading Roman Villa is one of the finest Romano-British archaeological sites in the UK. The award-winning Exhibition and Visitor Centre offers a unique insight into Roman life in Britain, from the beautifully preserved mosaic floors to the extensive collection of Roman archaeology, including coins, pottery and tools.

Carisbrooke

Carisbrooke Castle Museum
Carisbrooke Castle
Castle Hill
Newport
PO30 1XY
Tel: 01983 523112

The wide range of items on display include archaeological material excavated from the castle, Tudor furniture, objects and documents associated with King Charles Is imprisonment and material illustrating aspects of Island life such as farming, smuggling, tourism and domestic life. The exhibitions are housed in the great hall and in other rooms, including one used by King Charles as a bedroom.

Cowes

Cowes Maritime Museum
Beckford Road
Cowes
PO31 7SG
Tel: 01983 293394

Cowes Maritime Museum contains boats, paintings, and models depicting the maritime history of Cowes and the Isle of Wight.

Isle of Wight Military History Museum
Northwood Camp
490 Newport Road
Cowes
PO31 8QU
Tel: 01983 527411

Originally a World-War II military barracks, the Isle of Wight Military History Museum stands in a 15 acre setting and houses tanks, guns, and post-war vehicles.

Sir Max Aitken Museum
The Prospect
83 High Street
Cowes
PO31 7AJ
Tel: 01983 295144

The Prospect was the Cowes home of Sir Max Aitken Bt DSO, DFC, a man well known in Cowes but with many other claims to fame. Born in Canada in 1910, Sir Max has been acknowledged by his achievements as the newspaper magnate, a fighter pilot in WWII, a Conservative MP, a racing yachtsman, a powerboat pioneer and the London Boat Show founder. The Prospect became well known as the place where he entertained many friends and in 1979 he created the Prospect Museum Trust with its unique collection of marine artefacts. He died in 1985 but this very personal museum is a lasting reminder of a very remarkable man.

Freshwater

Dimbola Lodge Photographic Museum
Terrace Lane
Freshwater Bay
PO40 9QE
Tel: 01983 756814

Dimbola Lodge was the home of pioneering Victorian female photographer, Julia Margaret Cameron. Dimbola Lodge served as both her home and, more importantly, her studio. It was here that the greatest of the Cameron photographs were made. From Dimbola Lodge Cameron photographed the cream of Victorian society. Tennyson, Darwin, Watts and Thackeray lived locally, and guests often included Lewis Carroll, Robert Browning, Holman Hunt, Palgrave, Edward Lear and the actress Ellen Terry. Dimbola is now owned and managed by The Julia Margaret Cameron Trust and has a permanent exhibition of her work.Dimbola Lodge is also home to a permanent display celebrating the 1970 Isle of Wight Pop Festival, as well as showcasing exhibitions from both local, national and international photographers throughout the year.

Godshill

Nostalgia Toy Museum
High Street
Godshill
PO38 3HZ
Tel: 01983 840181

The Nostalgia Toy Museum features a large collection of toy cars and lorries by Dinky, Corgi, Matchbox, Triang and Hornby, as well as other popular toys from days gone by. A lovely trip down memory lane.

Shell Museum
The Natural History Centre
High Street
Godshill
PO38 3HZ
Tel: 01983 840333

The Shell Museum houses a large collection of shells from local and tropical shores. Also on display are precious and semi precious stones and minerals from around the world, local fossils, dinosaur bones and crown jewel replicas. There is also an extensive gift shop featuring exciting jewellery, shells and minerals.

Newport

Guildhall Museum
High Street
Newport
PO30 1TY
Tel: 01983 823366

Designed by John Nash and built in 1816, the historic Guildhall is home to the Museum of Island History and Newports Tourist Information Centre. Discover the Island from pre-historic past to the present day.

Classic Boat Museum
Seaclose Wharf
Newport Harbour
Newport
PO30 2EF
Tel: 01983 53349

The Classic Boat Museum opened in 1996, and houses an exciting collection of sailing and power boats. The collection contains not only classic boats, but also tools, artefacts, books, photographs, film and archival items that relate to much of the history of boat building, sailing, yachting, cruising and racing over the last century, in the Solent and beyond.

Isle of Wight Bus and Coach Museum
Town Quay
Newport
PO30 2EF
Tel: 01983 533352

The museum is situated on Newport Quay, formerly used as a grain storage warehouse, but since 1997 has been the home to the Isle of Wight Bus & Coach Museum. An impressive collection of Island buses and coaches can be viewed here. There is also a Ryde Pier tram car dating back to the beginning of the last century.

Newport Roman Villa
Cypress Road
Newport
PO3O 1HE
Tel: 01983 529720

The Villa was discovered in 1926 when an owner of a nearby house sank foundations for a garage. Subsequent excavations revealed extensive remains of a late Romano-British farmhouse built around 280 AD.

Sandown

Isle Of Wight Geological Museum
High Street
Sandown
PO36 8AF
Tel: 01983 404344

Fossils, dinosaurs, turtles, mammals, shellfish and even insects are displayed here to illustrate ancient life. Their fossils have been painstakingly extracted from local rocks to provide clues to their original environments.

Seaview

The National Wireless Museum (also at Arreton Manor)
Puckpool Park
Seaview
PO34 5AR
Tel: 01983 567665

The largest collection of old wireless sets in the country. From pre world war and Edwardian days containing old valve sets and early crystal sets. Free parking and playground for children.

Ventnor

Ventnor Heritage Museum
11 Spring Hill
Ventnor
PO38 1PE
Tel: 01983 855407

Ventnor Heritage Museum has fascinating displays of old photographs, prints, documents, and artefacts relating to Ventnor and district. There are also exhibits about the local railway with working models.

The Smuggling Museum
Ventnor Botanic Gardens
The Undercliff Drive
Ventnor
PO38 1UL
Tel: 01983 853677

This unique attraction was opened in 1973 and features over 700 years of smuggling practices. The museum has over 300 exhibits housed in 3 large underground galleries.

The Longshoreman's Museum
Esplanade
Ventnor
PO38 1JT
Tel: 01983 853176

The Longshoreman's Museum is a small personal collection of historical and nautical items

http://www.isleofwighttouristguide.com

Martin AgerCelestyn Blog15560
Berri Blog75189

Important Facts About Mp3 And Mp4 Players

Mpeg-1 Audio Layer 3, more commonly referred to as mp3, is a popular digital audio encoding format. A device that is designed to greatly reduce the amount of data required to represent the audio recording, by retaining the sound from the original uncompressed state. Mp3 is an audio-specific compression format. By compressing, certain sounds that cannot be heard by the listener outside the normal human hearing range, are removed. This makes the sound clearly audible to the listener.

The mp3 players have changed the evolution of music. The good old records, eight-track tapes, cassette tapes and CDs no doubt gave the music lovers a good time but none of these earlier music formats provided the convenience and control that mp3 players provide. It is as convenient as keeping it in your hand or pocketing it. You can create personalized music lists and carry thousands of songs wherever you go. Mp3 players are offered in different shapes and sizes.

For those who want to be with the time by possessing the latest gadgets or be the first ones to have them, here is a list of some popular mp3 player brands: Apple, Archos, Creative, Olympus, RCA, Rio, Samsung, SanDisk, Sony and iRiver. Most of these have good amount of storage capacity, screen size, compatable to Apple MacOS X 10.3.4 or later, Microsoft Windows XP SP2 or later, Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4 or later.

Mpeg-4 Part 14, a multimedia container format commonly known as Mpeg-4. It is a device that stores digital audio and digital video streams, especially those defined by mpeg. Subtitles and still images are also stored. Mpeg-4 Part 14 allows streaming over the Internet. The filename extension for Mpeg-4 Part 14 files is .mp4, thus the name mp4. Devices that play .mp4 files are referred to as mp4 players.

The evolution of mp4 player devices has lead to providing more features such as fm tuner, voice recorder, email, and Internet browser capability. As it is capable of delivering audio and video at the same time, mp4 devices can offer a wide range of interesting features, such as web browsing, email, instant messaging, video and music download, Bluetooth wireless technology, digital camera and others. Not to forget the game capability, voice recording and multiple language options. The storage capacity is amazing which can start from 256 mega bites up to 40, 60 and up giga bites.

Mp4 is the next step in the evolution of music after mp3. The difference between mp4 and mp3 formats is that, mp4 devices hold both audio and video files. As for the mp3 it only holds the audio type file.

iPod is a brand of portable media players designed and marketed by Apple. The iPod name has become synonymous with mp3 or mp4 players as it is the most popular brand and holds the biggest share of the market. Devices in the iPod range are primarily digital audio players. These devices can be used to store an entire music library. This is not all, it can also be used to view and transfer photos, videos, games, and calendars to the models that support them.

With PDA-like functionality, text files can be displayed, while contacts and schedules can be viewed and synchronized with the host computer. It comes with built-in games like Brick, Parachute, Solitaire, and Music Quiz. It is condensed, brawny and frivolous, and is easy enough to carry along in your palm, in your pocket, or purse.

The storage capacity varies from 512 mb to 80+ gb. It has a powerful 60 mw amplifier so it can deliver audio as loud as you want. It also has a 20 MZ to 20 khz frequency responses. This means, you can hear distortion free music at the least pitches. iPod is a very handy mp3 mp4 player indeed!

Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for http://www.polomercantil.com.brCassaundra Blog25142
Annnora Blog65551

Georgia Foreclosure Listings Offer Huge Bargains To Georgia Homebuyers

Taking the midnight train to Georgia? You may want to consider it if you are a Georgia foreclosure listing investor. Georgia, as the rest of the nation, is experiencing unprecedented foreclosure listings. Too many homeowners simply are feeling the strain of the current economy and defaulting on their mortgage.

Georgia foreclosure listings can be obtained in a myriad of places. Newspapers, magazines and the internet are th primary source. The internet is the most commonly used means of finding foreclosure listings. Simply type in Georgia foreclosure listings in any serach engine and there will be hundereds if not thousands of websites for you to browse.

Make sure however, that if the foreclosure listing service requires a subscription that there is due diligence in reporting any and all findings. Make sure the listings found on the service are current and up to date, being updated at the minimum daily. Another item to watch for is that the foreclosure listing is comprehensive. A true comprehensive listing provides data such as complete address, city, state, zip code, lender information, contact information, and a photo of the property would be a huge plus.

Foreclosure listings can provide a number of opportunities as many times they are priced far below market value. For the first time homebuyer, they may find a home that is within their means as the price is so competitive. For the foreclosure listing investor, thye may find fix-me-up homes that with a little sweat equity, the property can easily be flipped. Now, there are people that are choosing flipping houses as a career choice. If you are a savvy investor and good with tools, flipping may be the way to go. Additionally, more and more people are turning to foreclosure listings to find investment property to rent to others. In this scenario, the homewoner actually is having others make the mortgage payment for them while they build their nest egg for future use. Finally, foreclosure listings can be a terrific resource for finding a secondary or vacation home. Since many foreclosure listing sites provide listings from all over the country, a ski chalet in Vail may just be on the market at a price you can now afford!!

Whatever your personal need, foreclosure listing service offers a great opportunity for property you may never have known about if using traditional house-for-sale methods.

Bob Smith is a freelancer but regularly writes for ForeclosureDatabank.com. You can get more information on Georgia foreclosure listings at http://www.foreclosuredatabank.com.Carla Blog52421
Bernie Blog72467

Starting Up A New Business-How You Can Quickly and Easily Do a Break Even Analysis

Break-even analysis is a good tool for quickly determining if an idea has any legs under it. It is not meant to be used alone as a sole decision making tool. Most business formula-tools work better when tracked over time and compared with other decision making tools, including the owner's gut instinct.

Break-even needs you to track your direct costs. Direct costs are expenses that only occur when you sell a product. Examples of direct costs are cost of products you sell and supplies. Once you subtract these costs from your income, you know how much each sale contributes to pay for your overhead (another term for indirect/fixed costs) costs. Business terminology can get confusing but hang in there.

This can also be done with percentages.

Step 1 is to subtract your direct costs from your income to get a number called Gross Profit.

Step 2 is to divide the gross profit number by your income to determine its percentage of income; e.g.

$2,000 of income minus $500 of direct costs equals $1,500 of gross profit.

$1,500 divided by $2,000 equals 75%.

This means that 25 cents of every $1 of sales goes to paying direct costs (products and supplies) and that 75 cents is left over to pay for all the other expenses (indirect costs) plus your profit.

If your company has rent, advertising, utilities, and auto expenses (all indirect costs) of $1,000.

Then $1,000 divided by .75 equals $1,333 (this is the sales volume necessary to pay all your indirect costs and your profit equals zero.

The $1,333 level of sales in this case represents your break-even point.

How can you use break-even info?

Using the above example, say you want to hire a helper that is going to cost you $800 per month. How much more income do you need to pay for this helper?

$800 divided by .75 equals $1,067.

You need $1,067 additional income per month to pay the $800.

Break-even analysis is a great way to set sales goals for your sales staff. The base salary you pay would be an indirect cost and any commission would be a direct cost. Lets use the above example.

$800 for base and you are going to offer a 20% commission on all sales.

The 20% would have to be added to the direct costs (25% + 20% commission = 45%).

The new gross profit as a percent would be 100% (total sales) - 45% = 55% gross profit.

$800 base salary divided by .55 = $1,455 in additional sales to pay for their base salary and commission.

Lets say you want $5,000 per month for yourself. Add the $5000 to the indirect costs and then divide by the Gross Profit % and you now have a pretty good idea of what your sales volume needs to be to provide you with $5,000 a month income. Let's build on the salesperson example,

$5,000 plus the indirect costs of $1,800 equals $6,800.

$6,800 divided by the gross profit % of 55% or .55 = $12,364 in monthly sales volume should provide you with $5,000 in monthly income.

Break-even analysis is a linear tool and assumes that operational relationships between sales and expenses will remain the same (as laid out in the formula). Decisions involving longer terms or with multiple variables are more difficult to predict and should be re-analyzed over time.

CORE is the leading online source for starting up a new business. Visit our free online resource center now to get free access to information on http://www.core-media.org/content/view/338/396/. Celestyna Blog45988
Cairistiona Blog22259

Things To Consider In Choosing A Distance Education

In this day and age of multiple careers many people are considering furthering their education online. While this distance education alternative to the regular college campus offers the convenience of working with your current daily obligations this mode of education is not a good choice for all. If you are thinking about obtaining additional education and are looking at distance or online alternatives look over the following personal characteristics to help you decide if you would make a good distance student.

Are you self-motivated? This personality trait is perhaps the most important when it comes from separating successful distance education students from the rest. Unlike a traditional classroom you will not be meeting several times per week to keep you moving along towards progress. You will be assigned projects to complete, and have tests to take, and perhaps will view some teacher notes and then you will be left to your own devices. This means you have to make yourself study even the blandest of material. Your success or failure in learning the material and meeting deadlines will be solely on your shoulders.

Are you a procrastinator? While self motivation and procrastinating seem to go hand in hand, some people are motivated, but only at the last minute. If you wait until the last minute to study for tests or write assignments a distance education would not work well for you. Since you are on your own to prepare you will need to set aside time to prepare and study routinely in order to succeed.

Do you learn well by reading? If you went to a traditional college you would spend most of your class time in lectures, viewing videos, and participating in classroom discussions. If you learn well by reading and have better than average reading comprehension skills youll be more prepared to digest all of the reading material on your own. Unlike reading in a traditional environment, reading for a distance education may replace the majority of your lectures. If you cannot readily recall written material vs. learning by listening this could hurt your chances of doing well. There are some study tips that you could utilize to help you in this regard but you need to assess your learning style honestly.

Are you distracted easily? If you find yourself accidentally spending your study time watching the newest reality show, or on the phone, or surfing the internet, you will have to make sure you can discipline yourself come study time. Setting aside a quiet area to study will help. But ultimately, if you cannot resist temptation you wont be able to take in the material you are attempting to learn.

Lastly are you a social butterfly? For many considering a distance college education you may be past the traditional college years and not mind missing out on sorority parties, or keggers. However, college has other social opportunities including classroom debates, and just taking in the eclectic sort that hang out on college campuses. If you are craving the social interactions that can only be had on a college campus you may regret choosing a distance education.

So, if you are self motivated and have faith in yourself and do not need the assistance of lectures or others to learn you may do well choosing a distance education.

Jennifer Petersen is a staff writer at http://www.education-digest.com and is an occasional contributor to several other websites, including http://www.careers-digest.com.Brier Blog6196
Cathlene Blog89703

Tips for Creating Dating Profiles

Are you unmarried? Are you still single? We prefer to be single at some time of our life. Serious affairs do not match our youth. However, later in our lives, things change entirely. For middle-aged people being single is sometimes not desirable. When you are 20 or 30 years old, you may enjoy the nightlife. What happens when you get older? Would you still want to wander about the nightclubs and the smoky bars when you are 60? Or would you prefer to rest at home?

Just about everybody wants to start a serious love affair at some point of his or her life. While pension age is coming closer, you may no more think that being alone is great. What is the solution of your problem? Where can you find your better half?

Maybe, cyberspace is your choice. Is there an easier way to find someone than to look for her/him over the World-Wide-Web? The Internet allows you easily to make your own dating profiles easily. Then, meeting other single people online is a matter of fun.

Have you already acquired a dating profile? Not yet? Online dating profiles are probably the most up-to-date way to find singles.

Nowadays, we have the convenience to accomplish so many tasks online not even getting out of our homes. The computers supply us with so many facilities, which are even hard to be made out. We can compare the cyberspace with an alternative universe.

If you wish to apply for a loan, you may get out and drive to the bank. The same thing you can achieve by online banking. If you have to do the shopping, you will go to the overcrowded mall, or you may simply order your purchases online. Do not gape at me! We live in the computer age. When I was a child, I had not even thought that this would happen.

It is the same situation with meeting people online. There are many forums and chat rooms where people chat and share thoughts and opinions. In the cyberspace, an endless number of dating profiles are available. So many single and desperate people have acquired a dating profile and search for their half over the World-Wide-Web.

Think about all the singles you meet at the nightclub. Then, think of all dating profiles which are available online and you come across almost every day. Now, compare them.

The difference is significant. Not even if all the people in your city are single, they can be compared to the large number of singe people who have their dating profile online.

You can easily find the perfect match for you due to all these dating profiles. You will just need to point some characteristic to which your match should correspond. You may even wish to specify your search to a particular age group. Look through all dating profiles you can find.

You may certainly find the person you are looking for because of the dating profiles. The chance is really great. This way of meeting someone, by using dating profiles, even saves your time. No doubt, you will find the perfect someone listed in singles websites and dating profiles online.

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning dating. Learn more at http://www.singlesanddatinginfo.com/singles--dating/singles--dating/tips-for-creating-dating-profiles.htmlCarmon Blog8362
Celene Blog64052

Top Online Technical Schools for 2007

You've made the big decision to get your degree online. Now for the hard part...which online degree college do you choose? With your career and your future on the line, it's important that you make the right decision. After spending months in the boardroom, our staff has made our top online school picks for 2007, we've identified the very best.

Penn Foster
P.O. Box 1900
Scranton, PA 18501
Tel 800 275 4410
Fax 570 343 8462

Established 1890
Locations Online
Accredited Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools; Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC); International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET); Pennsylvania State Board of Private Licensed Schools.
Degrees offered Certificates, Associate's
Programs offered 85+

Penn Foster claims the founder of distance learning as the founder of their own institution, Thomas Foster. Over the past 100 years since Penn Foster began serving the educational needs of the working community, more than 13,000,000 students have matriculated.The endorsements by major corporations and even the VA for Penn Foster's programs couldn't be better: IBM, Ford Company, Xerox, U.S. Steel all have used Penn Foster's programs to upgrade the educations of their staff and provide training and promotion opportunities.Their more than 85 programs can be found in the fields of business, engineering, legal studies, health services, design, technology, education, as well as various trades and a high school diploma program. Whether you choose a full associate's degree program or a certificate, Penn Foster is one of the best ways to get the education you need to advance your career or begin a new one.

Westwood College
Denver North Campus
7350 North Broadway
Denver, Colorado 80221-3653
Tel 303 426 7000
Fax 303 487 0214
Tel (All Campus Info) 800 281 2978

Established 1953
Locations 20 and online
Accredited Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT); Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)
Degrees offered Certificates, Associate's, Bachelor's
Programs offered 19+
Financial assistance Scholarships, grants, loans, and counseling available

Formerly Denver Institute of Technology, Westwood College was founded in Denver, Colorado more than 50 years ago. Since then it has expanded to include 17 Westwood College campuses, the Redstone College and Redstone Institute, and Alta Colleges, Inc in six states and online. With certificates, associate degrees and bachelor degrees offered in fields like fashion, health care, gaming, technology, industrial services, business, aviation, criminal justice, and design, there's something for almost everyone, whether starting a new career or going for a raise or the next big promotion. Each campus offers different programs, so check with the individual school to see which one has the best curriculum for you goals. Westwood offers career development services to their students and graduates by actively recruiting employers and assisting students in developing their job search techniques and employer contacts.

Professional Career Development Institute
430 Technology Parkway
Norcross, Georgia 3009
Tel: 800 417 2407
Established 1987
Locations Online
Accredited Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council
Degrees offered Certificate
Tuition Varies by program but most between $500 and $700
Other fees One-time $24 shipping and handling fee for course materials
Tuition discount Interest-free monthly payment plan available
Length of programs Most can be completed in 6 months to 1 year

Professional Career Development Institute began by offering just one professional real estate appraisal course in 1987 has grown so large that it is now divided into two divisions: John Madison High School for high school programs and Ashworth College for all its higher and continuing education course offerings. More than 50 career programs are featured at PCDI including everything from jewelry repair to carpentry to sports psychology to writing children's books. You can get the knowledge you need to start your own business, break out into a new career, prepare for a higher degree, or move up through the ranks at work. Some companies subsidize their employees' education, so check with human resources to see if a course curriculum at PCDI will be covered for you.

We have options. You have choices. Earn your degree today. To request complimentary online degree information from any of these top schools, visit us online at Online Degrees Today.com.

Samantha Sebring is an inhouse writer for http://www.Online-Degrees Today.com - She has been writing distance learning education pieces since 2005. We have options. You have choices. Earn your degree today.Cacilia Blog85265
Annabell Blog2058

Top Five Tips for College Freshmen and Sophmores

1. Let Your Major Pick You

A lot of college students ask me what majors will look best on paper when it comes time to apply for a job or to graduate school. At this point in your college education, you really have no business committing to a career yet. You should be exploring different classes, different internships and part-time jobs, different activities, different professors. Take a wide variety of classes, even if variety is not mandated by your schools graduation requirements, and youll figure out pretty quickly which ones youre passionate about.

2. Follow the Professors

Find out who the best teachers are and load up on those classes. The best teachers could lecture every day on the history of Brazilian trade unions and youd still be fascinated and learn how to think. A site like RateMyProfessors.com has its limitations, but its just one more resource to help you find the best ones. (And if you want to see that shoe on the other foot, check out RateYourStudents.Blogspot.com.) Start cultivating relationships with your professors be engaged in class and talk to them during office hours. Dont be afraid to ask for help. Aside from the academic benefits, youll need them for graduate school recommendations in just a few years, and sometimes they have industry contacts as well.

3. Do Your Own Career Research?

Many professors and college administrators (including folks at the career center) havent spent much time outside of academia, so dont treat them as your only resources as you explore careers and line up internships or other job opportunities. Make every summer in college a strategic part of your post-graduation career planning many employers make permanent offers to their summer interns.

4. Be Smart About Your Financial Future?

Most people borrow for college, and for every dollar you spend now, youll be paying up to two in the future, depending on how long it takes you to pay back your loans. Check out financial planning calculators -- FinAid.org has good ones -- to figure out how much money you need to be making after graduation to make your monthly loan payments. Save your credit cards for emergencies, and dont fall for those seductive credit card pitches on campus. Get in the habit of tracking your spending (check out Moneypants.com) its a habit that will serve you well for the rest of your life.

5. If You Lose Your Bearings, Take a Breather

Sometimes life gets in the way of our best intentions. You wont be able to go back and do college over again, so make sure you can give school your undivided attention while youre there. If external circumstances make that impossible (a recurring or serious illness, serious family difficulties, needing to work more than 20 hours per week), explore taking a semester or even a year off to get a handle on whatever that problem is. Most students in these situations try to push through the crisis, and their transcripts end up looking like train wrecks. Theyll have to explain and make excuses for their grades for a long time to come. Youre much better off showing people a transcript with great grades and having to explain why you needed to take time out in the middle.

Career Expert, Anna Ivey, is the Former Dean of Admissions at the University of Chicago Law School and author of The Ivey Guide to Law School Admissions. Currently, she advises young people as they navigate life after college, helping them make life path decisions - career, graduate school, etc.Visit http://www.annaivey.com or contact Anna at anna@annaivey.com.Annelise Blog34760
Celestyn Blog4729

Plywood Or Solid Wood Be Aware

With the advent of newer options everyday, furniture buying has turned into a real chore. It has become really difficult to pick the best from the good enough. There is metal, glass and the good old wood. Even the types of wood, the qualities and strengths of each, the durability and moisture content can leave anyone terribly confused. In this situation, it is not wise to completely trust the salesperson at the local store. It is important that you do your basic homework before stepping out to buy wooden furniture. What the salesperson calls solid wood might just be plywood or particle board topped with a veneer. There is a big difference between Amish handcrafted furniture and plywood cabinets with oak doors.

Now one would wonder why so many furniture manufacturers use plywood instead of solid wood. Here is why. One reason why veneered panels of plywood are used extensively in furniture making is the cost of plywood versus solid wood. Plywood can be got at a small fraction of the cost of really good solid wood. The more expensive solid woods like cherry can cost as much as 3 to 4 times the price of sheet goods. Manufacturers have now begun calling their cheap plyboards and flakeboards as Furniture Boards just to enhance its image.

Another reason is the cost of labor to machine and assemble solid panels versus just cutting a rectangle of plywood or veneering a panel. It is cheaper to work with sheet goods than solid lumber in terms of man hours spent to put the piece together. Many high end tabletops are simply veneered plyboards with a wood edge. Despite the difficulty, true Amish furniture is handcrafted out of solid wood and stained and finished to perfection to give you a piece to last a lifetime.

Another reason is that it is easy to get thousands of plywood sheets all looking identical. Solid wood by its nature would differ slightly in terms of grain, color, shade and moisture content. Cabinet parts, to many people, are more attractive in the form of matched veneer than the random color and grain matching of solids. Some people prefer the color variation of solids and the sometimes wild grain patterns and try to use these differences to make unique looking details.

In the USA, the Federal Trade Commission regulates the furniture industry and its sales pitches, etc. They have ruled on solid wood versus plywood and have indicated that there is a difference. That is, plywood is not solid wood. Specifically, The Federal Trade Commission has accepted for public comment a consent agreement with Taylor Woodcraft, Inc., settling charges that the company violated Section 5 of the FTC Act by deceptively claiming in promotional materials that its household furniture was constructed of solid maple or oak, when a number of its pieces contained some veneered exposed surfaces.

So while plywood may be cheaper and easier to construct, it is no match for solid wood furniture. It is more of an escape route towards convenience and higher profits. Beware of manufacturers who claim to be selling solid wood furniture but use plywood or particleboard for most of the internal parts. Do not feel shy to ask for details from the salesperson before buying a piece. Buy something only if you are absolutely sure. If the salesperson is not forthcoming with genuine information, it is time to check another store.

For more information visit: http://www.amish-furniture-home.com

Sarika Kabra is an expert in the field of interior design and home improvement techniques. She has vast experience in the manufacture of Amish Furniture. Benedikta Blog89376
Aindrea Blog83403

Myspace Design Features

Creating a MySpace website may seem overly complicated to those who have never done any HTML design in the past but it is really quite simple. Members who have advanced HTML knowledge can obviously incorporate more advanced features into their design but even those with no HTML knowledge may be able to create an attractive and functional MySpace website. This is possible because much of the design can be done through the use of templates. This article will focus on some of the most basic design features of MySpace to give beginners a basic understanding of the features they can incorporate into a new MySpace website and the types of changes which can be made to an existing website. This article will include information on changing the background, importing images, adding music to the website and posting quizzes for other users.

Adding or Changing the Background

The background color of a MySpace website is very important because it is one of the first things visitors notice when the website loads. If the background is garish and makes the website difficult to read, visitors may exit the page quickly. Conversely if the background is appealing it may make the entire website more appealing.

Basic HTML knowledge is required to add colors or background graphics to a MySpace profile. To add colors or background graphics go to the Edit profile section after logging into your account. Next enter the necessary code into the appropriate section. To get the background to appear on your profile you should include the code in the About me section of your account. If you are unsure of the code that is needed, there is a wealth of information available online for those who are learning HTML.

Importing Images

Many members of the MySpace community choose to post their picture on their website. Again the social aspects of the online community encourage this action because people who engage in online friendships often want to see what their new friends look like. Including pictures is the easiest way to let others know what you look like.

MySpace members are asked to upload a photo of themselves when they first sign up. This step can be skipped and done later. Photos which are uploaded to MySpace must be .gif or .jpg files. Additionally they must be smaller than 600k. The filename for photos should also not contain spaces or characters other than numbers or letters.

Adding Music to the Website

The addition of music to a MySpace website is a very common practice. This is used both by bands who want to promote their music as well as by individuals who want to let others know what type of music they like. The process of adding music to a MySpace website is incredibly easy. Members can visit the following web address to listen to music from MySpace artists: http://music.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=music. If the artist has granted permission for others to use the music, there will be a button that says Add next to the song. Clicking on this link, when you are logged into this account, will automatically add the music to the background of your MySpace website. You are only able to add one song at once to your profile but you can change the music as often as you like by adding a new song. If you already have one song and add another, the second song will replace the original song on your profile.

Posting Quizzes on the Website

Many MySpace members include fun personality quizzes on their website and publish their quiz results. These quizzes give visitors more information about the member. The members may also post a link to this quiz so other members can take the quiz and post their results in the comments page. Different types of personality quizzes can be found on the Internet and many of these quizzes give you the code necessary to add this quiz to your MySpace website or another websites. You can copy and paste the code into the Interests section of your MySpace profile.

David Riewe is the webmaster of http://www.daves-inforama.com and http://www.daves-inforama.com/myspace.Aubrette Blog1172
Cari Blog33326

Success Is Simple When You Make Sense Of The Numbers

The vast majority of people in business don't really like numbers. They remember Math as being one of the harder subjects in school. And they never got interested in accounting.

Most of us go into business not because we love to pour through financial sheets, but because we like the thrill of designing a new product, the joy of making a sale, or simply the freedom of being your own boss.

But when you look at how many businesses fail, and WHY they fail, you have to step back and rethink things. A venture can have the most exciting products or services ever devised and plenty of customers and STILL not make a go of it.

Why? The answer is in the financial numbers.

Most businesses don't work out because their owners and managers don't fully understand their business' financial picture. When you have a complete and accurate view of your firm's finances, you know:

* How much money you are making
* How much money you're spending
* How much money you'll make or loose in the months ahead
* Know if your product is succeeding
* Know if your advertising is a waste of time
* Know if you need to order more product, or less, or even how to make money with your unused inventory

Your company's numbers quickly tell you all this and more. So how do you get access to these truths? Most small business experts will tell you to get a good accounting program like MS Money or Quickbooks. But that's not nearly enough.

Even though these programs are good, maybe even essential, you'll need more to fully understand what is going on in your company. That's why a whole industry has sprung up to supply these much needed forms, databases, and software.

Big box stores and other large retail and service organizations have always had access to this kind of advanced accounting power. They either use their own teams of in-house MBAs or sign up for very expensive outsourced financial management services.

Today you can have that same kind of expert help simply by logging onto the Internet. Many of the forms you'll need are available free. And you can get access to even more software and databases for a very small monthly fee.

Finally, BIG company financial power is readily in the hands of small and medium-sized businesses. Make sure you make full use of these resources. Your probability of success will be far higher and you may never have to worry about your company suffering serous setbacks.

Joseph Kennedy is a veteran of the banking industry and a former computer analyst. He is founder and CEO of http://www.businessbuilderonline.com, offering extensive financial, legal, and administrative forms you need to quickly succeed in business, plus much more. info@businessbuilderonline.com.Benedikta Blog78245
Cassandre Blog66160

Which Surveillance Camera System Is Right For My Business?

If you own a business, you know that theft occurs by your customers and employees. Employee theft exceeds $8.5 billion annually! 75% of inventory shortages are attributed to employee theft. (National Restaurant Association). It's been reported that over 75% of internal theft is undetected, and growing at a 15% annual rate (Justice Department). All this dishonesty costs American businesses between % and 3% of their gross sales! Even 1% costs over one billion dollars a week in employee theft.

The results of all this? 30% of business failures are due to poor hiring practices by hiring thieves. Annual losses generated by poor hires, absenteeism, drug abuse, and theft amount to $75 billion per year. (U.S. Department of Commerce-Atlanta Business Chronicle.). While we can't screen your employees, you can keep an eye on them, and a video surveillance system is one of the best ways to do it.

When choosing a video surveillance camera system, there are several things to consider: Hidden Cameras vs. Visible Cameras Wireless Cameras vs. Wired Cameras Indoor Systems vs. Outdoor Systems Video Recording vs. DVR Recording

Hidden Cameras vs. Visible Cameras Hidden Cameras The first thing you want to consider is whether you want your cameras to be visible or not. Modern technology has reduced a video camera down to miniature levels. Hidden cameras can be hidden behind a pinhole, and can be put in practically any everyday item in your house or office, in a briefcase or backpack, or even hidden in a hat or behind a button. The advantage is that the criminal won't know they are being recorded, and you should catch more theft. Hidden cameras could be more expensive then visible cameras.

Visible Cameras A visible camera system consists of any number of visible cameras from the black dome cameras you see in most stores, to the old fashioned kinds on brackets pointing at you at the bank. There are also high resolution cameras that can zoom in to tight detail. The advantages of these types of systems is that your criminal will know they are being watched, and that should deter a lot of crime that normally would occur without the cameras.

Even a series of dummy camera's, camera bodies with no working parts except a flashing red light, are proven to deter crime. If you don't have the funds for a working video surveillance system, just installing four to twelve dummy cameras fools the criminal into thinking you have a real system in place.

Wireless Cameras vs. Wired Cameras You have two choices for the type of surveillance system, wireless and wired. Both have advantages and disadvantages;

Wireless Camera System Wireless camera systems are the fastest systems to install, as you just need to mount the cameras, hook up the wireless receiver in the back room, and wire it all together to a power box and some type of system to record the video.

The advantages of wireless cameras are that they can be installed in locations that are difficult, if not impossible to wire. They can be moved to different locations easily, as often as you like, and if the need arises, they can be hidden inside a moving object like inside your cloth, cap, briefcase or carrying bag etc.

To overcome the disadvantages of a wireless camera, you should buy one with a higher frequency transmission band of at least 1.2GHz or above. If you need to take video from the wireless camera a long distance from the receiver, or there are walls, metallic or steel obstacles between the wireless camera and the receiver, you should buy a wireless model with a higher transmission power, that is, a transmitter with longer transmission distance. Another good idea is to use a high gain antenna for the transmitter or receiver, which will improve the signal transmission/reception.

The disadvantages of wireless cameras are that the video stream might be disturbed or influenced by moving objects or strong radio or even telephone frequencies. Video/audio transmission is limited within the prescribed transmission range. These disadvantages will not occur with a wired camera.

Wireless camera systems are also more expensive than wired systems, as they require a lot of receivers and transmitters to received the video that normally would run in the inexpensive wires. However, the costs are usually worth it, as it could cost less to install, and less to relocated. Overall, the video/audio signals from a wireless camera are less stable than a wireless camera.

Wired Camera Systems Wired camera systems are more stable due to the cable, which doesn't have the interference problems associated with wireless systems. You need to run a video cable to each camera in order to get a video feed. You will have to run the wire either through the walls and ceiling, or have it exposed on the wall. While the cost of the system is less than a wireless system, it will require more work to install, and if you are paying someone, it might cost more than buying a wireless system.

You should look at the total costs to purchase and install both systems and go with what is best for you. Overall, the video/audio signals from a wired camera are more stable than a wireless camera.

Indoor Systems vs. Outdoor Systems Depending on your needs, you will need a camera for indoor or outdoor needs. If you need to monitor your loading dock, you will need a camera that can withstand the elements. Unless it's specifically sold as an outdoor camera, a regular camera can't withstand the beating from Mother Nature that a weatherproof camera can endure.

You can find many types of outdoor camera, dome, bullet, and standard. All are enclosed in waterproof cases and some even have heaters for cold areas. You can also buy hardened cameras that will withstand direct hits from bats and hammers. These are recommended in high crime areas.

Video vs. DVR recording You need to determine if you want to record the activity, or just hire someone to monitor it. It's a good idea to record the video so you can give a copy to law enforcement for future needs. You have two choices, VCR or DVD.

VCR allows you to record the video with a Video Cassette Recorder (VCR) directly to a VHS tape. You can use a bank of standard VCR's, or there are high density VCR's that allow you to record days of video. Some come with motion detectors and won't record unless the video changes. The disadvantages are that you have to know about what time the event occurred, or you will have to review all the tape sequentially, or on fast forward.

The latest technology is using a DVR or PC based DVR system to record the video to disc. The advantages are a DVD can be burned from the digital recording. This is the easiest system to review your recordings, as you can jump ahead to any point in the recording, unlike the VHS tape. The initial cost will be larger than a VCR system, though you won't need to buy tapes, and the ease of use will be worth the extra money for a DVR based system.

You have two types of DVR systems, DVR recorder and PC based. DVR recorders feed the video directly into the hard drive or disc on the recorder and you either burn the disc, or back up the hard drive. These come in a variety of sizes, from standard sizes for indoor uses, down to field use DVRs the size of a pack of cigarettes that can record up to 60 hours of video from a hidden surveillance camera.

Your other option is the PC based surveillance system that uses a Personal Computer, a video capture card, and software as a control center that can not only record the video and burn it to disc, a quad can be installed to monitor the feeds on real time over a computer screen, and break it up into quadrants to monitor multiple cameras at the same time, in real time.

We have only just scratched the surface of video surveillance systems with this brief overview, and future articles will focus on the pros and con's of what is out there, and is it right for you.

Don't delay installing a surveillance system for your home or business. You never know when crime will strike and it is too late after the fact. Get it on disc so the police can arrest the criminals.Biddy Blog62432
Audie Blog44809

Factors To Consider In Buying A Sound Card

Computers are stepping in the multimedia entertainment zone more and more each year. They have begun to take over from the video player, the stereo, the karaoke machine and the television.

The motherboard of a computer comes with a basic sound component but because of the nature of the tasks involved these computers need higher quality components when it comes to sound and video cards.

Digital format

Before the eighties all audio was analog but with the advent of CDs on the market, the digital format began to take over. All information from a computer is digital including the audio. In order to hear a song it must be changed into an analog signal. Although there are attempts to improve the quality, the digital format has gaps in its information due to conversion.

An average CD contains 44.1 KHZ per 16 bits. That is every analog signal makes up one step and there are 44100 steps every second. The steps are given a number. This number ranges up to 16 bits (65536). A DVD has about 96khz at 16 bits and a DVD audio has 192 khz at 24 bits.

The digital audio is changed into analog using the Digital Audio Converter or DAC

The quality of the DAC is one of the determining factors when buying a sound card.

Types of Audio Cards

The motherboard has a sound processor called the AC 97. It can support a DVD at 96 kHz, 16 bits six channels but the quality is lacking. The sound is noisy and cannot support more complex applications.

It is better to get an external sound card that can be inserted into a PCI slot on the motherboard. The card you select will depend on the function it serves. If you want to watch DVDs a basic card will suffice. If you are looking for something that will help you record music, or add a microphone you will probably need something more sophisticated and if you are a professional musician or video editor it would be best to get a card with multitrack recording and high sound quality.

What to look for

Take a look at the specifications of a sound card to find more about its quality. One number to take not of is the S/N or signal to noise ratio. This is the ratio between the audio sounds versus the background noise in a room. The higher this ratio is, the better the sound card quality. This number is measured in decibels (db). A db of 90 is good and for the professional it should be more than 100db.

The number of channels a sound card supports can be important. They can come in configurations of 5.1, 6.1, and 7.1. The first number indicates the number of satellite speakers you can place near the computer and the .1 is the subwoofer channel which is for low frequency sounds.

For those who are looking at professional grade sound cards, the input amount is important. A basic sound card has one for each stereo pair but a professional sound card will allow for ten.

Price

Prices vary; you can get a poor quality basic card for ten dollars. Most of the better cards are at least fifty dollars and if you are a professional the cards you are looking for can be four hundred dollars or more.

Daniel Travers is a staff writer at http://www.computing-times.com and is an occasional contributor to several other websites, including http://www.entertainment-digest.com.Beth Blog11758
Alexia Blog81881

College Accreditation: Is Your College Accredited By A Legitimate Accreditor?

So who accredits the accreditors?

One thing you need to know is that not all accreditation associations are legitimate. It is not uncommon to see a diploma mill creating its own accrediting authority and then granting itself Accreditation. This is an important issue to look at before you settle for the claim that your college is accredited.

How do you know whether a college or university is accredited by a legitimate authority? You should be able to tell that very easily because in the United States, there are two organizations that accredit the accreditors. These are:

The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) which is a voluntary nongovernmental organization.

The United States department of Education

Over 70 accrediting associations in the United States are recognized by either CHEA or the U.S Department of Education. Sometimes the college or university may be recognized by both.

Established in 1976 CHEA was established through the efforts of a group of college and university presidents and it is accountable to its member institutions of higher learning. It also acts as a clearinghouse on accreditation for the higher education institutions.

For Canadian accreditation, all the schools are regulated by provincial governments as well as some agencies that perform this function for professional programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. If a college or university is a member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, then it is assumed that the institution is providing acceptable and credible education

So before you assume a college or university has the right accreditation, confirm with the respective accrediting authorities.

Rose Musyoka is the editor of http://www.distance-learning-college-guide.com where you find information and advice on distance learning colleges, accredited online degrees and online courses. Learn more about what college accreditation is and why it is important to your education at http://www.distance-learning-college-guide.com/college-accreditation.htmlAline Blog11381
Cal Blog68275

Scholarships, Bursaries, And Grants: How To Pay For School

You want to go to college or university. You want to get a fantastic, well-paying job. In the meantime, however, you are stuck with a bill for thousands of dollars. Where are you going to get the money?

Get a Scholarship

You can get scholarships for many different things. Some scholarships are available through academic achievement. Other scholarships are available for sports. Some schools offer you scholarships simply for attending. Sometimes you have to search for scholarships. Talk to your guidance counselor, or your schools department of awards and financial aid for information on how to find and apply for scholarships. (You can also check out The Guide to Student Loans--link below--for more information).

Get a Bursary

Bursaries are like scholarships, but they often require you to prove that you need financial aid. Sometimes it is simple to prove financial aid (by bringing in proof that your income doesnt meet your needs to pay tuition and living expenses). Other times you have to go through a more strenuous application process where you have to have your parents financial information as well.

Unlike scholarships, which are sometimes offered without you even applying, you typically have to apply for any bursary that you want. You can find bursaries online at scholarship sites, or you can find them through your high school or college.

Get a Grant

Grants are typically given to upper year students or students who are writing a thesis or dissertation. Grants are not like scholarships. For scholarships, you send in your resume or curriculum vitae and you hope that an organization will give you money based on your previous success record. For grants, you have to send in your resume and CV as well, but you also have to write a proposal. In your proposal, you explain what work you intend to do. You might then get a grant based on your proposal. Grant-writing tends to be much more involved than scholarship applications. You can get grants from the government, from your school, and from third party organizations.

Get a Fellowship

Upper year students and graduate students can also often apply for a fellowship. A fellowship means that you will be filling a position at the school. This typically means that you deliver a lecture or two, or sometimes teach a course. Each fellowship position is different. Fellowships are competitive, but worth the application. They will in turn look good on your curriculum vitae.

Get a Job

If applying for grants, scholarships, and bursaries is not your cup of tea, consider going to school part time and working part time. You might also be able to fit a small part time job in on top of your full-time coursework.

You can often get a job on campus that will help you to better balance your work and school. Can you work in your department?

Not only can you work on campus, you could choose to work at a job that supports your studies. If you are a great student, consider tutoring. If you are studying theatre, get a job at the box office. If you are in sciences, see if there are any laboratory positions available. You can work as a research assistant in almost any department at a university. Will they pay you to co-ordinate student volunteer programs or to run the childcare center? Finding employment during college can be easy and fun.

Get a Loan

Anyone can successfully obtain a student loan. You just want to make sure that you get the loan thats right for you. You want the best rates, the best package, and the best deal. To sort yourself through the maze of student loans (graduate student loans, parent loans for students, student loan consolidation, international student loans and much more) visit The Guide to Student Loans (link below).

With all of the options on how you can pay for your post-secondary education, its no wonder that more people are going to college and university now. It might seem daunting at first, but narrow your options and choices to find out the best way to pay for your university funding, and you will be one step closer to your degree!

Morgan James is the editor of http://www.theguideto-studentloans.com/types_of_student_loans/. For more information on how to pay for your degree, check out The Guide to Student Loans information on types of loans, budgeting for school, and studying abroad.Cassandry Blog51831
Benedikta Blog89376

Attract Mr Right Now

Are you being yourself? As long as you resist being your natural, balanced self, you will not attract harmonious, long lasting, or healthy relationships. Once you become true to yourself, you automatically attract the right person to you. You can access and balance own unique vibration of energy to reveal your innate power and beauty within to attract the type of relationships you desire.

You Broadcast Who You Are and What You Want

What you think about, you attract. When you are cautious and hold back your true self, you attract similar situations to you. If you think you are not sufficient, not wise enough, or not powerful enough to create the reality you truly desire, you will attract a representation of your own doubt in yourself.

Attract Balanced Relationships

If you look for someone else to complete you, you attract an incomplete relationship. What you create is a partnership made up of two half people, that will not satisfy either person.

When you feel complete and sufficient, you set up a vibration that attracts those with the similar qualities. When you reflect the type of vibrations you choose to attract in someone else, you will be seen and recognized by Mr. Wonderful.

Re-ignite Your Attractive Power

Balance your female energy to re-ignite your attractive power. When you flood your body with your own female or male energy, your body automatically seeks its original perfect balance. With practice your system will stay in balance effortlessly. This way you can experience your ultimate sexual and creative power..

Become Clear and Certain About What You Want

Connecting with your innate power and sexual force spawns a new level of self certainty. Your confidence will soar and you may find yourself achieving goals you long forgot. As you get neutral to foreign energies that compete for space in your body, you become clear, grounded and focused.

Follow Your Own Path

Life is a journey, and you have everything you need to create the most desirable, enjoyable and fulfilling journey for yourself. Take steps each day to reach your life goals, and you will not only be amazed at how well you will achieve them, but at how enjoyable and stress-free the journey will be.

Increase Your Natural Sex Appeal

Everyone has both male and female energies. Sometimes someone from your past has turned off your female energy. It affects how and what you attract in your life. Practice increasing the amount of female energy flowing in your body. This will increase your sex appeal and attraction.

Your Attractive Force Within IS Powerful

Your renewed personal power will revolutionize your relationships. When you increase your own sexual energy you increase self-confidence, boost your attractiveness and create balance.

People around you will notice a positive change in you. They may not put their finger on it but you will know why they respond favorably.

Practice this connecting to this energy for 20-30 days and the results will astonish you. Have fun with a renewed sense of your self!

Amirah Hall © 2006 All Rights Reserved.

Amirah, Intuitive Life Coach, Author, Speaker helps individuals gain insight, clarity and understanding in their own lives making positive life changes. Author of eBook,GET Better LOVE and MORE of IT! http://www.getbetterlove.com/ Get your FRe.e Stress Buster Audio Download http://www.soulmystic.com/contact1.php FRE.e monthly newsletter Email: amirah@soulmystic.com Bobbie Blog79833
Arabele Blog67267

Gardening With Ferns

Homeowners with wooded backyards choose ferns for their attractive undergrowth. There are many assortments to choose from. Thousands of varieties of ferns can be found all over the globe. Sizes range from a few inches to as much as 60-feet-tall.

Fern plants thrive and grow in woodlands all over the United States. These eye-catching plants are just as comfortable in the shaded areas of the splendor in the yard. You can place them in areas of little or even no direct sunlight, where little else will cultivate and grow.

Its mostly up to you when it comes to flower garden design. Its definitely important to do your best job in soil preparation as you carefully match certain plants to the location. Ignoring these principles will only result in a disheartening, time-consuming experience.

The aesthetics are simply of a personal preference. A formal appearance, for example, with plants in orderly garden planting and straight edged beds of fern may be your cup of tea. Maybe youd be more content with an even more natural appearance with uneven plant clumps and extensive curves.

Established fern plants are simple to cultivate. They are versatile, as wellyou can plant them singly or in clusters. You can use them as border edgings, along wooded regions, alongside the front of your house and in rock gardens. You can even try them in containers and use them as indoor houseplants.

While there may be thousands of assortments of ferns, several are on their way to becoming endangered species.

Some ferns are poisonous, so unless you know the variety you have is absolutely safe, its advisable to keep children and pets away from these ferns.

Ferns, not unlike mushrooms, produce spores. Spores develop on the underside of the leaves, as millions are produced. Only a few successfully land in a place thats suitable to nurture, take root and cultivate. Ferns also grow by scattering their underground roots.

Ferns plants grow rather slowly. Established plants live for years, as most people buy ferns from garden nurseries or even on the Internet.

You can select a location with partial to full shade. Ferns like soil that is fertile in organic matter. You can add plenty compost at time of planting. Its suggested that you keep the soil moist at all times.

Established fern plants should bloom for years with little or no attention. Its wise to mulch around the plants each spring season to help preserve moisture, and to reload organic matter around the plant. Finally, let the plant cultivate naturally, once you remove dead or wilted fronds.

Jena Luthowski writes about http://www.homegardencoupons.com/Categories/Herb%20Plants.html, Alive coupons and http://www.hardwaretoolsonsale.com.Alison Blog37597
Berthe Blog73894

How To Make Art School Work For You

When I was in school I had a graphic design professor a very smart individual who graduated from Yale and whose expertise was fonts. I spent two hours a day for an entire semester building fonts with a pencil and a clipboard. As the professor did not know how to use a computer, he did not require any of his students to either. This class was boring, but what was worse is that it was completely useless.

Rarely is a real company going to pay for a font. They are going to pay for business cards, logos, web sites, CDROMs and commercials but not a font. Many professors at prestigious schools with good reputations are relics of a past age. Graphic design requires technology, and technologies change and adapt. Oftentimes those that teach graphic design remain stagnant and enforce archaic concepts and methods. Academic graphic design is much closer to fine art than commercial graphic design (the type that makes money).

Avoid classes with names like The History of Byzantine Graphic Design, The Stencil as Design Tool or Dimension in Design.

You should design your schedule around your portfolio, your web site and your resume. The best classes are those that teach software and can provide tangible art that employers will want to see. Look at the want ads and then look at your schedule. If the class teaches or requires Photoshop, Adobe Premiere, Flash, or HTML then take it immediately. Look for teachers who have worked in the world of graphic design and understand concepts like deadlines, client needs, and real world application.

The most important way to jumpstart your career is by establishing a web site early and constantly adding to it and improving it. Your web site should be the crown jewel of your arts education. If you can improve the site each year by adding flash animation or streaming video then you will have a job magnet when you are ready to graduate.

A college degree is a wonderful thing to have, but sometimes software certification is more important for finding a job. A Flash developer certification from Macromedia can lead to a job much faster than a graphic design degree from even the best university. Software certification can open doors that a degree cannot. You have four years of art school to learn and improve yourself. You will never again have the time and resources to pursue certifications. The best part is that you can probably receive academic credit for anything that you do if you just fill out a little of the correct paperwork.

Michael Long is a Seattle area graphic designer, web designer and flash developer that has worked for some of the biggest names in the Fortune 500. He is the former CEO of Overdrive Media and currently works as a design consultant. Sponsored by: Art Schools Digital - Seattle http://www.artschoolsdigital.com/Anni Blog72613
Aline Blog40052

Website Designing - Looks vs. Works

Web developers with extensive graphic arts background often pay more attention to how a page looks than considering how visitors are going to find the page. The consideration on Usability and Business gets sidelined. On the other side of this issue, SEO consultants obsess about how much traffic it generates and how well a web site works. Sales and Business gets a front seat for them.

Designers want more 'pretty' graphics, but SEOs want lots of 'ugly' keyword-rich text, bullet lists, and text links. The more graphically complex the website the longer it will take to load.

To balance those Looks vs. Works, currently a web design company is in demand, which have an advanced knowledge on marketing, designing, programming as well as aesthetics. Designers having absolute control over the size and dimensions of all aspects with an eye on marketing are pitching to success. Today, fixed browser-friendly designs are more frequently chosen over the liquid designs.

There is a usability reason for why a designer may choose a more fixed layout. There is usually an optimal line width in terms of readability. There is a rule which tells that lines should be between 40-60 characters long, or approximately 11 words per line, though users can choose their windows size and font selection to optimize the factors which are important to them.

It becomes difficult sometimes to create a fixed layout which looks well and sells. Well, if the content is agreed upon, there is always a little difficulty in developing.

Storyboarding

To maintain an adorable balance between LOOKS and WORKS, the modern web gurus emphasize on storyboarding. Storyboarding covers the business, audience, purpose and the content. So the web designing is going to be more and more of calculative engineering than liberal art.

Storyboarding records description, purpose and title of each page in a given website. Then those elements are linked together according to the most effective and logical diagram patterns. It is like a prototype where there are options for feature enhancements and future improvements.

Audience Research

The key step in web designing/planning is defining the audience. They are the group of people who will visit your website the market being targeted. Those people have a certain reason for visiting your site. And it is important for you to know what they are looking for. Technology and Eye-Candy designs come much later.

A clearly defined goal of the site and an understanding of what visitors want to do when they come to your site helps to pitch your message to identify the target audience. Upon considering who is most likely to use the content. There are some common factors a webmaster should take care. They are:

Audience Characteristics - Age, Language, Education

Information Preferences - Techies, Naive

Computer Skills - Beginners, Masters

Web Experience - Web builders, Web surfers, Lay-users

Kathy John is an eminent analyst and writer in internet marketing related topics like web design firm, search engine optimization and web hosting. For more details please visit http://www.bmmi.us/.Cam Blog13107
Candi Blog72972