Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Don't Use Markers to Label CDs and DVDs

Many people use markers to write on the surface of their CDs and DVDs when labeling their media. What most people do not know is that using markers, such as Sharpies, ballpoint pens, or any other sharp object can be very damaging to the media. Most markers contain chemicals that create oxidation, which can deteriorate the CD or DVD. The oxidation can ruin the aluminum, which covers the surfa. . .

How to Put Colors in Your Photograph

Wouldn’t it be nice to see your black and white photos in full color? Learning to create and edit old photos is fairly easy and very worthwhile. Digitally restored photos can be used to make digital scrapbooks, posted to Web sites, shared through email, and printed for gift-giving or display.To achieve this effect, we will need to colorize using Paint Shop Pro. According to Bill Brewer, “colori. . .

JPEG and GIF the differences

JPEG and GIF image formats are both compression based formats. They are the most widely used and supported image formats for web. They take an uncompressed image such as bitmapped image and compress them to a smaller file size. A lot smaller image size is moreover the result of this conversion. It may seem that one compression may result in smaller file sizes, nevertheless that is simply not th. . .

Keeping Control of your Brochure Making

A printed brochure will never go passé because it is something every company needs. It is an avenue to keep customers coming. Brochures can be simple as black and white copy on a tri-fold sheet or it can be complex as text uses full color graphics and photos on a glossy paper. Convenience of brief, targeted messages to prospective customers is the benefit of brochures. Another is that customers. . .

3D Effect In Photoshop

You can use your Adobe Photoshop in creating 3D images. Since 2Ds are obsolete and 3Ds are in, you might want to start enhancing your skill in computer graphics.You can start making a cube. Your aim is to create an image of cube that is viewed in such a way that the three sides, left, right and top, are shown. Then, learn how to put different effects on it, like shadow, to make it more realisti. . .

Know The Color Basics

Do your print ads or web pages seem so flat that no one ever bothers looking at it? How would you like to make them more unique and attractive?The key to a striking visual ad is the color. It gives life to any image. Take for example the cartoons that we watch on television and how they attract kids. We may also wonder why fast food and restaurants use the same color for their business or why b. . .

Innovative Business Use of RSS as a Technology

RSS, or Really Simple Syndication, is a new way to broadcast corporate news and structured information. RSS offers a quick, easy corporate communication channel. The RSS contents are published as a feed and the feed's content keep customers, partners and journalists abreast of corporate news and information. The RSS feeds are read using a tool referred to as a news aggregator, or an RSS reader.. . .

Microsoft Great Plains GL: General Ledger – overview for ...

Microsoft Business Solutions Great Plains is marketed for mid-size companies as well as Navision (which has very good positions in Europe and emerging markets where it can be easily localized). Great Plains Inventory control is pretty robust and here we would like to give you highlights on standard functionality as well as what could be added to its standard features.Historically Great Plains . . .

New Features of Macromedia Flash MX

In the times of yore, videos all over the web are quite disappointing. It is like delivering a mediocre performance to annoyed expectators. But then, a transition from the passé made a dramatic exposure. The release of Macromedia’s Flash MX marked a leap in the development of rich content productivity and stability of video across the Internet. It proves that these things can still be made supe. . .

Crystal Reports - Microsoft SQL Server

Microsoft SQL Server is the leader for inexpensive and middle size SQL solutions. Plus it is now capable to serve large enterprise on Microsoft Windows platform. Crystal Reports is the most flexible tool on the market and it has market recognition. Multiple software vendors offer Crystal Reports as the main reporting tool: Microsoft, Best Software, Oracle to name a few.Sometimes developers t. . .

Printers

Do you feel overwhelmed when buying a computer or a new printer?You are not alone. With so many products to choose from I know exactly how you feel. The best approach when buying a computer related product is to educate your self. This way you are making your own decisions from your own self-judgment. That’s go to be more powerful than listening to a sales guy, who is more concerned about getti. . .

Dynamic Pages

Dynamic pages and the Search Engines By Clare Lawrence 10th March 2003 Clare is the CEO of Discount Domains Ltd a leading UK Domain name registration service. Do search engines such as google penalise dynamic pages? Dynamic pages are used to deliver content from a database to websites – the advantage being that data can be updated and the contents of pages changed without the need to relo. . .

Blogs Aren’t Just About Expounding Your Ideas To Others...

Blogs aren’t just about expounding your ideas to others; they’re about getting to know yourself better.I still consider myself to be a blog writing novice but as I’ve got a few entries under my belt I can tell you about an unexpected bonus of this journaling process. A lot of people think that blog writers are just people who are tooting their own horns blabbering on self-righteously about what. . .

How To Save Big Bucks On A Laptop Computer

If you're a bargain shopper looking to get the most bang for your buck, you'll find no shortage of deals on the Internet. And that's particularly true in the fast-changing world of laptop computers, where you'll find three bargain sources right at your fingertips: 1. Clearance Sales Just like many brick-and-mortar retail stores, many computer manufacturer websites have clearance sections. On th. . .

Through The Looking Glass

My mother used to take me along when she visited an old lady down a cobbled lane who had a crystal ball on her dining room table and a pack of playing cards. My mother was superstitious and really believed a lot of what she was told by the old lady. She wanted to know what the future held not only for herself but for me, her only lttle boy. I was about five or six years old at the time, and use. . .

Is Your Email Address "Blacklisted?"

A lady emailed me yesterday very upset over the fact that her friend's Internet Service Provider (ISP) wasn't delivering important email messages. This lack of delivery caused a real problem for the two of them with ruined plans, missed appointments, and just plain inconvenience. If you don't use email, this might not sounds like a "big deal." But this problem of non-delivery has dramatically. . .

More Cool Web Tricks

If you ask most people what frustrates them most about the Internet, many of them will tell you "It's the little things!" It seems like all the great tricks and tips that make people exclaim "STOP! How did you do that?" never make it into any manual (at least where I can find them). My father (and co-author of "Turn Words Into Traffic") calls it the "reverse oral tradition" of computing, wher. . .

Accept Credit Cards Online without a Merchant Account

It is often assumed if you want to accept credit cards on your website that you must have a merchant account. This is not the case. You can accept credit cards with a Third Party credit card processor. 1) What is a Third Party Credit Card Processor? A Third Party credit card processor is a company that will accept credit card payments on behalf of you or your company. The payments your customer. . .

Searching The Internet Without Search Engines

The World Wide Web contains more than ten million websites with thousands more being added daily from all over the world, and search engines are tasked with presenting the most relevant pages based on the search criteria entered. Finding a large and popular site like www.irs.gov is easy because it is related to a large agency, but a small site like mine www.consumermortgagereduction.com would . . .

Why Buy a Used Laptop Instead of New?

If you're planning to purchase a laptop or notebook (note that laptops and notebooks are the same thing), consider buying used or refurbished laptop. A refurbished laptop is a used laptop that has been rebuilt by a professional, and made to be like new again.First, let us take a moment to consider your needs in a laptop. What do you plan to do with your laptop? Do you your plans include the fol. . .

Dirty Little Computer Viruses and How To Protect Yourself

Whether you have learned your lesson from a past experience with a nasty computer virus or have been pressing your luck by surfing the web and downloading various files or opening those email messages sent to you by people you don’t know without any real understanding of just how vulnerable you really are each time you log onto your computer you now have the opportunity to discover what steps y. . .

5 Tips For Buying The Right Laptop Computer

It's easy to be intimidated by all the laptop models on the market today. There are literally dozens and dozens in every price range. The key to finding the right one for you is to step back and consider exactly how you plan to use your laptop. When you define what you need before you go shopping, buying the right machine becomes much easier. Here are 5 basic factors to consider: 1. SIZE In t. . .

The Cybermagic of Whitelists

Before we start getting deep into the meat of this article it's important to explain some standard terminology to make sure the rest of this article makes sense. An IP address is a number which identifies your location on the Internet. A blacklist is a list of IP addresses which your antispam software uses to block incoming spam. A whitelist is the exact opposite of a blacklist. A whitelist is . . .

How To Identify Your Own Style Of Writing

This article is to help identify which style, technique or strategy of writing that one may use. I will also help to understand the method in the way a writer writes and help in determinining which aproach may suite your needs. I hope that this information will help all to become more effective in writing to help suite the needs of the reader as well as the writer by identifying which style is . . .

21 Hot Niche Minisite Profit Ideas

How To Use The Power Of HOT 'In-Demand' Niches To INSTANTLY Get More New Business Than You Can Handle!Everyone's talking about profiting from "Niche Marketing" - but no one's telling you exactly HOW to do it! Now you'll discover how to tap the incredible wealth lying hidden in hot, in-demand niches - in 21 different ways.Idea #1 - SELL AD SPACEWhen you build a website around a niche - a 'niche . . .

Software Promotion

Software AnnounceCreating amazing software is only half the battle. Telling the world about your software is the other half. With working capital, consider employing someone who specializes in software promotion. To work with an established reputable firm can esure success when marketing software. Two promotional companies that know the software industry, and can provide valuable marketing advi. . .

Keeping Passwords Secure

As the web has evolved, so have the methods of collecting personal information. A large number of websites require visitors to register to gain access or participate. While the need for registration is understandable, tracking user names and passwords can be burdensome. Consider using software to store your passwords, in a safe accessible manner.Most websites have privacy policies, but the valu. . .

The Internet Could Be A Beacon Of Light When All Seems Ho...

Darkness surrounds you on all sides. Sometimes it just feels like you’re totally alone in the world. Many belief systems say that to find happiness and peace you need to go within yourself and speak to a higher power, asking for help. Some believe that all things in life are reflections of your self, part of a whole singular universal life force. Well if this is the case, it means that all obje. . .

Email Spam and Phishing

It seems like the volume of email spam has doubled in the last month. Increasingly, we receive daily emails for better mortgage rates, pharmaceutical discounts, and offers to enlarge body parts we don’t even have.The next generation of sophisticated tools is available to email spammers. Hidden code can be embedded into email allowing the sender to track it. A “spam beacon” lets the sender know . . .

Online Travel Statistics

The Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) released their annual Travelers’ Use of the Internet study in December 2003. The study shows an increase in the number of people using the internet to research and book travel.TIA found that 30% of the adult U.S. population (63.8 million) consult the web for travel information. These travelers spend (on average) $300 more on travel, and nearly 40. . .

The Tech-Heads Need To Build New Software That Makes Obta...

Being the total opposite to a technical person, it is hard to imagine future Internet software advances. The techno-humans have come up with incredible ideas and subsequently their ideas have come to fruition. It seems like anything a human puts their mind to can be done. Our species has come such a long way, but I feel the key to the next part in our evolution of technology and consciousness i. . .

SSI: Why and How to Use Server Side Includes

If you are a webmaster or a website owner and have not yet used server side includes (SSI), I am about to make your life soooo much easier. SSI can save you a lot of time updating your site. Set them up right at the beginning and you will be forever grateful that somebody thought up SSI. In this article we will look at what SSI is, why it makes life so easy, and exactly how to set up SSI on . . .

Be Prepared in the Event Computer Disaster Strikes

ComputersBusinesses and individuals alike have all grown to rely on computers. The reliance is never more apparent than when something happens to the horrid little box that makes our lives easier. We expect computers to react a certain way, in certain situations. It nearly always comes as a surprise when the beloved little box, know as a computer, refuses to boot up. Probably even more shocking. . .

Lockspam for Outlook Version 2.0 is Available Now!

For Immediate ReleasePolesoft declares birth of its new edition of Lockspam!12th May, 2004: Polesoft Inc., the world's professional developer of anti spam software, today announced its new "Lockspam for Outlook" Version 2.0 is available. "Lockspam for Outlook" Version 2.0 is now on store shelves. Since 1st of May, 2004, Lockspam is not free to use any more. However, we encourage users to try ou. . .

10 Tips to Stay Safe and Secure Online

The Internet can be a dangerous place. While you're enjoying the convenience of online shopping, Internet banking and subscription websites, nasty people lurk around every corner. Hackers, fraudsters, identity thieves and many others would love to get hold of your personal details. And what stands between you and a security disaster? Your password. Just 8 little characters long, it's your last . . .

Preparing for a Career in Information Technology

So you want to work in the Information Technology field? In this article i'll provide some advice to those seeking employment in this field. Keep in mind these are my opinions, others may agree or disagree.Mechanic or Engineer?The first question to answer is which direction do you want to go? Typically there are two types of IT Staff. Those who administer and and those who create. What do . . .

The Future of Submarine Games

In the last six months, the demise of sims has been pronounced in abundance. Print mags and sim webzines have been telling you sims are being cancelled left and right Jane's A-10: Cancelled. Wolfpack II: Cancelled. Silent Steel II: MIA. M1Tank Platoon 3: Cancelled. Fighting Steel Deluxe: Cancelled. Jane's Attack Squadron: MIA. Thunder Over Europe: MIA. The list goes on.We all know that this is . . .

The Value of Forums

There are literally thousands of online forums that cover a wide range of topics. Forums provide individuals, who share a common interest, with a meeting place for open discussion, and a great gathering spot for "water cooler" talk. When used properly forums can be an excellent business tool and resource. By providing well thought out, helpful responses posters can develop a reputation as an in. . .

Is the "IronPort" Whitelist Actually An Extortion Tactic ?

It appears that Mr. Gates' prophetic prediction that charging marketers to send email across the Microsoft email networks (MSN and Hotmail) to cut down on Sp*m is about to come true. According to CIO Today, Microsoft is now employing "IronPort Anti-Spam Technology." "IronPort" is a paid "white-list" for people who send "mass email" (including newsletter publishers, ezine publishers, affiliate . . .

DataRecoveryNet.com Enters Medical Industry

Palm Beach Gardens FL- Florida based data recovery service, DataRecoveryNet.com, launched a new service directed toward the medical community aimed at curtailing the loss of private and vital patient data as well as securing patient health information.DataRecoveryNet.com recovers data from malfunctioning, damaged, or failed hard drives and other media. This offering is sure to assist the medica. . .

Would You Like An Extended Warranty With That?

Should you buy an extended warranty with your laptop? You may not want to think about it now, but sooner or later, something is going to break down on your laptop. When it happens, the big question will be who gets stuck with the bill, you or the manufacturer. The standard (standard in this case meaning free) warranty on a new laptop typically runs anywhere from 90 days to a year. That probably. . .

3 Easy Step To Locate A Real Bargain On Laptop Batteries

Looking for a real bargain on laptop batteries? How do I know the batteries are running good as advertised? Which merchants are offering quality rechargeable cells? Where can I get the bargain? Where to buy?Many of you have some of these questions? Certainly!!. We surely want to saving our hard to earn $$ and only buy quality cells. Here are the simple 7 ways to to locate the real bargain.1. Sh. . .

Laptop Computer Extras for the Mobile Traveler

A laptop computer certainly provides you with an unprecedented level of freedom and mobility away from the office. However there are a few extras you might want to bring along on your laptop travels: Extra 1: portable printer If you travel a lot, you never know when you might need to commit one of your digital documents to paper. Sure, you can probably find a Kinko's, or even the business cent. . .

Faster Browsing Tips

IF WE say that it was mainly because of the Windows operating system that a Computer could become a personal computer it would not be an exaggeration. The revolution is still on. Windows is far beyond what a common man presently knows and uses.Internet surfingFor searching something, search engines are being used. However, if you know a Windows trick, then searching for information on the Net. . .

I Spy...Something Terribly Wrong (In Your Computer)

I Spy...Something Terribly Wrong (In Your Computer) This really chapped my lips... I recently bought a new computer. Mine was getting old, had lost its whistle, and the few remaining bells didn't ding a nicely as they had in the past. Yep, it was time for a new state-of-the art dream machine with CD burner, DVD player, a bazillion gigabyte drive and more RAM than Rambo has. I whipped out my. . .

The Top 10 'Must-Have' Laptop Accessories

You've laid out good money for your laptop computer, but you're not done spending just yet. There are a few more laptop accessories you may want to consider to make the package complete. 1: Laptop Case / Bag As the newest member of the mobile computing force, you're required to take an oath of safe computing. And that starts with investing in the most important of laptop accessories - a laptop . . .

Buying Used Dell Laptops, PC's and Servers on eBay - How ...

Two years ago I needed a way to refresh more PC's and Laptops at my company without spending more. New Dell laptops were great but expensive and over the years we had accumulated many Latitude C series parts. The C series ran from the CPX C600 C610 C400 and C640 models before their new D line of Latitude laptops were released. The docks, drives and many other parts are usable in any of these. . .

Use Your Computer For Your Entertainment Needs

By using your computer today you can find a lot of different music and movie programs. From downloading music and movies directly from the internet to buying subscriptions, joining clubs, and even renting, all from the comfort of your home.Today is a fast paced world and by having the luxury of not having to fight traffic or stand in lines makes getting your entertainment a lot easier.Some of . . .

10 Secrets To A Healthy Computer And A Happier You

There comes a time in a person’s life where no matter how much you fight it time takes its toll and we begin to slow down in how we perform our daily activities. However, in order to extend our youthful glow and energy levels it is important to eat right, exercise, and keep a positive outlook on life. Now you may ask what has any of that got to do with “Secrets To A Healthy Computer?” Well, in. . .

Google Contest - Nigritude Ultramarine

Search engine optimization experts are having fun with Google. Experts, with DarkBlue.com at the helm, are holding a contest to determine how Google really works. Experts are competing, with the goal of optimizing a webpage for a non-sensical phrase: 'nigritude ultramarine'. On May 7th, the day the terms 'nigritude ultramarine' was announced, typing the phrase into Google generated no search li. . .