Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

How Secure Is Your Security Deposit?

During the exhausting process of moving into a new apartment, the last thing on your mind is moving-out day. But since your landlord is probably holding a sizable chunk of your money in the form of a security deposit, it's awfully risky not to prepare for the end of your tenancy right from the beginning. So before you start unpacking dishes and hanging prints on the walls, take a few simple ste. . .

Review: Wacom Intuos 3 Tablet

Drawing or making any work art through a computer is a very tough job, especially for beginners. Using the mouse in forming shapes, changing thickness, changing colors, erasing and switching from one command to the other is lot of work and needs more time. To decrease the time consumed and to eliminate unnecessary efforts, a tool was invented, the digitizing or graphics tablet. A graphics table. . .

Can the Internet Foster Intelligent Conversation?

Can the Internet foster intelligent conversation and help to form new ideas and moral beliefs?A weird thing happened yesterday as I walked through my university campus. A young man approached me from a political organization that obviously was canvassing for new members. This is nothing new as there are always people attacking me for one cause or another. I am very interested in the ways in whi. . .

Networking Basics

A network is a group of computers, printers, and other devices that are connected together with cables. The sharing of data and resources. Information travels over the cables, allowing network users to exchange documents & data with each other, print to the same printers, and generally share any hardware or software that is connected to the network. Each computer, printer, or other peripheral d. . .

Recent Cell Phone Advancements

Cell phones have come a long way since the early days of the 1980s when they were the size of a brick and weighed almost as much. Today, cellular phones come with built-in cameras, polyphonic ringtones, and high-tech games. New 3G mobile phones are also capable of downloading full motion video and full spectrum music. Whereas there were only a few manufacturers of cell phones in the 1980s, toda. . .

A Layman's Look At VoIP - Should You Or Shouldn't You?

“As business people we manufacture shin pads, or we distribute cat food, or we evangelize, but should we be considering VoIP? Will it make us more money, or save us time?”So what’s all this VoIP hype anyway? I mean we all know that our voice can be delivered to the four corners of the globe over telephone lines. (Actually, I missed that part of second grade math where they taught us that a ball. . .

13 Steps to Increasing Your Link Luck

Link development can be an absolute nightmare. It takes up most of a marketer’s time and the yield isn’t always what we originally hoped. Worrying about PR, one way inbound links, triangle linking, where to find quality sites to exchange with, it’s all just a huge headache. To be honest, there’s no real way to wash your hands of it, unless you have a huge budget for purchasing text links or to . . .

To Blog Or Not To Blog?

We have now entered the world of blogs! Sounds kind of Harry Potterish, doesn’t it?If you’re over 20 years old, you probably think this is some crazy sci-fi phenomenon, or I’ve simply lost my mind. Don’t fret, the vast majority of people don’t know what a blog is all about – and more importantly, why it matters to them.If you’re under 20 you can stop reading because you probably know all about . . .

High Definition DVD: A Primer

High definition DVD, also known as HD-DVD (which actually stands for High Density DVD), is one of two competing high definition storage formats - the other being Blu-ray (http://www.the-hdtv-tuner.com). The need for a new, high capacity storage format, has been primarily brought about by the rapid rise in popularity of HDTV in Japan and the US. HDTV has much higher bandwidth than either NTSC o. . .

Blackboard Learning in the Twenty-First Century

My grandmother likes to remind me that to her it seems like yesterday that she attended college - something virtually unheard for women of her generation to do. In fact, she and I went to the same university, even studied in the same buildings. But despite those college experiences we share, something makes me think that the way college works now is remarkably different than the way it did when. . .

Blu-ray: A Primer

Blu-ray is an optical disc format which is set to rival HD-DVD (http://www.the-hdtv-tuner.com/high-definition-dvd.html) in the race to be the de-facto standard storage medium for HDTV. The HD-DVD vs Blu-ray battle resembles that between Betamax and VHS and DVD+RW and DVD-RW.Currently, the major Hollywood film studios are split evenly in their support fro Blu-ray and HD-DVD, but most of the elec. . .

Content Readability is Essential

The content of your web site should be written with readability in mind. Those who provide written content that does not reflect an understanding of internet readability research are losing an opportunity to have their message heard more often and more clearly.Studies demonstrate that the internet poses very particular challenges and opportunities with respect to how information is actually rea. . .

Sprint PCS Treo 650 PDA Camera Phone Review

I ordered my Sprint PCS Treo 650 and it was delivered within days. I was replacing my older Sprint Samsung I300 which is another Palm PDA phone but uses the older Palm III OS and has no camera. I really wanted a camera phone but needed a PDA with calendar and contact information to get my Outlook data synchronized with my PDA. When the Treo 650 came out with the camera phone and Palm V PDA I. . .

Data Recovery From Laptops

A lot of important data is being stored on laptops today. Laptop use has increased significantly in recent years. Increased demands for portability and convenience have been envisioned in this mobile technology.Demand for laptops has gone up in part due to the spread of telecommuting in businesses today. Businesses often allow employees to work on laptops at home and bring them to work. Data lo. . .

What Is Data Recovery?

Data recovery is the retrieval of inaccessible or contaminated data from media that has been damaged in some way. Data recovery is being increasingly used and is an important process nowadays.There has been a lot of progress in increasing the memory capacity of data storage devices. Therefore data loss from any one incident also tends to be very high. The relevance of lost data can vary greatly. . .

Remanufactured Toner Cartridges vs. OEM (original manufac...

I have worked in the toner industry for over six years, and in that time have seen a good deal of change within the industry. The remanufacturing industry began as a drill and fill operation. Components were not changed; the cartridge was cleaned and refilled with toner. This led to poor print quality, defects, and cartridges that leaked toner into machines. Some companies continue with t. . .

Microsoft CRM Integration with Lotus Domino email Server ...

Microsoft Business Solutions CRM is in the market expansion mode and this CRM solution is using all the recent Microsoft technologies - Microsoft SQL Server 2000, Microsoft Exchange 2003/2000, Active Directory, etc. Microsoft CRM has connector to Microsoft Exchange to send and receive email from Microsoft CRM lead, opportunity, account, contact. There is competitor email server: Lotus Domino.. . .

Cisco Certification: Surviving The Cisco Cable Jungle

One of the most confusing parts of beginning your Cisco studies is keeping all the cable types separate in your mind, and then remembering what they’re used for. This often occurs when a CCNA or CCNP candidate starts putting together their own home practice lab, and they suddenly realize that they have the equipment to run labs, but not the cables.With this in mind, here are some common Cisco . . .

Microsoft Business Solutions Great Plains, Navision, Solo...

Microsoft Business Solutions products: Microsoft Great Plains, Navision, Solomon, Microsoft CRM, Microsoft RMS are now serving not only to small and mid-size, but also large clients, plus they maybe reasonably priced solution for the branch of multi-national corporation. This raises question of supporting Microsoft Business Solutions product installation remotely and internationally. We do no. . .

Surviving The Technical Job Interview

Ah, the technical interview. Nothing like it. Not only does it cause anxiety, but it causes anxiety for several different reasons.How many people will be asking questions? From experience I can tell you there’s nothing like walking into a room and seeing nine people on the other side of the table. Second, what will you be asked? You’ll sometimes hear people say the questions they were asked in . . .

TurboScout.com Makes Web Searching 20 Times Faster

A 21 year-old undergraduate from Singapore launched TurboScout.com, a new search tool that helps Internet users to access and compare original results from over 90 search engines across 7 categories on a single web page, removing the hassle of retyping keywords into different search engines.Comparing results from different search engines like Google, Yahoo, MSN Search, and Ask Jeeves is a commo. . .

Is New MSN Search More Precise? Just Ask Google.

MSN finally unleashed its new search technology to the world on Monday. The official announcement coming from Bill Gates introduced the New MSN Search engine, ending with a personal invitation to visit www.msn.com and “type in your question.”Here at WebAdvantage.net, we consider ourselves to be veteran internet searchers, often able to easily find the information we're after. Considering we s. . .

The Cheapest Way To Speed Up Your PC

Is your computer running slowly but don't have much cash? Windows XP telling you that you have low memory? Then don't panic, adding memory to your current computer is one of the cheapest, easiest upgrades that you can do yourself! Don't start ripping apart your PC just yet though. There's a few things you can do to make sure your getting the most out of your current hardware. For Windows XP go . . .

Why Over 90% of VoIP (Computer Phone) Services are Vulner...

You are in the crosshairs as a primary target of computer hackers if you own a computer or operate on un-secure VoIP (computer phone) services.John Ashcroft, Attorney General, in remarks at the High Technology Crime Investigation Association 2004 International Training Conference held on September 13, 2004 stated, “We have seen worms and viruses attack…disrupting basic services…And with the inc. . .

How Do You Use The Gradient Tool In Photoshop

There are different ways in eliminating opacity on images. One of the basic techniques is the use of the gradient tool. A gradient tool is used to edit or modify a part or the entire layer of an image. It is located in the tool bar and there is a window provided to customize your gradient.Different gradient shapes include diamond, reflected, linear, etc. There is also the gradient blending mode. . .

The Dangers of Peer-to-Peer Systems

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) systems do not operate on secure lines, thus providing a conduit for hackers to enter a network or computer, access personal and confidential information, as well as deploy viruses or worms. Users of P2P systems are prime targets and/or launching points for malicious hacker attacks simply because it requires downloading and sharing electronic files or programs, not to mentio. . .

Is DVD Storage An Attractive Alternative For Your Compute...

If you have a computer for home use or for your business and don't take comprehensive backup for full protection then you are in the danger-zone. Maybe you do not take any backup at all. You can find in Windows a basic backup utility which are installed during the installation. I should say for all Windows…,but in fact it is not included during the installation of Windows XP Home Edition. It is. . .

Instant Menaces or Instant Messengers?

Many vendors offering Instant Messaging (IM) services have added new capabilities such as voice messaging and file sharing. Among others, AOL, Microsoft, and Yahoo offer these IM services. Clients of Instant Messaging services are also easy prey for the community of hackers. Using a simple monitoring program, the plain text from Instant Messaging can be easily captured and creates vulnerabil. . .

Practical Tips for Designing HTML & Plain Text Newsletters

If you’re completely unfamiliar with how e-newsletters are designed and what benefits they bring, you might wonder why people put so much attention into laying out the design and the details of e-newsletters. You might think that all that matters is that the information we want written there is present. In the contrary, this article shall explain to you why HOW the lay out of your e-newsletter . . .

Product Review on Maxxum D70 Digital Camera

Are you a professional photographer or digital technology enthusiasts into photography and is crazy about the ever-increasing line of digital cameras? If you are then, here’s something new for you from the Konica Minolta. The Maxxum 7D’s (Dynax 7D in Europe) detailed specification came out on September 15, 2004 in a press release, just before the Photokina tradeshow. Maxxum 7D is Konica Minolta. . .

Lay-Out Tips

Effective Lay-outing for NewslettersIf you’re thinking that plotting a plan for something as simple as a newsletter is very elementary then you’re dead wrong. It takes more than just your basic ABC’s to create a truly effective newsletter that can stir a response from your target readers. The making of an effective newsletter takes careful planning. Writing, designing and printing a piece would. . .

What Is The Perfect Letterhead For Your Business

If you want to make a letterhead, think of a unique and pleasing design that would fit the nature of your business. Search on effective letterheads to serve as your guide.Consider making a letterhead with raised letters that are rounded on the front. For the materials, you will need foam, sandpaper, scroll saw or cutter, spray paint, varnish, cardboard, carbon paper, push pins and wooden plank . . .

Playing With The Color And Image

Does your image appear good on the screen, but looks blurred, jagged or fuzzy when you print it?To clearly see the difference of the quality of image on screen and on print, take an image from the internet. Zoom it out or make it larger. Can you see how series of little squares appear on the image? Try to print it and you’ll see that the color will fade. There will be a change in the resolution. . .

Book Printing Through the Millennium

Book printing might sound like a boring niche that doesn’t much over each turning year. That’s why you might find it surprising that like letters and the alphabet, book printing tells a far more astonishing story than what we usually know of. There had been many developments that had great effect on book printing. The technology that spawned the making of records and preserving them was started. . .

When is Too Much Color Too Much?

At the onset of creating a digital document for printing, you must have decided if you are going to use two or more colors for your type. It is important that you must have familiarized yourself with the basics of color and color combinations and its effect on the appearance of your text. Knowing beforehand pertinent knowledge can save you a great deal of energy. Not to mention headaches.Lifeti. . .

Blogging - what's it all about?

A blog usually is a web page that contains brief, discrete hunks of information called posts. These posts are arranged in reverse-chronological order (the most recent come first) and each is uniquely identified by an anchor tag which is marked with a permanent link that can be referred to by others who wish to link to it.A blog is a means of communication and there are many different types of m. . .

CD Business Cards- Why Use Them?

CD Business cards are the more advanced version of the now outdated paper business card. Using CD business cards created by LiveCards allow you to promote your business in a much more dynamic way.The unique shape and unique size give a lasting impression. LiveCards are designed to hold the usual details such as company name logo and contact details. How ever this is where the comparison ends. W. . .

Free Article Use on Your Web Site

If you are trying to drive traffic to your web site and have researched your options, you have probably reached one conclusion. Content is essential.They say content is king and that mantra is oft-repeated for a reason. It’s true. Content is a key component in driving top-notch search engine placement. Content attracts visitors and keeps them longer. Content can help to reinforce your sale. . .

What Does The Year Of The Rooster Have In Store For The D...

Roosters are supposedly deep thinkers—capable of handling any challenge, they are outspoken, aggressive, talented, and courageous. Which is exactly what we can expect this year from the digital world.Mini-Me’s Just as Roosters are aggressive with whatever they do, Apple isn’t one to let the PC drag him out of the ring. The introduction of the Mac Mini, which measures 6.5” square and 2” tall is . . .

How Do I Print Images I Snagged Online?

People who want to print images from the internet but are not familiar with the resolution differences between said images and the requirements of printing presses will find comfort in the knowledge http://printing.lifetips.com has to offer. It offers helpful information and tips that is sure to be of valuable help to the readers.As the site discusses, “Jpeg and Gif files are internet images, s. . .

Printing Equipment Safety Guidelines

Thirty percent of reported accidents are manual handling accidents. These accidents include transporting and supporting of loads, awkward positioning, and unstable materials that are difficult to hold. It rarely results to death, but accidents like this can end up to major injuries such as fractured back or arm. It also results to damage and loss of construction materials.Back sprain or strain,. . .

Determining Keywords

Determining keywords is a critical step in web design. If your website and meta tags do not contain related keywords, web surfers will be unable to find your website when they conduct searches. The formula is a little tricky - you will need to locate terms that are popular and relevant to your site. These terms may or may not be terms that *you* feel are relevant terms. The optimal terms in a s. . .

A Peek Into the Near Future of Electronics Technology

How long do you think DVDs have around? 20 years? 10 years? Actually, they have only been around for about eight years, but it seems like they have been around much longer. Many of us can hardly remember life before DVDs. That can be attributed to how rapidly we can become acclimated to some innovations in electronics technology. I believe there are other electronics technologies, either just g. . .

Edit-able Art

Ways to Edit Art GraphicsIf you’re an individual who’s someone less than an art graphics expert, you might think that a good piece of digital art is just something that didn’t take as much as a drop of sweat from digital artists. You might think that all it takes is raw talent and the absence of which results in nothing but digital garbage. This article aims to illuminate the fact that the tech. . .

Getting To Know Cmyk

You may wonder why colors are grouped into different modes. And no, there’s no racial discrimination involved. For the nature of design to flow in an organized manner, there are primary colors, secondary colors, tertiary colors, etc. If you are not familiar with the family of colors, here is one way of understanding how they are grouped and how they are used.The most common color groups are the. . .

Printing Equipment Safety Guidelines - Safety Measures in...

Did you know for a fact that the Printing Industry has considerable standing in UK’s business and economy by being 6th largest industry in the country? Yes! In fact, there are about 15,000 existing printing companies in the country with about 340,000 employed workers. Thus, considering its large labor force, tasks and the machineries involved in a printing company, accidents are, not surprising. . .

About The Artists Of Brücke

Ever heard of a political art group? Artists who use art, particularly painting, to influence or to move people to action? I have read of those in our history class before---it was quite boring then. I used to think of it as an exaggeration of a hero’s life. Until I read one of my favorite music artist’s biography. His father was a leader of Chicano artists, the “Los Four”. It’s a sort of a mur. . .

Almost A Misconception: Corel Draw

Corel Draw Version 4.0 is said to be the most ambitious computer software. What makes it ambitious is that it promises to be the ultimate tool for any computer graphics design and that it claims to be a bug-free software. The promotion was impressive but it appeared to have disappointed many CorelDraw users. Many thought that Corel Draw version 7 will not be of any difference. Surprisingly, it . . .

Amazing Corel Draw Brushes

Buena Software introduces another plug-in for after effect, the Au Naturel. Au Naturel is a set of seven built-in effects. Effects include adjust exposure effect, levels effect, Gaussian Blur effect, Directional Blur effect, transform effect, composite effect and time lapse effect.Au Naturel’s Gaussian blur is better than that of the discreet Combustion’s built in Gaussian blur because it works. . .

Blending Colors

When you are familiar with software applications such as Adobe Photoshop, Flash and other drawing programs, I know you are also very much familiar with the swatches. Swatches contain selection of different colors that you can use during the creation of your web design, graphic design, and animation. Know what, we have a new innovation in these swatches. This is the so-called Color Blender.Accor. . .