Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

10 Safety Tips For Buying On eBay

eBay has become a household name for shoppers. A lot the buyers on eBay are not regular internet shoppers but they still shop on eBay. Such is the power of eBay giving simplicity of shopping and top bargains. From time to time, there is some fraud on eBay about fake fashion items, event tickets that do not exist, some expensive electronic items that do not exist. eBay does its best to intervene. . .

5 Steps to VoIP

So you’re ready to enjoy unlimited long distance calling and lower monthly phone bills. Well, before you make the switch, here are five steps that will help you get the VoIP plan that is best for you.Make the DecisionYes, it is new technology, and sometimes we are scared of the unknown. VoIP technology is on the rise and many high profile computer companies are already switching to VoIP and i. . .

Live Chat Support and Non-profit Organizations

Non-profit organizations have probably established web-presence to present the goals of the organization, to provide information about current and finished projects and probably attract more people to join you. These institutions can include educational facilities (schools, faculties, and research institutes), embassies, organizations supporting businesses or even government bodies. If you are . . .

Web Servers and Firewall Zones

Web and FTP ServersEvery network that has an internet connection is at risk of being compromised. Whilst there are several steps that you can take to secure your LAN, the only real solution is to close your LAN to incoming traffic, and restrict outgoing traffic.However some services such as web or FTP servers require incoming connections. If you require these services you will need to consider . . .

A Must-Know About Computer And Internet Glossary

Computer-related things tend to have a language all their own. While you do not need to know all of it, there are many confusing words and phrases that you are going to come across sooner or later. Bandwidth. Bandwidth is the amount of data that your website can send each second, as well as the amount of data that the visitor to your website can receive. If either one does not have enough bandw. . .

Watch Your Mouth!

Internet users are very autonomous and self-directed people. With this in mind, you will have to echo those character traits and use the right tone of voice to fit with them. You should also be very careful and really watch your mouth while talking with them, since they are just one click away to your competitors.There is no correct tone of voice and approach towards interacting with website vi. . .

How To Choose Your Web Host

1. Use a popular web host. That cheapo one might be an uncommitted reseller. I used one recently. Very cheap, and very helpful. Then my site went 'missing'. By the Grace Of God I was able to get in contact with the owner, and make a backup, before the service was closed down. I found out later he had only about six customers.Use a popular web host. Avoid ones that are trying to attract customer. . .

Microsoft Word Templates Will Save You Time In Your Small...

One of the issues that most small business owners overlook when starting out in business is the use of technology. Whilst computer technology may require a significant investment when starting out; Overtime, if your systems are built correctly they will in fact save you very large sums of money, in particular in the area of staff wages. When I first started my business, One-on-One Personal C. . .

Neopets: The Power Of Children And Their Imagination

If you haven’t heard of Neopets than I have to seriously wonder what planet you come from, you definitely don’t hail from Neopia. www.neopets.com is one of the most popular sites on the whole Internet, and what does this mean to you and me? It’s a kid’s site. Our next generation is finding a home in virtual reality, and they love it. Neopets has over 70 million members from Timbuktu to Kalamazo. . .

SQL Server Triggers

Triggers are stored procedures which are fired when data is modified in an underlying table. They can evaluate data being added to a table for validation purposes, or can make changes in that or other fields depending on the value of that data. You can use them even to execute a separate stored procedure, or to roll back a data modification or an entire transaction. In earlier versions of SQL S. . .

Classic Arcade Games Emulation On New Technology

You might wonder what an emulator is. Emulators allow your computer to act like a console system such as the Apple IIe or the Atari 2600, which are used to emulate the hardware of a variety of classic arcade games.Are all classic arcade games emulated? No, but those games made before 1992 are. Not all systems are easy to emulate.Why is there a need to emulate classic arcade games? There are thr. . .

How to Podcast? An Introduction to Podcasting

Podcasting is the newest craze on the internet and it continues to expand on a daily basis. Former MTV host Adam Curry and software developer Dave Winer are credited with developing podcasting. Curry wrote a program called iPodder which allowed him to automatically download internet radio broadcasts to his iPod and Winer was instrumental in promoting RSS. (Really Simple Syndication). What is RS. . .

7 Tips For Buying Cheap Laptop

Laptops are gaining in popularity these days. Almost everyone is carrying one now either for work or entertainment. Laptops with the latest technology are introduced to the market everyday and these new laptops come with a huge price tag. However, that does not mean you cannot get a good and cheap laptop. I have put together a guide that may help you out in your hunt for a cheap and good laptop. . .

SQL Server System Stored Procedures

System Stored Procedures System stored procedures are packaged with SQL Server. Many procedures are used to administer SQL Server, but some are utilities that can be profitablly used by developers. They are global, and can be called from any database application without their fully qualified name. (They are all owned by dbo.) . They are all stored in the Master database, and have the prefix sp_. . .

Essential Tips on Gaming for Newbies: The World of Intern...

Internet games use the cyber world technology for playing. Games are extremely popular and constantly evolving. There are:• Games played using e-mail.• Games played on a browser window by using a web address.• Games played using Internet Relay Chat, Telenet, MUD client, or a Web based forum.• Games that are graphic need stand-alone software that permits players to play with or against one anoth. . .

How You Can Use VoIP Technology

Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, uses your broadband internet connection to place phone calls. By converting your voice (or analog) signal into a digital signal, this makes for a more efficient way to talk on the phone and can save you money.There are three ways you can use VoIP. You can either connect using your regular phone and an adapter, a special internet phone, or download software. . .

What Do You Do With Your Web Site Traffic?

Have you ever noticed how much everybody talks about Internet marketing? It seems to be one of the hottest topics on the Internet over the past few years.The funny thing about it is that with all the talk that has been going on very few people actually understand some of the fundamental principles of Internet marketing.For example, what is the most important aspect of your Internet marketing ca. . .

Halo 2 Strategy

After experimenting with a couple of different strategies, I found this to be the most effective Halo 2 strategy. Mind you, it's mostly for offense in CTF. To begin the game, have each teammate get the weapon for their role(i.e. sniper). The sniper should first try to pick off at least two guys within 15 seconds of each other (hopefully one is the enemy sniper). Once he does that, send in one b. . .

Credit Card Logos For Your Website

If you own or operate a website in conjunction with your business, consider posting a Visa logo, or even Visa / Master Card logos on your website. Visitors browsing the site will be more apt to linger and shop when they know you offer the convenience of buying on credit cards. To display Visa or Master Card logos on your site, you will need to apply for a merchant account. This is a special acc. . .

Five Reasons To Use MICR Check Printing Software

Did you know you could print your own checks for as little as 4 cents per check?If you write a lot of checks, have multiple bank accounts, multiple businesses or use pre-numbered checks, I have good news for your. MICR printing software is very affordable and will save you both time and money.Here are five reasons to seriously consider using MICR check printing software:1. Pre-numbered checks a. . .

Why Blog?

Why Blog?Blog, blog, blog. What the heck is it anyway? Does it ribbit? Oink? Croak? One more torturous gadget I have no time for? Entertainment? Work? Solitaire? What’s in it for me? If this sounds like you this new year, you’re in a good place. At least you’re alive, curious and addicted to email. A blog is a useful tool for your business--if and only if--you take time to get used to the proce. . .

How Does Web Hosting Provider Support You

When you are ready to purchase a web hosting package and start your own Internet activity then all you have to do is to choose a web hosting provider. There are a lot of criteria to figure out what is best for you. And one the most important (…if not the most important) aspect is Support that you can get from the web hosting provider. Before joining any of web hosting providers try to check the. . .

RPG Games For Beginners

Part I – characters, attributes and experience explainedFor the ones of you that don’t know RPG stands for Role Playing Game, and is one of the most played type of game nowadays.You are the main hero, and you interact with other characters also called NPC-s ( or Non Playable Characters if you’re playing single player). They will give you quests to do, and you have to do them, in order to get e. . .

Computer Consulting Profit Secrets

Do you own or manage a computer consulting company? Are you having trouble growing your computer consulting company's profits?If so, then you must learn how to focus on your computer consulting firm's profit and bottom line. In this article, we'll look at 7 profit secrets and strategies you can use in your computer consulting business, to ensure that you are able to balance your clients' small . . .

Get A Web Hosting Merchant Account

When you started your business, perhaps you thought it was enough to make your goods available to a few neighbors in the community, with no thought of ever applying for a Web hosting merchant account. Then you might have expanded the company’s range by advertising in the newspaper or on the radio to get the word out to those who did not drive by your company in a typical day’s time. But now you. . .

How To Have Your Own Online Business

So you've decided to have an online business. Before you start having those big cash flow dreams, stop and get some tips for having an online business. There are many internet information resources for doing this sort of thing. However, the basic tips for an online business are very close to those of a traditional business. Here are some basics: • Write a business plan and revise that plan peri. . .

All About Spyware

You’ve heard about and, you know it’s bad. We hear alarming statistics like “over 90% of personal computers are already compromised by spyware” and “spyware and other potentially unwanted programs are rapidly becoming the number one threat to business systems”. But just what is it?According to McAfee Inc., the leader in spyware protection solutions: Spyware is any software whose function includ. . .

Get Off To A Running Start With Microsoft Word XP

Just as we were getting comfortable with our cozy, fuzzy version of MS Word, along comes Word XP. This article explains some of it’s important new features and how to make the most of them. Time to get your sneakers on and let's get off to a running start with Word XP.Multiple DocumentsIn older versions of Word, new documents took over the entire Word window. With Word XP, each new document ope. . .

448 Bit Encrypted Security? Sneaky & Slimy Hackers Are Lo...

“Rest Assured Your Computer Files Are Not As Secure As You Think They Are, This Article On 448 Delta Is The Beginning Stage To Your Hard Drive -– Your File Data Security Patiently Awaits Its Purpose; To Encrypt or be Decrypted Is The Question...?”Are you getting fed up with hackers tapping into your hard drive and breaking down the barriers to your firewall? Or are you flat out insecure about y. . .

Software Evolution

As Internet connections become more permanent with broadband access, software will be able to evolve into a more efficient and personalized medium. Currently, most software run from our hard drives and require installations that alter our system configurations, many times slowing down our computers. Because software occupies space and processing power, there is a limited amount of software that. . .

Can You Restore Data From Your Backup?

Many users don't test their backups. This is because they don't take the time or they don't know the steps to take. This means that there is a risk that the restoration of their system will not work nor can they be sure that they are able to retrieve individual files. You should use a backup program which gives you a full report with verification which highlights possible errors when the backup. . .

SEO And The Outsourcing Of Inbound Link Building

Search Engine Optimization nowadays has a lot to do with building inbound links to your website. Building inbound links is a cumbersome tasks and webmasters have always been looking for shortcuts to do this. Webmasters buy links (as advertising as an example) or contact other webmasters to exchange links with them. The need for inbound links has created a new business opportunity in the search . . .

Hurricane Katrina Donations Could be Many Millions More -...

Yesterday I saw a mention in someone’s email ezine about a kind person who had an eBay auction with the proceeds going 100% to help victims of the horrible Hurricane Katrina.It struck a chord with me because I had wanted to set up something similar, but found that the “eBay Giving Works” charity program seems to be terribly flawed for us small sellers. I had researched it the day before, eBay g. . .

Identity Theft - Is The Internet A Major Factor?

Identity theft – also known as ID theft, identity fraud and ID fraud – describes a type of fraud where a criminal adopts someone else’s identity in order to profit illegally. It is one of the fastest growing forms of fraud in many developed countries.In the UK identity theft is increasing at the rate of 500% each year and, according to Which Magazine, 25% of the population have either suffered . . .

Wise Words On Website Content

Wise words on website content.Websites come and websites go; it’s a fact. It’s also a fact that websites which have exceptional website content don’t go very often. In order to win and retain business you need to be able to attract, keep and excite people’s attention but for many that isn’t always an achievable target. However without website content that can do this and do it quickly you are l. . .

The ABCs Of Computer Memory

Computer memory is called Random Access Memory (RAM). The information stored in RAM can be accessed randomly, rather than sequentially. This means that data can be found in any location at the same rate of speed. Other storage media, such as CD-Rom and hard drives, must wait while the drive spins to the correct location before the data can be accessed. Computer memory is simply a storage area f. . .

Search Technologies

Each of us has been faced with the problem of searching for information more than once. Irregardless of the data source we are using (Internet, file system on our hard drive, data base or a global information system of a big company) the problems can be multiple and include the physical volume of the data base searched, the information being unstructured, different file types and also the compl. . .

5 Steps to Remove Spyware for Free

Have you ever tried to remove Spyware off your PC only to find out it never left or it came back? Tired of all those annoying Popups, Viruses, and Ads on your system day in and day out? Well, listen closely because the day has come to remove Spyware programs and Viruses - forever! I will give you some very useful tricks and tips to remove Spyware and Viruses for good! Follow closely: Steps to R. . .

Blogs, Blogs, Blogs! What They Are, and Why They Matter.

I remember that it was not that long ago that I did not know what a blog was or what one was for. Now blogs are everywhere and anyone with a computer and Internet access may be writing one. If you are new to this whole blog phenomenon let me explain a little about what a blog is. Blog's got their name from combining two words "Web log" to make one word, "blog". For most people, blogs started ou. . .

Forex Software Packages

If you plan to start trading FOREX online you will of course be using a software system. This system will make it easy for you to get information quickly about market prices and make trades. There are two types of FOREX software available, client based and web based.As the FOREX market is a fast moving market and you will need up to the minute information to make informed transactions, it is up. . .

Nosy and Intrusive Spyware Applications

Spyware has been compared to a nosy neighbor snooping around the block to find some gossip, however spyware has yet to gain the courtesy of a nosy neighbor because spyware fails to make itself known or ask for permission. Spyware gets into internet users’ computers without their knowledge while they surf the internet, open emails, click on ads and download freeware. Avoiding it seems impossib. . .

SEO & Competition Analysis – Part Two

Once you have optimized the onsite factors from part one of this series it’s time to launch into the external factors. External SEO factors generally refer to the internal links to your, and your competitor’s, website.Analyzing the links to your competitors is not a simple matter of running a link:www.competitorsdomain.com on Google and rushing off and duplicating what you find there. First o. . .

Set up Your Own Webcam

These days, web cameras are everywhere. Your friends have one, maybe your office or the university that you study in also do. So, you decided to finally go with the crowd and get a camera. Now that you have it at home and connected to your computer, you probably wonder: "How do I make this thing show a picture online?" We are here to explain. Setting up your own web camera is easy: al. . .

DVD Burning Tips

CD and DVD Replication - how it works.CD and DVD replication is a process that works by creating discs from scratch. Not to be confused with duplication (the act of burning information onto readymade, commercially-available blank CD-Rs and DVD-Rs), replication relies on the use of molds to produce actual discs that already contain digital data. It is the preferred and recommended mode of mass. . .

Why Pay For Long Distance When You Can Get It Absolutely ...

Imagine making long distance calls to everyone you know… for freeFor the millions of consumers who are sick and tired of paying hundreds and even thousands of dollars each year on long distance calls, a company in Aliso Viejo, CA has created the greatest breakthrough since Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone. This cutting-edge (patent pending) internet technology by AdCalls enables any. . .

Network Security – Not With a Peer-toPeer Network!

Most small business networks grow and evolve as the business grows. In one way, this is good. It shows the business is growing, becoming stronger. Unfortunately, from a network perspective, it can be a disaster in the making.Most small business networks are setup in a peer-to-peer (P2P) format. In contrast, large corporate networks are setup in a domain format. What does this mean to you?F. . .

What The Hex Goin' On Here?

When editing an HTML document or graphic image for the Internet, you may encounter a color code similar to #FFFFFF. You can easily manipulate a sequence like this with a web palette or image-editing software. But by examining it more closely, you can gain valuable insight into the displays generated by electronic media such as computers and televisions.In the traditional analysis you're probabl. . .

Computer Components for Idiots

There are many fancy add-ons for computers, but the basic components of the computer are simple and universal. If 1 of these main components is missing, it’s not a computer. The 4 essentials of every computer system are: a motherboard, a Central Processing Unit (CPU), memory, and a hard drive. These components are installed in a case to which are attached a monitor, a keyboard and a mouse. That. . .

Guarding your Computer from Silent Spy Ware Bots

Spyware records your internet usage allowing advertisers to target you with product ads they feel you would purchase based on the information gathered. It can also record personal information such as credit card info, and social security numbers, leading to identity theft.While performing common, everyday tasks on the internet computer users are constantly in harms way of spyware. By authorizi. . .

Applying for a Mastercard

Mastercard Credit Cards Choosing to apply for a MasterCard credit card is great because they are accepted worldwide. However, there are some things you should keep in mind when applying for a MasterCard that include different incentive programs like frequent flyer miles, discounts on gas, cash back, as well as who the credit card is for from a business to a student. These are all considerations. . .