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10 Better Alternatives to Your iPhone’s Native Apps


You just got a new iPhone. You’re looking forward to a clean, untouched interface. But after powering-up, what’s this? The dreaded pre-loaded app.
Just like new computers come standard with Internet Explorer or iPhoto, new iPhones and iPads include in-house apps like Voice Memos and Compass. Half of them we don’t use; the other half we grudgingly accept as the norm.
But know, dear citizens, that you are not chained to iOS-developed apps. You deserve a colorful alarm clock and a friendlier weather app. After all, you work hard.

SEE ALSO: 10 Free iPhone Apps You’ll Use Every Day
We’ve found 10 alternatives to the standard issue iOS apps. Take a peek in the gallery above — we’ve placed the default iOS apps on the left and our suggestions on the right.
And really, thanks for thinking of us, Apple, but sometimes we need the extra oomph.

Apple Bids Farewell to Paid Cloud Service MobileMe


MobileMe
Apple retired on Sunday its paid cloud service MobileMe, following a several year process led by former CEO Steve Jobs to pack up the product for good.
The company announced last year that it would be closing MobileMe and urged users to move their accounts to iCloud, Apple’s first big push to unify its product lines with online storage.
For MobileMe users who haven’t yet moved their files and photos to iCloud, data can still be retrieved — Apple notes on its homepage that it has extended the deadline to move content. However, Mac users without memory to support OS X Lion needed to run iCloud will be unable to make the switch.
SEE ALSO: Apple’s iCloud: Fine on Mobile, Dead on the Desktop [REVIEW]
The move to shut down MobileMe was years in the making. According to a Fortune report, Jobs once claimed that the rocky launch had the potential to “tarnish” the brand during the 2008 launch of the 3G iPhone.
In October 2011, the company rolled out iCloud, which is free to users with an iOS 5 device, as a part of a major initiative to reboot and rebrand the service.
Are you surprised it took this long to shutter MobileMe? Were you a user of the service? Let us know in the comments.

BONUS: How iCloud Works

Would You Date Someone Fifteen Years Younger


The trials and tribulations of an older woman and a younger man
I have done it and was not cut out for it. I was constantly aware of being 45 and him being 30. Consequently I did not want to go out a lot or introduce him to my female friends. They had already told me he was a delectable catch and wished they were so lucky to have a man of thirty that looked like that and was so crazy about me.


Content Source: Bukisa - Would You Date Someone Fifteen Years Younger

Win Back Your Ex By Making Them Fall In Love With You


Given that you want to win back your ex realize that you remain the person with the greatest chance of making this a possibility. After all, your ex fell in love with you at some point even if they are not willing to admit it. Understanding that there is hope in being able to win back your ex is foundational.
Given that you want to win back your ex realize that you remain the person with the greatest chance of making this a possibility. After all, your ex fell in love with you at some point even if they are not willing to admit it. Understanding that there is hope in being able to win back your ex is foundational for moving forward with the following concepts. Belief will help you persevere though some of the challenges that come in trying to win back your ex. However, belief alone cannot bring your ex back and implementing the information contained here places the probability much higher.


Content Source: Bukisa - Win Back Your Ex By Making Them Fall In Love With You

Can You Really be With Only One Partner in Your Lifetime


Understanding what marriage is all about before you commit


Nothing lasts forever, not even love, not with the same intensity as the first time you met. We fall in love, we marry, we take vows, we promise, we disappoint, we forgive and we have hardly finished the wedding cake when one party aggravates the other and the couple’s true nature comes out. The fault is not with the couple. The fault is with the misunderstanding of the word love and what marriage means and whether it can sustain the rough parts as well as the good.


Content Source: Bukisa - Can You Really be With Only One Partner in Your Lifetime

DIY Home Security Systems


If you happen to be a home security system professional then you will certainly have reason to be alarmed because of the increasing numbers of DIY home security systems being sold today. In these recessionary times there are many more takers for DIY home security systems than at any time before and the reason for this is that a do it yourself option provides homeowners with a cost effective solution that is as good as any professionally installed home security system.

Increase In Rates Of Crime

Another reason why DIY home security systems have become so popular is the increase in rates of crime that in turn is closely linked to the depressed state of the economy. According to statistics released by the FBI, a home burglary takes place every fifteen seconds and the average loss to a homeowner is estimated to be about two thousand dollars per single burglary case. 

A 'do it yourseflf home security system' is also very inexpensive and anyone with basic skills can install one in their home. Since a DIY home security system offers an alternative to getting a home security system installed professionally it makes sense to learn a bit more about how you too can install one in your home.

In fact, today you can go out and purchase a DIY home security system kit and if you know how to use a screwdriver and a drill then this can prove to be a great option for you. These kits come with cameras that are already focused and designed to be set up with minimum fuss though they are at the same time mainly designed for use within a home. If however you wish to mount them outside the home then it is necessary that you ensure using protective housing as otherwise the equipment can easily be damaged by not only changes in weather but also by the intruders.

A typical DIY home security system kit comes with all the required equipment to ensure complete protection to your home and there are also installation materials that can help you fix as many as four cameras and other door equipment that will complete your home security system. To get the most out of your DIY home security system you should first ensure getting security both within and without the house and this of course means starting with installing bolts and locks in the home. 

Then you have to take care of properly illuminating your property and after that you can start with installing the home security camera after which you also have to learn how to maintain your DIY home security system.

When you go out and purchase a home security system you will generally find that you can expect to get what you pay for. This will of course give rise to the concern that when buying a cheap home security system will it in fact be able to provide the best protection for your home or not. You must, if you are planning on purchasing the cheaper systems, ensure using common sense and you need to also realize that not even the most expensive home security system is foolproof. This means that whether you choose a cheap or expensive home security system you will still need to know how a particular security system addresses your main security concerns. Addressing your key security concerns effectively is the key to getting the most out of a home security system – whether it is cheap or expensive is a secondary issue.

Choosing the Best Home Security System?


The million dollar question that must be uppermost in everyone’s mind is what is the best home security system?
Whether you are building a home or even purchasing a home you will no doubt certainly want to use only the best home security system so as to get complete protection for your home and for your near and dear ones and also for your valuables. With so many options to choose from picking the best home security system can become very confusing unless of course you have some tips to show you what you should and should not do when picking a particular home security system.

Hard-Wired Or Wireless Systems

Essentially, when trying to pick the best home security system you will have to first decide whether to pick a wired system or one that is wireless. Each type has its own characteristics that must then be studied in detail in order to pick the best home security system.

The hard wired system is often considered the best home security system because it can provide more complete protection for your home. However, to get the most out of a hard-wired system it is best that such systems are installed when you are building a home as then you can install the cables and hide them within the walls you can ensure that there are no obtrusive cables lying about. In addition, the components used in a hard wired system are cheaper and so on this account too the hard-wired system is the best home security system.

The wireless system can also prove to be the best home security system because obviously without any wires to contend with the installation of such a system becomes very simple and in fact, you can even do the installation on your own without taking any outside help. In addition, the wireless home security system does not require much maintenance and so, on this account it merits being considered the best home security system.

If you narrow down your choices to either hard-wired or wireless home security system you can then pick and choose the best home security system with considerably more ease. The Brink’s home security system is certainly worth considering when you wish to use only the best home security system.

A DIY home security system solution can make life a lot simpler for people that do not want to hire professionals to fix up a home security system in their homes. In fact, a DIY solution is so simple that you can even teach a young child to do the installation.

Wireless Home Security Alarm Systems



Wireless home security alarm systems are often the first choice for those who require having completion protection against burglaries and other intrusions. The biggest advantage to using wireless home security alarm systems is that they can be very easily installed and so makes for a great do-it-yourself project.
With no complicated wiring needs to address it is hardly surprising to learn that fixing a wireless home security alarm system is simple enough that ensure that anyone with basic skills will succeed in putting up such a system in their homes.

Minimal Components

A wireless home security alarm system comes with minimal components and whatever components that are used can easily be installed. However, there are a few downsides to installing a wireless home security alarm system and these include having to meticulously plan everything out; especially in regard to those parts of the home where it will not be possible for the system to provide adequate protection.

The simple fact is that signals have to be transmitted by what is known as a main control unit which means that only components that are within range of the main control unit will be able to function properly. This means that you have to be especially careful that you install the components where they can receive signals from the main control unit.

As long as the wireless home security alarm system is properly installed you can then expect complete protection – far better than what you can get from using a wired system. Most wireless home security alarm systems work on battery power which can be an advantage or a disadvantage – depending on how you look at it. The advantage to using battery power is that your wireless home security alarm system will continue working even during a power outage while the downside is that if you do not replace the batteries in time they could run out of power which will then render your system useless.

But, what makes the wireless home security alarm system so useful is the fact that such a security solution is very inexpensive and so is also suitable for people that may only have limited budgets.

When it comes to picking the best home security system you will have many options to choose from. Each different home security system has its own advantages and will provide its own suitable protection against intrusions. There are however certain factors that will help in pinpointing the best option and these include amount of protection provided and whether the system is interconnected and also the fact that there is no power interruption.

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Home Security Camera System Options


The popularity of home security camera systems has increased considerably and the reason for this is that today everyone is concerned about securing their properties. In fact, there is hardly a better way to protect your home and the people living in your home and in addition the home security camera system can also help secure an office which is another good reason to choose this particular kind of home security solution.
A home security camera system can help you in a number of ways including monitoring the activities of your young children and to also keep tabs on who comes to the front door. This gives you greater peace of mind and you can also multitask while being sure that you can easily get to your children should it become necessary.

Numerous Home Security Camera Options

When it comes to picking the right home security camera system there are numerous options open to you though the most important consideration is that you should pick a solution that gives you value for the money you have spent and which also addresses every possible security need.

In order to pick the right home security camera system you need to start off by first assessing your security needs which of course means being sure in your mind about why you need to use a home security camera system in the first place. Once you have a purpose in mind you will then be able to decide on what the most appropriate camera system is.

You need to also have answers to questions such as placement of the camera system, whether you want to place the camera indoors or outdoors and you should also have a budget in mind. Next, you need to choose a particular kind of camera which in most cases will be a CCTV camera (Closed Circuit Television) that in turn is available in many different types.

You can also pick a home security camera system according to whether it is professional grade or a bullet camera, or a board camera and of course you will also need to decide on whether to use a black and white or color home security camera system.

Placement of the camera system is very important and so you must ensure that for a black and white camera security system that there is sufficient amount of light available while for color systems you would be better off installing the system indoors. You will also need to learn about proper screen resolution and also the light levels.

A wireless home security alarm system incorporates the latest in current technologies that help to open a whole array of possible solutions that can help to completely protect your property in a most foolproof manner. Such systems are self-contained and are also very cost effective and certainly worth a second thought.

Cheap Home Security or a More Expensive Option?

Cheap Home Security

Home security is certainly a very important issue that concerns everyone and so must be given adequate thought. The choices confronting a homeowner that is looking for cheap home security are so many, that without some help and tips the entire task of picking the right solution can prove to be very overwhelming.

It Must Be Reliable

An ideal home security system can be one that is simple or it can be very elaborate; what is important is that the system should be reliable and not prone to malfunctions or breakdowns. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that an expensive home security system solution is going to be of foolproof. You will therefore do well to look at the nuts and bolts of each home security system before deciding on a particular option.

Response times are very important because an effective home security system is one that can give you a warning well in time to alert you about danger so that you can seek help from the law enforcement agencies. A home security system that gives off false alarms is to be avoided and furthermore you need to also ensure that motion detectors have been properly installed so that they are able to easily pick up signs of improper movement about your home. They should not be placed where normal movement is detected and an alarm sounded.

Another important consideration when it comes to picking a home security system, the level of security required can also sway your decision about what kind of system is required. You may want to, for example, buy a home security system that can alert you whenever there is a fire or smoke is detected or you may want systems that can alert you to presence of danger from too high carbon dioxide levels in the home which is dangerous, especially for your children’s health.


The more costly home security systems are sure to come with the most advanced technology, especially when it comes to using motion sensors. These can provide high levels of security and are recommended – but, only if you can afford the costs. Once you purchase a particular home security system you must then ensure that it works properly and you will also do well to hire an independent agency to ensure that the home security system that you have installed is sufficient to address all of your home security concerns.

Using a home security camera can help in apprehending criminals that are attempting to break into your home. Even the police use such equipment as such cameras have proved to be very effective in catching thieves and other criminals. So, if you have not as yet learned how such an item of home security equipment can help you it is time to visit a home security store to find out more.

Choosing a Beach Vacation Rental?


Trying to decide on a single beach vacation rental can definitely be tricky. There are so many out there to choose from that travelers often get overwhelmed and especially if it is their first time going on this sort of travel, they get frustrated and don't even know where to start. If this sounds like you, you should know that there are a few very easy steps that you can take and which will ensure that you find the perfect beach vacation rental. Ask Questions

There are basically a few questions that if you answer for yourself, you are going to make sure that you find the best beach vacation rental for you. One of the first questions is whether you want a casual or luxury vacation rental. This is going to depend largely on the amount of money that you have to work with of course, because the luxurious rentals are typically much more costly.

Depending on how extravagant you want to go with your vacation, you can choose from having just the basic hotel room to one that is set right on the water with room service and secluded beaches. 

Another question that you have to answer for yourself is how large you want the beach vacation rental to be. Maybe you are just traveling for yourself for personal or professional purposes, or traveling with a partner, or even bringing the whole family along. Either way, determine early on how much room you think you are going to need to be comfortable.

There are lots of different types of beach vacation rental that you can choose from. There are condos, hotels, motels, and then there are even vacation rental homes by owner, which means that you are dealing with the person who actually owns and lives in the vacation home. This is often a great way to get a deal but then you have to worry about ruining their things which are in the home.

These are all important things that you need to take into consideration when you are trying to find a vacation rental for your travels. Unlike flights where you often can save money by booking later on, if you want to save money here then you are going to have to make sure that you book earlier on, and also so that you can make sure to get in for the particular time and date that you need the rental for.

Best Kauai Vacation Rental to Stay at?


If you are going to stay in Kauai you would need to get a Kauai vacation rental, just as if you were to stay in Florida you would need to get a Florida vacation rental.
Now it can definitely be difficult to decide on just the right one, and make sure that you pick a Kauai vacation rental that is going to be properly accommodating to your needs, and there are a few of these vacation rentals in particular that are considered as being the best and which you are going to want to learn more about. Hanalei Bay Resort

There is the Hanalei Bay Resort for one that is a great Kauai vacation rental that you can check out. It is really stunning and beautiful and there are hotel rooms, studios, one bedrooms and two bedrooms that are available. There is a gorgeous waterfall view that you can check out and a tennis court that you can play a few rounds on.

This Kauai vacation rental is absolutely one of the very best, and one that you will love staying at. It is a holiday all the way when you stay here, and this is one vacation rental that is definitely want to check out more.

There is a spectacular setting and views, two swimming pools, waterscapes and falls, high speed Internet if you want to go online, and fabulous evening entertainment so you are certainly never going to be bored when you are staying here at this vacation rental. There is even a secluded beach that you can hang out on and where you know that you are going to have all the privacy that you want.

Kuhio Shores 

Another Kauai vacation rental that you may be interested in is this one, Kuhio Shores. Here you can choose from a one or two bedroom condo, so it is not the type of place you want to travel to if you have a bunch of kids going with you, but it is great for a romantic getaway. It is absolutely stunning that is for sure and there are lots of great activities that you can try out such as snorkeling and scuba diving.

There is lots of adventure awaiting you when you stay at this resort, and you are never going to forget it. Just make sure that you call in plenty of time in advance so they can fit you in because they are very busy all year round.

Make Planning A Vacation Fun


A vacation in the summer is something that everyone looks forward to because it is that time of the year when kids are not going to school and workloads are lower and there are also numerous good vacation packages available. To get away from the maddening daily rush to and from work and not having to rush to pick up kids from their schools as too rushing to make dinner for the family is something to look forward and this is what you can expect if you take a welcome break from these fixed daily routines.
Slow Down

A vacation allows you to take some time off to relax and slow down the tempo of your life and there is nothing that quite compares with taking a summer break – even a mini-break of some kind can do wonders for your mind and body.

To ensure getting the most out of your summer vacation you need to first of all do your planning well ahead of the actual departure day. Next, you need to use the power of the Internet to find the best deals and checking out sites such as hotwire, Priceline and Orbitz as too cheaptickets and hotels.com can help you find the most reasonably priced cruises, hotels as well as airfares.

It pays to discuss your vacation plans with friends as too your neighbors who will relate their own experiences and will provide you with help, advice and information about getting a good deal. You should also search for discounts and learn about the less costly hotels, restaurants and of course, airlines.

Once you get wind of a good vacation offer you need to be quick in grabbing the opportunity so that you can avail of discounts and other good offers. This means that you should already have saved your money well before your planned vacation and the money that you have set aside can then be spent wisely on the better discounted and other travel deals.

While on your vacation it pays to use traveler’s checks rather than your credit card because the former can be replaced without fuss or bother should you lose the traveler check whereas getting a lost credit card replaced can turn out to be a major hassle. Also, take along items of toiletries with you because these can cost more in different places.

It also pays to be insured for your vacation travel as this will help take care of costly medical care that might accrue should you require medical treatment when you are out on a cruise or in a foreign country. Lastly, makes sure to act with restraint on your vacation which means that you need to be extra careful about how much you spend on souvenirs as well as on gifts because these can add up to a tidy sum of money – even if you have been very careful about what you have been buying.

Find The Best Disney Vacation Hotels


Many people that are interested in taking a vacation would like to visit some of the top Disney vacation hotels in the Florida area.  Finding a top Disney World vacation hotel will not be difficult with the wealth of vacation information that is available to consumers today.  There are several different ways that a person can find the top Disney vacation hotels that they maybe interested in and each of the different ways will provide valuable information about the hotels that are available. Vacation Guides

The vacation guides for the vacation destination will often list the top Disney vacation hotels in order to attract people that may be interested in staying at the destination.  These vacation guides will list all of the important information about the different hotels, including the attractions available, the dining options available, and the average price of a stay in that hotel at different times of the year.
The vacation guide will also list the amount of time that it takes to get from the top Disney vacation hotels to the theme parks and will often provide a map so the person can see the route that will be traveled to get to and from the hotel.

Vacation Websites

A vacation website is another good place to find a top Disney vacation hotel.  These vacation websites are much like the vacation guide books, but are much more interactive and will actually link you to the website of the vacation destination so that you can find out more information or make reservations.  Using a vacation website will also allow you to see different photographs of the hotels available so that you will be able to see if the place is really an attractive place that you would be able to enjoy.

Some vacation websites will have a special section of the website dedicated to Disney vacation deals and will list deals for specific hotels in that area of the website.  In some cases, the deal will be a special price on the hotel room if the person takes a vacation that lasts for a certain number of nights or takes their vacation at a certain time of the year.  In other cases, the deal may be for discounted tickets that can be used for entrance to some of the smaller theme parks in the area.
With so many information sources available, it should not be difficult for a person to choose the top Disney vacation hotel for their needs.

Find A Good Discount Vacation Package


Lazzy Feet on a Blue Ocean Beach vacation
When it comes to a vacation the first thing that will hit you is the huge number of options available to anyone that cares to search for the best and perhaps most affordable and discounted vacation packages. Every airline and tour operator as well as resorts and even wholesalers have their own complement of discount vacation packages on offer and with so much to choose from it is only necessary that you learn how to get things right
Which Kind Of Vacation
To begin with, before you search for a discount vacation package you need to answer a few questions including which kind of vacation suits you the best. You need to know which kind of activity suits you and where you can enjoy such activities. Remember also that planning and making your bookings well in advance can also help you get a good discount vacation package deal.

Of course, if you plan on a vacation that involves more cultural activities and adventure and less of relaxation chances of finding a good discount vacation package are lower though there are still many good deals to choose from.
Sometimes, to get the exact discount vacation package that you want you will need to make compromises and look for a package that offers as many of the different activities that you wish to do, because finding a good discount vacation package that offers everything such as exploring, traveling and mixing with different communities in remote places in foreign locales is often hard to find as a complete package.

However, for more normal vacationing ideas there are numerous dedicated discount vacation package deals available that will for example allow you to enjoy an exciting trip to Las Vegas or even to Disney World. There are also some excellent options available that include a good discount vacation package to the Bahamas where you can enjoy a truly marvelous vacation. In fact, the Bahamas attract so many people that unless you book your discount vacation package to that destination well in advance chances of finding a place on an airline or cruise ship will diminish as the departure date approaches. So, always do your booking well in advance.

A family vacation package can prove to be very exciting and often it is costlier than you might have bargained for, unless of course you are able to get a good discount offer. There are numerous places on this planet that lend them well for family vacations and there are also many activities that an entire family can enjoy. Swimming is certainly an activity that the entire family can enjoy and so this is the kind of vacation package you should look for.

What is Chai Tea?


Afternoon Chai Tea LatteThere are over one hundred different types of tea that you could try, and the Chai is one of the most popular types. This tea is based on a black tea and is then blended with cardamom, cloves, coriander, cumin seed, sweet cumin seeds, curry leaves, lemon grass, rampe leaves, and is best enjoyed with milk and sugar to taste.

Whenever people taste this tea one of the first things that they talk about is how aromatic the tea is, and how calming drinking a steeping cup of the tea is.
We have all heard of our favorite celebrities running into Starbucks to order their favorite Chai tea drink, but do you really know what Chai tea is? Whether it is a Chai tea latte or any other type of Chai tea, you obviously want to learn more about it and understand what it actually is before you try it out for yourself.

Now if you want to know what Chai tea is, the first thing that you want to know is that it is a spicy type of tea. There are a lot of terms that could be used to describe this tea, but spicy is definitely one of the best. Chai tea is very aromatic, so you get the same soothing, warming feeling as you do when drinking any type of tea, but you also get the aromatherapy benefits. 

If you want to make a traditional Chai tea, you are going to want to gather fresh spices from an Asian or Indian market. This way you are going to get the most authentic tasting tea, and you want to include chopped ginger root as well. Now there are other ingredients that you could include as well, but these are the basic ingredients.

Remember to experiment and have fun with it when you are brewing up a Chai tea for yourself, but you really always want to keep the basic ingredients because these are what make the tea Chai, and so unique and different from other flavors.

This tea is really delicious and has flavors that you won't get with any other type of tea. If you have never tried this tea out before, then you are definitely going to want to. Remember, you can make your own tea with a recipe like this, or you can head to any cafe and they are sure to offer a grand selection for you to choose from.Dim lights Embed Embed this video on your site

How to Back Up Data on a Laptop


By Ashley Poland, eHow Contributor
How to Back Up Data on a Laptop thumbnail
A dedicated, high-capacity flash drive is a good backup location.
Backing up your data and important files is a crucial part of computer maintenance, especially on laptops as they are more prone to damage or theft than desktops. Windows 7's built-in tool, called Backup and Restore, can automatically manage regular backups for you, saving your data to an external source such as an external hard drive, network location or even a blank DVD. For scheduled auto-backups, use the Task Scheduler to set reminders for yourself to connect an external backup source.

Things You'll Need

  • External drive or storage

Instructions

  1. Setting Up Backups

    • 1
      Click "Start | Control Panel | System and Maintenance | Backup and Restore."
    • 2
      Click "Set up backup" to begin your backup configuration. Windows may take a minute or two to analyze your available backup locations.
    • 3
      Choose where you want to save your backup data. While you can use your optical drive, a DVD doesn't have enough space to back the system image that allows you to restore your existing system settings. You can also use an external hard drive, network-attached storage or a flash drive with sufficient space -- if you're backing up large files or using your system image, you'll want at least 10GB. If you're only backing up small files, such as text documents, you can probably get away with just a few gigabytes.
    • 4
      Select whether you want Windows to choose what directories are backed up, or whether you'd rather pick and choose. A custom setup allows you to remove resource-heavy folders if your backup location is short on space, as well as disable the system image, if necessary, for space issues. Click "Next" when done.
    • 5
      Click "Change Schedule" and select a time and frequency that works best for your needs. Select a time when you know the computer will be on; if you leave your computer on overnight, for convenience, choose a time during the night when you won't be using it.
    • 6
      Click "Save Settings and Run Backup," then "Back Up Now" to start your first backup and save your backup options. Backing up can take several minutes or up to an hour, depending on what you're backing up. Once completed, you can remove your external source.

    Using Task Scheduler for Reminders

    • 7
      Click "Start | Control Panel | System and Security | Administrative Tools," then choose the "Task Scheduler" tool.
    • 8
      Select "Create Basic Task" in the Actions pane on the right side of the screen.
    • 9
      Enter a name and description for your task, click "Next" and select the trigger for your task at the same frequency as your backups. If you're running a monthly backup, for example, set a monthly reminder prior to the backup time. Click "Next," then choose the time and day for your alert.
    • 10
      Select "Display a Message" or "Send an Email," depending on whether you want to receive an email or have a popup message reminding you to connect an external drive or disc.
    • 11
      Enter the settings for your message -- either the mail settings or the contents of your displayed message.
    • 12
      Review your task and click "Finish" to finalize.

Read more: How to Back Up Data on a Laptop | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_12223943_back-up-data-laptop.html#ixzz1uwIvncWN

What to Do About a Wet Laptop


By James Wood, eHow Contributor
What to Do About a Wet Laptop thumbnail
Laptops can be drenched in a moment.
According to studies by laptop insurance provider Protecsure, spilled liquid ranks among the top four causes of damage to portable computers. From that agonizing, slow-motion moment when the spill happens until the instant the liquid lands on your computer, you have just seconds to remove the battery and unplug the power adapter. The faster you do this, the better chance you have of avoiding a short circuit and saving your computer.

Other People Are Reading

  1. Air Dry

    • If you just spilled a few drops of clean water on your laptop, the simplest method is to let it dry naturally. Turn the laptop upside down, leaving it open so that air can flow around the keyboard; you can even set it in front of a fan. Don’t use heat, though, because hot air can melt plastic components inside the machine. After letting it dry for two days, you can check for moisture around the area where the spill occurred. If it feels dry, reinstall the battery and boot up the machine.

    Desiccant

    • If the liquid soaked deep into the innards of your laptop, you can draw it out using a desiccant, such as the silica gel that often ships with new products to keep them dry, or some uncooked rice. You also need a container large enough to hold your laptop -- a plastic storage tub with a lid or a garbage bag and tape -- to create an airtight seal that prevents external moisture from saturating the desiccant before it can draw the water out. After filling the container with enough rice to submerge your laptop completely, close it and keep the computer inside for two days. Brush off any rice with a soft cloth before powering on the laptop.

    Remove the Keyboard

    • Laptop keyboards are the most vulnerable spot for spills, and you may need to remove the keyboard to reach all of the liquid. Start by pouring off the liquid and wiping up anything that spilled on the computer's surface. After removing the keyboard according to the instructions found in the support section of the laptop manufacturer’s website, you should wipe up any remaining liquid and use a mild cleaner, sprayed onto a soft cloth, to finish the job.

    Alcohol

    • If your computer was completely submerged in a liquid other than water, surface-cleaning techniques probably won't be enough to get inside all the nooks and crannies. Use 99 percent pure rubbing or isopropyl alcohol to displace the offending liquid -- anything that's less pure may leave residue when it evaporates, which could cause a short. In a large container, submerge your laptop in rubbing alcohol for several minutes, and swish it around so the alcohol gets into all the components inside. After removing the computer from the alcohol solution, let it dry for two days.

    Disassemble the Computer

    • If all else fails, and you have confidence in your technical abilities, you can take apart your laptop and clean it. There’s a risk of further damage, however, so proceed with caution and follow the instructions on the laptop manufacturer’s website. After you've dissembled the computer, clean up any liquid residue with a cotton swab dipped in 99 percent isopropyl alcohol. The computer should dry for 48 hours before you reassemble it and turn it on.

Read more: What to Do About a Wet Laptop | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/info_12223970_wet-laptop.html#ixzz1uwIWorkf

Selecting Speakers for Your Laptop


By Aijalyn Kohler, eHow Contributor
Selecting Speakers for Your Laptop thumbnail
Today's speakers can provide good quality in a small package.
"Nearly every PC includes some sort of default speakers, but they're invariably not very good," an October 2011 CNET article observes. The same goes for laptops, whose built-in speakers usually lack power unless designed specifically for multimedia use. Among three main types of external laptop speaker systems -- mobile, desktop and high-end audiophile quality -- the best kind for you depends upon your needs.

  1. Mobile Speakers

    • Often sold as a clip-on bar, mobile speakers for laptops are convenient to bring with you and easy to connect. Typically offering less than 5 watts per speaker, their small size can mean less responsive sound, but performance varies between models and manufacturers often don't provide exact specs. Plug in the USB cable and you're good to go, with power and sound connected at once. Some may also have auxiliary inputs to connect to mobile devices such as an iPod or smartphone.
      The Logitech Z305 is one example of this kind of speaker, with 360-degree sound and healthy bass. Using USB, it requires neither batteries nor a bulky adapter, and it can clip onto your laptop or sit on a desk. If space is at a premium, you may want something like the compact, USB-powered Altec Lansing ORBIT. Its circular design fits where many other speakers cannot, and a built-in stand helps project the sound toward the audience. It only has mono sound but good clarity and power, although bass is a bit lacking.

    Powered Desktop Speakers

    • Powered desktop speaker systems aren't particularly portable, but they aren't hard to set up, either. Often containing two desk units and a separate subwoofer, powered speakers are the workhorse of the laptop audio world. You need to plug them into the wall, but they contain built-in amplifiers and draw higher power accordingly, from 20 to 200 watts total.
      The Cyber Acoustics CA 3602 comes in a standard two-speaker, one-subwoofer configuration. Each side channel gets 6 watts and the bass consumes up to 18 watts for 30 watts of total power. Adjustable volume and bass make for comfortable listening, with a 3.5 millimeter line-in and headset-out jacks. Sound reproduction is good and can easily fill a mid-sized room.
      With 200 watts of THX-certified sound, the Logitech Z623 packs plenty of sound into an affordable product. Two RCA inputs and two mini line-in jacks make it simple to connect to any kind of sound output. A headphone jack is included for more private listening, and you'll find controls for bass and volume on one of the speakers.

    High-End Systems

    • A full speaker system includes magnetic shielding, variable crossovers and other features targeted at the audiophile market. Some sets include their own amplifiers, while others require a receiver connection, but all have superior sound quality.
      Not quite as costly as a full speaker system, the Bose Companion 5 promises stellar quality in a desktop package. These speakers support USB and a mini-jack for connecting to your laptop. Along with volume and bass controls, this unit also includes a mute button on its wired remote, which may be easier to get to than the subwoofer. It also has a six-channel sound decoder inside for higher fidelity playback on movies and games.
      Not for beginners, the Polk Audio RM6750 is a solid 5.1-channel system with magnetically shielded satellite speakers -- common to surround-sound systems -- for use next to electronics. It includes powerful controls such as low pass filter depth and phase selector, and the subwoofer cranks out 100 watts. Extra satellites will turn this set into a 6.1, 7.1 or even 8.1 system. These speakers need a separate amplifier to ensure the best sound experience, and connect with bare wires.

    Making a Decision

    • Once you know the kind of speaker you want, it's time to factor in your budget. As of March 2012, mobile speakers cost about $20 to $60, while powered desktop speakers fall between $60 and $150. High-end speakers start around $150 and go to upwards of $400.
      A final concern is size. As with laptops themselves, there's a tradeoff between speaker performance and portability. "Bigger and heavier speakers almost always sound better than small, lightweight ones," says Steve Guttenberg of CNET, but high-end systems aren't designed for toting around with your laptop. Some music lovers decide on mobile speakers for on-the-run listening and keep a larger, better-quality set at home.

Read more: Selecting Speakers for Your Laptop | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/info_12223747_selecting-speakers-laptop.html#ixzz1uwIByLyY
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