In our technologically advanced lives, we allow the computer to be part of almost every facet of our lives - but gardening? Yes, actually there is software that can help you plan which plants to grow in your yard and help with your landscaping plan in general.
These software packages can help you save money and time as they can show you exactly what you house and yard will look like with the plants and shrubs you choose planted around it. This software can also help you choose which plants will be best for your yard as well as a variety of other tools to help design your outdoor living spaces.
Using these software packages, you can sketch out the layout of your house and yard. With this sketch as the base, you can add plants and trees and get a 3-D picture of how they will look from all angles. This saves money since you don't have to actually buy the plants and put them in your yard in order to see what they will look like. Using the software you can also rearrange your plants as needed until you have them exactly where you want them.
Worried landscaping software won't have the plants you want in your yard included in the package? Worry no more, these programs offer between 150 to 4,500 images of different plants depending on which software you decide to use. Many programs also allow you to add digital images if your plant doesn't happen to be in the database.
These programs can also time advance your computer designed landscape to show what your lawn will possibly look like in five, ten or even 20 years as the plants grow and develop. Landscaping software can also give you ideas on how to properly irrigate and set up sprinkler systems for your plants.
This software can also help you decide which plants you should use in your yard. The program will take into consideration which planting zone you live in as well as how much sunlight your plants will get. After searching its database, the program will list which plants will grow best in your yard and which are not good choices.
Landscaping software can not only help you place plants around your house, they can also help with other outdoor projects. For instance, some include deck plans and designs. Many of these software programs also allow you to plot out walkways, sidewalks and steps. They will also allow room in your design for pools, spas and gazebos.
Want to know what your landscaping will look like after dark? Landscaping software can help with this also. The programs can help you plan out where to place outdoor lights and can even give you an idea what your choices will look like once they are functioning.
If you want to plan out new landscaping without having to get out a shovel and use your imagination, landscaping software can be very helpful. You can visualize what your home will look like with your new landscaping as well as seeing how the plants will look as they mature and grow.
Still looking for the perfect landscape? Try visiting http://www.landscapediscussion.com, a website that specializes in providing landscape advice, tips and resources including information on landscape software.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
How To Become a Computer Technician
First things first, I am blunt and to the point. I hate typing and thinking about grammer, that is why I went into the Technology field.
I have over 10 years experience in web design, computer networking, hardware, software, java programming, Apple & IBM (pc) format computers, telephone work, home theatres etc, etc, etc, & I make a lot of money doing. So basically I know what I am talking about & I am going to give you some advice that took me 10 long, hard years to learn.
1. MOST IMPORTANT: LEARN how to find the right answers. This can be true for ANY field, ANY person works in. You do not need to know everything, and guess what, if you spent the next 10 years reading, going to school & obtaining certifications, you still wouldn’t know all there is to know in the field of Technology. But if you can figure out what resources will help you find a solution for you the fastest, then you are on your way.
2. Go to school and/or get certifications. Of course you need to learn about computers, software, hardware etc to become a computer technician. Find something that fits you, something that makes you excited to go. 4 year schools are not for every one, so make sure they are right for you if you choose to go. In my 4 years in college the only thing I learned to do is program at Level II in Java (a blind monkey could program at that level) and drink a lot of beer. 2 year schools are good because the get straight to the point about the actual jobs you will be doing out in the REAL world. (I was offered a teaching position at one of these 2 year schools at the ripe old age of 25, I laughed in their face & said no because of the salary they were offering). Certifications are important regardless if you get a 2 or 4 year degree. They tell other people that have NO CLUE about technology that you, indeed have a clue about technology
Did you follow that?
A couple of certifications that I highly recommend are the A+, Networking + and any Microsoft Support Certification.
3. Be patient, with yourself and the people you work with. You will always be learning if you become a computer technician. The average lifespan for a particular model of technology (ie computers) is about 2 years. Meaning as soon as you buy it, it is OLD. Things change everyday in Technology and you have to keep up with it!
4. Have a Positive Attitude! Remember, when people call you or you are dispatched out to work on someone’s computer, TV etc, they usually are frustrated. Most people will try to fix the issue themselves before calling anyone because they are cheap. By the time you or I get there they are ready to cry. A positive and friendly attitude will go an EXTREMELY LONG WAY. You will be their savior and they will tell all their friends about you. This point might be the most difficult, especially in Technology because not very many people understand how it works and because our lives are so dependent on it.
That is it, 4 simple steps.
Can you handle it?
These are the 4 things I have tried to do over the last 10 years. Trust me, I am no genius, not by a long shot. But I figured out how to find the right answer for the problem, combined with an education, some certifications and the right attitude, I have people knocking down my door for my services.
Read this article a couple of times until this info really sinks in. This advice works so use it!
Stop sitting there and get busy!
For more information on How To Become a Computer Technician, check out a couple of this sites I have listed in my bio, those will help.
Good Luck!
OUT
I have over 10 years experience in web design, computer networking, hardware, software, java programming, Apple & IBM (pc) format computers, telephone work, home theatres etc, etc, etc, & I make a lot of money doing. So basically I know what I am talking about & I am going to give you some advice that took me 10 long, hard years to learn.
1. MOST IMPORTANT: LEARN how to find the right answers. This can be true for ANY field, ANY person works in. You do not need to know everything, and guess what, if you spent the next 10 years reading, going to school & obtaining certifications, you still wouldn’t know all there is to know in the field of Technology. But if you can figure out what resources will help you find a solution for you the fastest, then you are on your way.
2. Go to school and/or get certifications. Of course you need to learn about computers, software, hardware etc to become a computer technician. Find something that fits you, something that makes you excited to go. 4 year schools are not for every one, so make sure they are right for you if you choose to go. In my 4 years in college the only thing I learned to do is program at Level II in Java (a blind monkey could program at that level) and drink a lot of beer. 2 year schools are good because the get straight to the point about the actual jobs you will be doing out in the REAL world. (I was offered a teaching position at one of these 2 year schools at the ripe old age of 25, I laughed in their face & said no because of the salary they were offering). Certifications are important regardless if you get a 2 or 4 year degree. They tell other people that have NO CLUE about technology that you, indeed have a clue about technology
Did you follow that?
A couple of certifications that I highly recommend are the A+, Networking + and any Microsoft Support Certification.
3. Be patient, with yourself and the people you work with. You will always be learning if you become a computer technician. The average lifespan for a particular model of technology (ie computers) is about 2 years. Meaning as soon as you buy it, it is OLD. Things change everyday in Technology and you have to keep up with it!
4. Have a Positive Attitude! Remember, when people call you or you are dispatched out to work on someone’s computer, TV etc, they usually are frustrated. Most people will try to fix the issue themselves before calling anyone because they are cheap. By the time you or I get there they are ready to cry. A positive and friendly attitude will go an EXTREMELY LONG WAY. You will be their savior and they will tell all their friends about you. This point might be the most difficult, especially in Technology because not very many people understand how it works and because our lives are so dependent on it.
That is it, 4 simple steps.
Can you handle it?
These are the 4 things I have tried to do over the last 10 years. Trust me, I am no genius, not by a long shot. But I figured out how to find the right answer for the problem, combined with an education, some certifications and the right attitude, I have people knocking down my door for my services.
Read this article a couple of times until this info really sinks in. This advice works so use it!
Stop sitting there and get busy!
For more information on How To Become a Computer Technician, check out a couple of this sites I have listed in my bio, those will help.
Good Luck!
OUT
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Protect Your Computer From Intrusion By Hackers And From Viruses
If you're connected to the Internet (especially with an "always on" connection such as cable or DSL), you're at risk for intrusion from hackers or with infection from a virus or spyware. This can happen without your knowledge. You can be browsing, logging on and off various web sites, etc., and be compromised. However, you can protect yourself from this type of intrusion by following a few simple steps.
Using Routers and Firewalls
If you don't already have one, you should get yourself a router. This is important even if you only use one computer. This is a type of hardware firewall, which is the best kind. It will protect any personal information you have stored on your computer and will keep it safe. It will also protect you computer from being infected with various viruses.
Because hackers try to gain access to your computer by doing what's called "port scanning," a router can completely block the scans or at least slow a hacker's progress down. Most hackers want to work fast and won't waste a lot of time trying to get around a single router. Instead, they'll move on to someone else who doesn't have a computer that's well protected and that can be hacked.
You can also use a software firewall. Oftentimes, your operating system will already have one included. One good example of this is Windows' firewall. Others include Norton, McAfee, or ZoneAlarm. All of today's software firewalls have several packages to choose from.
In order to protect yourself from unwanted intrusion, spyware, viruses or hacking, you'll need the following components:
- An antivirus protection program
- A spyware scanner and removal program
- An automated virus scanner and removal program
- A firewall
Antivirus protection program
An antivirus protection program will scan your computer for viruses and then will quarantine them or will delete them if it can. It will give you the choice, oftentimes, as to whether or not to delete or quarantine. There are many good antivirus program is available. You can also buy complete packages. Many ISPs also provide their own antivirus programs, so make sure that your ISP does not offer one before you purchase one.
Once an antivirus program is downloaded and installed, it will run in the background to make sure that your computer is always protected. Most antivirus programs will update hourly to daily. You can set them so that they will update automatically and therefore keep your computer protected with new definitions all the time. Again, this is especially important if your computer is "always online," as with DSL or cable connection versus dial-up. If set up correctly, your computer will have maximum protection from new virus intrusions.
Being armed with the proper virus protection is the best thing you can do for your computer to keep it running smoothly and to avoid unwanted intrusion.
Spyware scanning and removal program
Spyware can be installed on your computer without your knowing it whenever you download something for "free" from a web site, for example. At its most innocuous, it's meant to keep track of your browsing habits online; however, more malicious spyware can even give hackers the opportunity to access personal information such as credit card numbers, for example. Regardless, spyware is something that really doesn't belong on your computer. Even if it's "innocuous," it can eat up system resources and slow down your browsing significantly. Simply put, it should be removed.
To do this, there are many spyware programs available, for free. Again, Windows has its own spyware component called "Windows Defender," that does quite a good job of protecting your computer from spyware, including its installation. Other programs, such as Lavasoft Adaware, have both a paid version and a free version. Adaware does not protect your computer from new spyware, but will remove spyware once on your computer for free.
An automated virus scanner and removal program
In most cases, the virus scanner and removal program will be included with your antivirus software. Because your computer has the antivirus software running in the background all the time, your computer is protected from new viruses as often as it's updated. Therefore, frequent updates will help ensure that your computer is not infected with new virus definitions. However, if a virus does happen to make it onto your computer, you'll need a regular virus scan (usually daily to weekly) to make sure any viruses that have gotten on to your computer are removed.
As part of your antivirus software (generally), when you run the virus scan, the program will opt to either automatically quarantine or remove any viruses it finds or will ask you what you would like to do with them, depending on the options you set. In most cases, it's probably best to go with the default choice the program gives you. Most of these programs tell you to let the program choose what to do with the viruses it finds.
A firewall
A firewall is your first line of defense against anyone hacking into your computer. There are many software versions available if you don't want to use a router, and some are free to download, although most of these also have paid versions with more features. One of these which is highly recommended is ZoneAlarm. If you are not a commercial user, you can get it for free by visiting the Zonealarm site.
This software lets you set individual Internet access capabilities for individual programs, allows for automatic program configuration, and puts your computer into stealth mode, which makes your computer invisible to anyone else on the Internet. It also blocks intrusion to anyone trying to hack into your system automatically. A paid version also includes virus protection with ZoneAlarm if you choose.
Discover Kevin Sinclair's system for making profits regardless of whether anyone joins your network marketing business.
Using Routers and Firewalls
If you don't already have one, you should get yourself a router. This is important even if you only use one computer. This is a type of hardware firewall, which is the best kind. It will protect any personal information you have stored on your computer and will keep it safe. It will also protect you computer from being infected with various viruses.
Because hackers try to gain access to your computer by doing what's called "port scanning," a router can completely block the scans or at least slow a hacker's progress down. Most hackers want to work fast and won't waste a lot of time trying to get around a single router. Instead, they'll move on to someone else who doesn't have a computer that's well protected and that can be hacked.
You can also use a software firewall. Oftentimes, your operating system will already have one included. One good example of this is Windows' firewall. Others include Norton, McAfee, or ZoneAlarm. All of today's software firewalls have several packages to choose from.
In order to protect yourself from unwanted intrusion, spyware, viruses or hacking, you'll need the following components:
- An antivirus protection program
- A spyware scanner and removal program
- An automated virus scanner and removal program
- A firewall
Antivirus protection program
An antivirus protection program will scan your computer for viruses and then will quarantine them or will delete them if it can. It will give you the choice, oftentimes, as to whether or not to delete or quarantine. There are many good antivirus program is available. You can also buy complete packages. Many ISPs also provide their own antivirus programs, so make sure that your ISP does not offer one before you purchase one.
Once an antivirus program is downloaded and installed, it will run in the background to make sure that your computer is always protected. Most antivirus programs will update hourly to daily. You can set them so that they will update automatically and therefore keep your computer protected with new definitions all the time. Again, this is especially important if your computer is "always online," as with DSL or cable connection versus dial-up. If set up correctly, your computer will have maximum protection from new virus intrusions.
Being armed with the proper virus protection is the best thing you can do for your computer to keep it running smoothly and to avoid unwanted intrusion.
Spyware scanning and removal program
Spyware can be installed on your computer without your knowing it whenever you download something for "free" from a web site, for example. At its most innocuous, it's meant to keep track of your browsing habits online; however, more malicious spyware can even give hackers the opportunity to access personal information such as credit card numbers, for example. Regardless, spyware is something that really doesn't belong on your computer. Even if it's "innocuous," it can eat up system resources and slow down your browsing significantly. Simply put, it should be removed.
To do this, there are many spyware programs available, for free. Again, Windows has its own spyware component called "Windows Defender," that does quite a good job of protecting your computer from spyware, including its installation. Other programs, such as Lavasoft Adaware, have both a paid version and a free version. Adaware does not protect your computer from new spyware, but will remove spyware once on your computer for free.
An automated virus scanner and removal program
In most cases, the virus scanner and removal program will be included with your antivirus software. Because your computer has the antivirus software running in the background all the time, your computer is protected from new viruses as often as it's updated. Therefore, frequent updates will help ensure that your computer is not infected with new virus definitions. However, if a virus does happen to make it onto your computer, you'll need a regular virus scan (usually daily to weekly) to make sure any viruses that have gotten on to your computer are removed.
As part of your antivirus software (generally), when you run the virus scan, the program will opt to either automatically quarantine or remove any viruses it finds or will ask you what you would like to do with them, depending on the options you set. In most cases, it's probably best to go with the default choice the program gives you. Most of these programs tell you to let the program choose what to do with the viruses it finds.
A firewall
A firewall is your first line of defense against anyone hacking into your computer. There are many software versions available if you don't want to use a router, and some are free to download, although most of these also have paid versions with more features. One of these which is highly recommended is ZoneAlarm. If you are not a commercial user, you can get it for free by visiting the Zonealarm site.
This software lets you set individual Internet access capabilities for individual programs, allows for automatic program configuration, and puts your computer into stealth mode, which makes your computer invisible to anyone else on the Internet. It also blocks intrusion to anyone trying to hack into your system automatically. A paid version also includes virus protection with ZoneAlarm if you choose.
Discover Kevin Sinclair's system for making profits regardless of whether anyone joins your network marketing business.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Saturday, March 1, 2008
I have been in the internet industry for almost a decade and thought I had seen it all up until the past few years of surfing the web. I never thought I would need to actually pay for a program to protect my computer and felt that I shouldn't have to pay to surf freely. Well after years of buildup on my computer it came to the point where I could not even open my browser without being bombarded by spyware advertisements, pop-ups, and spam.
I prided myself on keeping high security settings on my computer at all times in order to prevent these types of malicious activities, however, spyware creators are constantly coming up with new ways to invade your computer system. I broke down. It was time to stop using free tools and purchase a professional program to clean out the vermin investing my hard drive. What I found was a solution created by a company called ParentoLogic.
ParentoLogic pioneered many programs geared towards fighting spam, spyware and malicious programs that infect your computer's registry. After installing this software and running a scan I found my computer was more infected than a rat with the black plague. I felt as if it was literally on it's last legs. The scanning and cleaning of my computer took ParentoLogic's Anti-Spyware program some time to clean out, but considering I had never scanned my computer prior to this, it was actually quiet efficient.
I had finally found my combination of affordable computer protection. To assist you I will relate my ideal combination of programs. I use the Anti-Spyware, RegCure Registry Cleaner, Privacy Controls, and their Spam Controls. This effective suite of programs has kept my private information safe, my computer clean and my internet connection running smoothly. Taking care of a computer is much like taking care of a child these days, you must have the essentials to keep it healthy.
Visit their website for more information and a free scan of your computer!
I prided myself on keeping high security settings on my computer at all times in order to prevent these types of malicious activities, however, spyware creators are constantly coming up with new ways to invade your computer system. I broke down. It was time to stop using free tools and purchase a professional program to clean out the vermin investing my hard drive. What I found was a solution created by a company called ParentoLogic.
ParentoLogic pioneered many programs geared towards fighting spam, spyware and malicious programs that infect your computer's registry. After installing this software and running a scan I found my computer was more infected than a rat with the black plague. I felt as if it was literally on it's last legs. The scanning and cleaning of my computer took ParentoLogic's Anti-Spyware program some time to clean out, but considering I had never scanned my computer prior to this, it was actually quiet efficient.
I had finally found my combination of affordable computer protection. To assist you I will relate my ideal combination of programs. I use the Anti-Spyware, RegCure Registry Cleaner, Privacy Controls, and their Spam Controls. This effective suite of programs has kept my private information safe, my computer clean and my internet connection running smoothly. Taking care of a computer is much like taking care of a child these days, you must have the essentials to keep it healthy.
Visit their website for more information and a free scan of your computer!
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