Archive for February 20th, 2009

Author: Ethan
• Friday, February 20th, 2009

In today’s times you can’t afford to leave your computer without virus protection. Viruses can steal your passwords and lead to having your identity compromised. Other viruses can use your computer to send out tons of junk messages and get your Internet account canceled. That is nothing to mess around with. You need to have up to date quality antivirus protection on your PC constantly. I stubled onto a nice post on a free stuff blog that should help.

But what if you can’t afford to pay for a high priced antivirus program? What If I told you that you could acquire the best free antivirus you can get without spending a dime? There are three excellent free antivirus software packages that will protect your computer as well as or better than the top commercial products.

Why in the World would companies give away great antivirus packages for free? There are essentially two reasons. The companies offer a professional version with more features and they know some customers will upgrade to the professional versions. The other reason is build brand recognition so that businesses are more likely to buy the enterprise version.

You are certainly wondering if these programs are like the Norton or McAfee programs that may have come with your computer where you get the first six months without cost and then pay through the nose to renew. Not at all. All three of the best free antivirus software packages are gratis year after year. There is no guarantee that they will always offer a free version, but it seems to be effective for them so I predict they will.

So how do you find out what these amazing programs are and where to grab them? Visit this report on the best free antivirus and you can read about all of these antivirus programs and find out where to get them. Your computer and your data will be protected and you will sleep better now that you know you have the best antivirus program and you didn’t have to pay for it.

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Author: Ethan
• Friday, February 20th, 2009

The Digital Rebel XTi, the newer version of the Digital Rebel XT, resembles its predecessor in many ways. It offers a 10.1-megapixel sensor, bigger eye-friendly LCD screen, and many new features. Small body molding changes in the XTi arguably makes a difference in the ergonomics of the camera; depending on your hand size, you may find the XTi comfortable or unbalanced and cramped.

Two of the most salient changes from the XT are readily apparent on the back of the unit: the LCD screen is a larger 2.5 inches, and the dedicated status LCD is missing; instead the XTi uses the main LCD as the status display. The camera automatically activates or deactivates the LCD screen as your eye moves to or away from the viewfinder. In addition, the newer version shows flash exposure lock and white balancing in its viewfinder’s status bar.

The critical shooting functions are easily accessible through the four-way buttons and LCD screen on the back of the camera. Program shift, exposure compensation, exposure lock, drive mode, and focus-point selection all have dedicated buttons.

The menus are simpler and easier to navigate than with the XT. Additionally, the Picture Styles feature has been added, offering predefined image parameter sets for shooting in specific situations. For example, the Portrait style provides settings appropriate for reproducing skin tones.

Several features from the previous two versions of the Digital Rebel have been added or enhanced. The Auto Rotate During Playback mode allows users to magnify and pan around the image that appears immediately after shooting. Users can view the histogram display in luminance (brightness), RGB or monochrome. And users have new long-exposure noise-reduction options.

The XTi has a 10.1-megapixel sensor, upgraded from the XT’s 8-megapixel.

The Xti features a triple self-cleaning sensor system. First, the sensor has an antistatic, dust-repelling coating. Second, a clear element in front of the sensor vibrates ultrasonically when the camera is turned on or off, to shake off dust. Third, users can create “dust referencea” shot that permits the digital removal of dust spots during later editing.

Users have versatile lens options, as this camera will accept all Canon EF and EF-S line lenses, which include everything from ultra-wide-angle to super-telephoto functions. The unit is also compatible with EX-Series Speedlite flashes.

This camera tends to retail in the $500 to $800 range.

Features and Specifications include….

Camera Type: SLR/professional
Image Sensor: CMOS
Dimensions: 3.71” high x 4.98” wide x 2.56” deep
Weight: 1.12 lbs
Exposure Speed: 3 frames per second
Shutter Speed: 30 – 1/4000 second
White Balance: Auto, Manual, Daylight / Sunny (Preset), Cloudy (Preset), Fluorescent (Preset), Tungsten (Preset), Shade (Preset), Flash (Preset), Color Temperature Adjust
Flash Type: Built-in and External
Flash Functions: Flash Off, Auto Flash, Red-eye Reduction, Manual
ISO Speeds: Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
Image Resolutions: 3888 x 2592, 2816 x 1880, 1936 x 1288
Microphone: no built-in microphone
Self-Timer: 10 seconds
Interface: USB 2.0
Video Interface: video out
Focus Type: auto and manual
Lenses: Interchangeable
Power Type: NB-2LH
Power Duration: 360 Images
Memory Type: CompactFlash Card, Types I and II
LCD Screen Resolution: 230,000 pixels
Viewfinder: Optical (Through the lens)

Users generally give this camera good reviews. Users who are transitioning from point-and-shoot cameras give the XTi especially good reviews, citing the great picture quality and ease of use. Some users lament the lack of an inborn anti-shake feature, and although lenses are available with this feature, they are high-priced. Prospective purchasers, especially those transitioning from point-and-shoot cameras, should be aware that fully realizing the potential of this and similar cameras does require purchasing multiple lenses, the selection of which is not especially easy or cheap. That having been said, there is little buyer-remorse for those who do wish to invest in this camera and the lenses suitable to their photographic goals.

Category: Lucky Break  | Comments off
Author: Ethan
• Friday, February 20th, 2009

The bicycle, as a means of transportation and a form of recreation, offers many benefits for individuals, families and the community. Yet many people fail to follow simple, yet fairly obvious safety tips. Here’s a short list of bicycle do’s and dont’s.

Sidewalk riding for bicyclists past the learning stage and being closely supervised by adults can be more dangerous than on the road, obeying traffic laws. It is also illegal unless the community has passed an ordinance specifically permitting sidewalk riding. Sidewalks can be more dangerous due to the number of sight restrictions, driveways and obstacles.

Reflectors and lights make you and your bicycle more visible to car drivers in the dark. Reflective stickers are a great choice because they look cool and make you more visible to people driving cars.

If you ride a recumbent bicycle, make certain you have flags and plenty of reflectors to enhance your visibility. Often recumbent bicycles are harder for motorists to see simple because of their low profile.

Carrying things in your hands and not using your handlebars prohibits you from making quick turns to avoid hazards and endangers everyone on the road. Also, just like motorcycles, your handlebars may not be higher than your shoulders.

Perhaps most importantly, ride predictably. Swerving in and out of traffic, jumping back and forth between sidewalk and roadway, and changing lanes without warning are all activities that drive motorists crazy. Even the best bicycle accessories can’t protect you from a vehicle that outweighs you by a ton or more!

Ride carefully!

Category: Lucky Break  | Comments off
Author: Ethan
• Friday, February 20th, 2009

The exact origins of Tai Chi are hard to tie down. There are many myths about its origins. One of those says that Taoist monk Chang San-feng was disturbed by the sounds of a snake and a crane fighting in his courtyard. He then built a style based around their movements.

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese form of movement that coordinates your body and focuses on the cultivation of internal energy. It’s aim is to harmonize the mind, body and spirit hence, promoting both metal and physical well being through relaxation. It is often described as a type of meditation that combines deep breathing and movements that exact structual alignment. Correct practice appears rhythmical, effortless and in continuous flow and it can generate surprising power almost at odds with its gentle movements.

People who regularly practice Tai Chi become revitalized, relaxed, tolerant, stronger and healthier. Tai Chi is suitable for all ages and sexes because it does not rely on strength, force or speeds. It brings benefits in many areas.

Tai chi is derived from Chinese health and longevity practices, which were merged with a comprehensive system of self defence. In the past, much of Tai Chi was kept secret, but very gradually, knowledge of the art spread throughout China. Now at the start and end of every day in villages, towns, and cities all over Chinese Asia, people can be seen practicing the slow, graceful movements of tai chi in courtyards, squares and parks.

Tai chi came to the West during the 20th century largely due to the cultural revolution when many masters fled the country. Today, tai chi is found in almost all countries, and a huge number of people practice it regularly.

It requires a high degree of concentration and mental focus. The breathing is natural, sometimes involving deep breathing, and is carefully synchronised to your movements.

Tai Chi consists of soft, relaxed (usually) slow movements and is recognised as being good for stress, balance, blood pressure and general health.It is one of the one of the Chinese Internal martial arts (neijia). The others being Hsing-I, Ba Gua Zhang and Liuhebafa(Six Harmonies, 8 Methods).

Tai Chi appeals to a wide range of people and age ranges, (teens and 20′s up to 80′s & 90′s) but it is not common for the art to be taught to children as the training can be slow for their tastes. There are a number of forms specifically targetted at the over 50′s and health problems such as Arthritis.

To get more free information about Tai Chi, Please visit Stratford Tai Chi at www.stratfordtaichi.co.uk.

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