Get Free Ring Tones For Nextel Cell Phones

Nextel cell phones support ring tones in both MP3 and polyphonic file formats. Many files are available online for free, but you want to make sure the sites are safe. Most popular music is trademarked and won't be available on safe sites for free. Avoid those that have big advertisements for free ring tones with popular artists and make sure to read the fine print, especially any site that asks for your phone number. These sites are generally signing you up for a service with a monthly charge and then giving you additional free downloads. Most free ring tone sites simply download the tune to your computer and you plug in your phone and install it.

Instructions

1. Create a file on your desktop or someplace where you will be able to easily locate it and label it for your downloads. This will allow you to add and remove ring tones from your phone with ease, without taking up too much memory space on the phone. Name it something easy like "Ringtones."

2. Go to mobile9.com and click on the "Gallery" tab across the top of the page. This site is specific for the Nokia phone models, so all of the ring tones you download should be compatible with your phone. After clicking on "Gallery," you will be redirected to the "Mobile Downloads" page.

3. Select your phone model from the drop-down menu in the highlighted blue tool bar and choose ring tones as the category. Then click "Go." You will be taken to a results page that is specific for your model phone.

4. Choose a category from the tag lines listed at the top of the page. There are thousands of results for each phone model, so choosing a tag will help you find what you are most interested in.

5. Click on the ring tone of your choice and wait for the page to load. Click on the preview box, to listen to a preview of your download, and then click on the large green download button on the right side of the page. Wait for the download to finish. It will automatically pop up and start playing in your default music player.

6. Plug your Nextel phone into your computer and then download it from your PC to your device's music file. This process will vary based on your model phone but should be very straightforward once the phone is hooked up. Let the download run and then unplug the phone and set the tone as your default. Now your tone will play every time someone calls.

Tags: your phone, ring tones, download then, from your, make sure, model phone, phone model

Send Fulllength Songs On Cingular

AT&T customers can send songs over the Internet to each other.

Cingular, now AT&T, allows customers to add music to their phones via the Internet or by adding the music directly from a computer. Customers can send full-length songs to other AT&T users through the Internet. In order to do this, both users must have a data package to utilize the 3G coverage on their phone. The phone must also be able to play music, which includes the BlackBerry, LG GU295 or Samsung Strive.

Instructions

1. Power on your phone and visit the main menu options. Click the online store option and choose "Music."

2. Type the name of an artist or song in the search box and click "Search." Choose the song you wish to purchase to send to a friend by clicking the title of the song.

3. Choose to send the file to a friend. Choose the friend you wish to send the song to from your address book. The file will send to the friend as a text message to download and the charge will appear on your cell phone bill.

Tags: send friend

Get Free Aerial Maps Online

Get free aerial online maps

With the advent of the Internet, a wealth of free information has become available. One fascinating and extremely useful sort of information is aerial maps. On a computer with Internet access you can find these maps free from a number of sources.

Instructions

1. Visit Google Maps by typing in http://maps.google.com. In the text bar, type an address, business, or popular destination and click "Search Maps." You can zoom in or out using the sliding bar on the left side of the map and move the map by clicking and dragging it.

2. Visit Bing Maps by following the second reference below. Type an address, location, or business into the text bar on the left side of the page and hit "Enter" on your keyboard. On the top left of the map, click "Aerial" to view an aerial shot of the map. Zoom with the slider on the left side of the map.

3. Use Yahoo! Maps to view aerial images. Visit the website in the third reference and enter the location in the text bar on the left side of the page. Hit the "Enter" key on your computer. When the map appears, you can switch it to an aerial photo by clicking "Satellite" on the top right corner of the map.

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Use A Canon Powershot Camera

Digital cameras such as Canon's Powershot revolutionized the way people take photos.

Canon's Powershot point-and-shoot digital cameras are packed with features and are high on quality. More than 20 different models in the Powershot line are available, and some Powershots pack more features than others. That said, many controls, functions and attributes--especially the important ones--are shared across the Powershot line. Mastering these basic controls lets anyone take high-quality, professional-looking photos.

Instructions

Get acquainted with the Powershot's features.

1. With the wide variety of Canon cameras sold under the Powershot name, different Powershots have different methods of accessing the same basic functions. Some Powershot cameras utilize a touch-screen interface; others still rely on conventional buttons and dials. Knowing access the basic features makes shooting with the Powershot easier and more enjoyable. Spending some time with the user's manual, or even just playing with the Powershot's buttons, offers some insight on what makes the camera work.

2. Every Canon Powershot (as does every digital camera) comes with a "standard" Auto shooting mode, in which the camera automatically determines a proper exposure, ISO and flash settings for the intended picture. Some settings, including flash on/off, basic ISO controls and macro features can be adjusted while in this mode. In the controls and on-screen menu, this Auto standard mode is symbolized with a silhouette of a camera.

3. Canon Powershot cameras also have a modified Auto mode that allows users to manually tweak settings such as ISO, white balance, flash power and shutter speed. The icon for this mode is the same camera silhouette seen used for standard Auto mode, but with a capital "M" next to it. More experienced users use this mode for more control over their Powershot, enabling them to take more professional-looking photos.

4. A camera flash has the potential to enhance and ruin a photo. Sometimes a flash is needed on a sunny day to brighten an object hiding in the shadow; and sometimes a flash gives a harsh light to an object that was beautifully bathed in natural, ambient light. Adjusting the flash on a Powershot is easy: accessing the flash control--denoted by a lightning bolt whose bottom is an arrow pointing down--lets Powershot users determine if the flash should always fire, never fire, or fire when the camera thinks it's OK to do so.

5. Using the macro controls--denoted by a silhouette of a tulip on the control dial--enables a Canon Powershot to more easily focus on an object that is close to the lens. Macro mode is great for taking photos of flowers, detail shots of an object, or even text on a page. Conversely, pressing the Macro Mode button also brings up the option of infinite focus--for objects far off in the distance (such as mountains)--and revert the auto focus mode back to "normal."

6. Canon Powershots come with a variety of pre-programmed creative modes that automatically adjust shutter, white balance, flash and ISO settings for scenarios including indoor parties, outdoor fireworks, nighttime vistas and days at the beach. On the control dial, the Creative Modes icon is the letters "SCN."

7. Once the desired settings have been dialed in, shoot the actual photo. Use the built-in screen as a viewfinder to compose the photo. Press the shutter button halfway down to trigger the Powershot's auto focus; once the image is in focus, press the shutter button the rest of the way down to take the photo.

Tags: Canon Powershot, this mode, with Powershot, auto focus, Auto mode, balance flash, basic controls

Successfully Use Coupons

Save money each week at the grocery store by using coupons.

Shoppers who use coupons regularly can save a lot of money on their monthly grocery bills. Learning the best ways to use coupons can help you accomplish this. The first steps in successfully using coupons are getting the coupons organized and knowing when to use them.

Instructions

1. Get a coupon organizer. There are many different options when it comes to organizing coupons. You can purchase a plastic index card file box or purchase a small book created specifically for storing and organizing coupons.

2. Cut coupons. Coupons are found in papers, on food packages and online. Make it a priority to cut coupons when you see them in papers and on packages, if they are for products you use. Go online and find coupons. Coupon Suzy (see Resources) is a popular site where consumers can choose the coupons they want and easily print them.

3. Organize the coupons. In your coupon organizer, separate coupons into categories that allow you to easily find the ones you need. Look through the organizer often for coupons that are about to expire or that already have expired.

4. Watch sale ads. Look at weekly fliers from the stores you shop at to know what is already on sale. By combining coupons with items already on sale, you can save more money. Look also for in-store coupons. These are normally located in a sale ad and can only be used at that particular store.

5. Look at the package size and brand. Many times it is cheaper to purchase a generic brand than to buy the name-brand product with a coupon. You should also compare the size of the package and look at prices per ounce.

6. Purchase buy one, get one products. If something is on sale at buy one, get one and you also have a coupon for that product, the price per item can typically be very low. Look also for stores that offer double coupon days, when you can redeem coupons for twice their value. When you combine that with other offers, you can save a lot of money.

7. Use only the coupons you want. Do not purchase goods just because of the price or because you have a coupon. If you won't use the item, no matter what the price is, it is not worth your money.

Tags: already sale, coupon organizer, have coupon, Look also, organizing coupons, save money

Troubleshoot A Polaroid Digital Camera

Polaroid digital cameras are available in different price ranges with a variety of features. You may occasionally have some trouble with your camera however, you can solve some problems by checking the batteries, memory card and settings of your camera.

Power

The camera can't work without an adequate power supply. Be sure the battery contacts are clean and you have inserted the batteries correctly. If the batteries are dead, or they do not make contact, the camera will not work.

Card

Polaroid digital cameras have a slot for an optional Secure Digital memory card. The card slot may be on its own or under the same door as the battery compartment, check the bottom or sides of your camera for the slot. The card needs to be inserted correctly or it will not be able to record information.

Settings

When you look at your camera you will notice that it has a variety of features, including playback or different photography modes. If you find that a feature is not working be sure you are on the correct setting. For example, the Polaroid a530 camera can't take pictures if it is set on Playback.

Tags: your camera, camera will, digital cameras, memory card, Polaroid digital cameras

Connect A Dtv Converter Box To Rabbit Ears On A Television

In 2009, every TV broadcaster in the United State switched to digital signals from the analog signals that had been used for many decades. Older analog TVs that don't have access to cable or satellite services now require a digital converter in order to work. People who have older TVs also may be using them in conjunction with the "rabbit ear" analog antenna on top of their set, which means that if they wish to keep watching TV in the digital age, they need to connect the rabbit ears to the converter.

Instructions

1. Check the connection between your rabbit ears and the TV. Most of the time, it will be connected via a coaxial cable outlet, which is a raised, screwlike outlet with white plastic in the center. (A pinhole can be seen in the center of the plastic.) If you have this connection, you should be able to connect to the digital converter without a problem. However, the rabbit ears may be connect via a pair of prongs to two screws. If they are, don't panic. You can purchase a coaxial converter (75- to 300-ohm matching transformer) for your rabbit ears for less than a dollar at Radio Shack or a similar electronics store, then simply screw the prongs of the rabbit ears into it.

2. Examine the back of the digital converter. Look for the "In" or "Antenna In" outlet; it should look just like the coaxial outlet on your TV, with a raised circular exterior and a white plastic center with a pinhole in the middle.

3. Connect the rabbit ears to the "In" or "Antenna In" outlet in the digital converter. Then connect the "Out" or "Antenna Out" outlet in the digital converter to the coaxial outlet on the TV use a coaxial cable.

4. Set the rabbit ears on top of the television, turn on the television, and then turn on the converter box. Follow the instructions for setting up the converter box. You'll likely need to set your TV to one specific station (such as 3 or 4), then use the converter box to change channels.

Tags: digital converter, rabbit ears, Antenna outlet, rabbit ears, Antenna outlet digital

Gps Garmin Dashboard Method

Mounting your Garmin GPS on your vehicle's dashboard provides a convenient and safe method for viewing your road GPS device while operating your vehicle. Included with your Garmin road GPS unit is a dashboard mounting kit, which will enable you to quickly install the unit onto your vehicle.

Selecting the Location

Carefully select the location for mounting the GPS device on your dashboard. A good location will not adversely effect your field of vision through your front windshield and will simultaneously provide for easy viewing of the GPS unit without having to look away from the road.

Preparing the Dashboard

Using a car upholstery cleaner, carefully clean the desired location. For the adhesive to properly adhere, the dashboard surface must be clean and dry.

Preparing the Disk Mount

Remove the protective backing from the adhesive located on the back of the dashboard mounting disk. Be careful not to bring the unprotected adhesive into contact with your hand or other objects as this well reduce the effectiveness of the adhesive tape.

Placing the Mount

With the adhesive covering removed, place the disk mount onto the clean, dry surface selected for the GPS unit. Take your time aligning the disk over the dashboard to ensure it is in the correct position. Once the adhesive is placed on the dashboard, it is very difficult to remove.

Apply the Suction Cup on the Disk

Remove the plastic covering from the top of the disk mount to reveal the suction cup mounting area. Place the suction cup into the disk mount and move the suction cup leveler to the down position. The suction cup provides additional strength to the GPS dashboard mount.

Tags: disk mount, your vehicle, dashboard mounting, with your, your Garmin

Diy Dtv Converter

June 12, 2009 marked the completion of the switch to digital TV in the United States. Since this date, all U.S. TV broadcasters are required to transmit digital TV signals as opposed to analog TV signals. For TV viewers with an analog TV set not connected to a cable service, the TV needs to be connected to a DTV converter to receive local TV broadcast signals. You do not need a professional technician to hook up a DTV converter box. You can do it yourself in a matter of minutes.

Instructions

Connect to TV

1. Insert the TV antenna's coaxial cable wire into the "Antenna In (RF)" terminal on the back of the DTV converter box. Twist the coaxial cable's screw-on connector clockwise to secure the cable to the terminal.

2. Use a set of A/V cables to connect the "A/V Out" terminals on the back of the DTV converter box to the corresponding "A/V In" terminals on the TV set. There are three A/V cables in a set. The plugs on the end of each A/V cable are color-coded. The red A/V plug goes into the red A/V terminal (typically labeled "R" for Right Audio). The white A/V plug goes into the white A/V terminal (typically labeled "L" for Left Audio). The yellow A/V plug goes into the yellow A/V terminal (typically labeled "Video").

3. Turn on the TV and DTV converter box. Use the "Input" or "Source" button on the TV's remote control to set the TV's video input channel to the A/V source.

Connect to TV and VCR or DVD Recorder

4. Insert the TV antenna's coaxial cable wire into the "Antenna In (RF)" terminal on the back of the DTV converter box. Twist the coaxial cable's connector clockwise to secure the cable to the terminal.

5. Use a set of A/V cables to connect the "A/V Out" terminals on the back of the DTV converter box to the corresponding "A/V In" terminals on the VCR or DVD recorder. There are three A/V cables in a set. The plugs on the end of each A/V cable are color-coded. The red A/V plug goes into the red A/V terminal (typically labeled "R" for Right Audio). The white A/V plug goes into the white A/V terminal (typically labeled "L" for Left Audio). The yellow A/V plug goes into the yell A/V terminal (typically labeled "Video").

6. Plug one end of the remaining set of A/V cables into the "A/V Out" terminals located on the back of the VCR or DVD recorder. Connect the other end of each cable into the corresponding color-coded "A/V In" terminals on the TV set.

7. Turn on the TV, DTV converter box, and VCR or DVD recorder. Use the "Input" or "Source" button on the TV's remote control to set the TV's video input channel to the A/V source. Use the "Input" or "Source" button on the VCR or DVD recorder's remote control to set the TV's video input channel to the A/V source.

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Set Up Home Camera Security System

With the declining cost of technologies in today's market, home video security systems have never been more popular. Video security systems can be beneficial in a number of ways, from providing homeowners with peace of mind knowing that their homes are under constant watch, or simply by monitoring children playing in another room. They also are relatively easy to install.

Instructions

Setup

1. Mount the security camera in the location you wish to monitor. Take into consideration the space taken up by the power supply, which for most miniature surveillance cameras consists of a 9-volt battery.

2. Connect the composite cables (component cables if it is a high-definition camera) from the wireless receiver's output to the corresponding input of the monitor.

3. Activate the camera, receiver and monitor.

4. Set the monitor to the proper video channel, which usually is below channel 001 (often called AUX, or, for intensive purposes, channel 000) until the image being captured from the camera appears.

Recording

5. Most security cameras only stream video and don't record it. To record the images, connect the composite video cables from the camera's receiver to a VCR or DVD-recorder.

6. Run the output video cable from the VCR to the monitor's input.

7. Sync the channels on the monitor and VCR---as if you would watch a videocassette--- until the video from the camera is streaming on the monitor.

8. Place a blank tape into the VCR and record the camera's images.

Tags: from camera, camera receiver, security systems

Nikon Compatible Cf Cards

It is important to chose a Nikon-compatible CF card for your camera to have optimal functionality.

Compact Flash Cards were introduced to the market in 1994 by Sandisk. Since then they have developed into a highly popular medium for storing large amounts of data into a small space. Compact Flash cards have proved useful in Nikon Digital SLR cameras. Most CF cards are compatible with Nikon cameras, but card size and speed are important aspects to take into account when optimizing Nikon camera equipment. Nikon recommends using CF cards from Sandisk, Lexar and Microdrive and advises not using cards with storage capacities greater than 8 gigabytes.

Sandisk

Sandisk makes a large collection of CF cards that are compatible with Nikon Cameras. The Nikon D300, the top-of-the-line SLR, will work optimally with the Sandisk Extreme IV, Extreme III, Ultra II and Standard. All four trims come with 2, 4 and 8 gigabyte capacities with exception of the Sandisk Standard, which reaches 4 gigabytes. Lower-grade Nikon SLRs such as the D70 and D200, will take the Ultra II and Extreme III trims but also lower capacity Sandisk, cards such as the 300 megabyte Type II trim. Nikon point-and-shoot cameras that use CF cards such as the Coolpix 885, the Coolpix 775 and the Coolpix 5000 will take cards from the Sandisk SDCFB series. Compatible card capacities of the trim include 16, 32, 48, 64, 96 and 128 megabytes.

Lexar

Lexar CF cards compatible with top Nikon SLRs like the D300 include the Professional UDMA, Platinum II and Professional trims. The Professional UDMA and Professional are available with 2, 4 and 8 gigabyte capacities. The Platinum II trim is available with capacities of 512 megabytes and 1 or 2 gigabytes. Mid-grade Nikon SLRs like the D70 will take the Lexar Platinum trim but not the Professional trims. Coolpix Cameras will take CF cards from the Lexar USB Series. Compatible sizes include 8, 16, 32, 48, 64, 80, 128 and 160 megabytes.

Microdrive

Microdrive CF cards compatible with the Nikon D-SLRs include the DSCM-11000, the 2 gigabyte 3K4-2, the 4 gigabyte 3K4-4 and the 6 gigabyte 3K6. Coolpix Cameras will take the DSCM trim card with 1 gigabyte and 512 megabyte storage capacities.

Tags: will take, compatible with, compatible with Nikon, with Nikon, cards compatible

Tell If A Nikon D300 Is A Grey Market Model

The Nikon D300 is a prosumer digital SLR popular with serious amateur photographers. When shopping online for a D300, you may see wildly divergent price points for it because some sellers are offering grey market products, or cameras that are not meant for sale in the U.S., even though the camera is the same. While the deal may seem too good to pass up, it is important to know that if anything goes wrong with the camera, Nikon USA will not, under any circumstances, repair it. Before buying therefore, you may want to verify if the camera is grey market or meant for the U.S. market.

Instructions

1. Ask the salesperson in the store about the warranty. Some sellers will state up front that the camera is grey market, while others may say it is covered by a store warranty, in which case it is probably a grey market camera.

2. Look on the bottom of the camera for the serial number. Nikon varies the first number depending on which market the camera was intended to be sold in. If it starts with a 3, it is probably a U.S. model D300.

3. Write down the serial number and call Nikon (1-800-645-6687) and ask the customer service representative if the camera is grey market or not.

Tags: camera grey, camera grey market, grey market, grey market, market camera

Disadvantages Of A 4gb Memory Card For Digital Cameras

4GB memory cards store many pictures but have disadvantages.

Digital cameras use removable memory cards to store still pictures and videos. You can then remove the card from your camera and insert it into your computer, printer or card reader to upload the files to your device. You will not be able to store many high-resolution photos on a small memory card, but larger cards have their own drawbacks.

Potential for Failure

You can lose many files if your 4GB card fails. According to memory card manufacturer SanDisk, a 4GB card will hold up to 286 uncompressed and 2,861 compressed images in a 4 megapixel camera. Higher resolution cameras will use more space on a card, but the potential for losing many irreplaceable images exists if the card fails.

Slow Upload

The larger the card, the longer it will take to upload your images to your device. Some cards, such as CompactFlash cards, have internal chips that make uploading faster, but these cards can be unreliable when not cared for properly. Upload speeds also depend on the device that is receiving the upload. Older processors may take a long time to upload from a 4GB card.

Compatibility

Older cameras may not display the remaining space on the card correctly. This does not affect the quantity or quality of the images, but you may not be able to know exactly how many images you are able to take. The camera will show the highest number of remaining images the camera thinks it can take until the number of images remaining reaches that number. The camera will then calculate remaining images correctly.

Tags: camera will, card fails, cards have, cards store, files your, images able

What Does The Sprint Epic 4g Have

Released in August 2010, the Samsung Epic 4G for Sprint comes with a variety of features, including a built-in digital camera, GPS system and expandable memory capability. CNET Reviews praised the Epic 4G for its Super AMOLED display screen and full QWERTY keyboard, but criticized it for its bulkiness and price. As of the date of publication, the Epic 4G is still in production.

Dimensions, Display and Power

One of the best qualities the Samsung Epic 4G for Sprint has going for it is its compact and lightweight design. At 4.9 inches long, 2.5 inches wide, 0.6 inches deep and 5.5 oz., the phone is conveniently portable and easy to use. The device has a 4-inch Super AMOLED screen that displays more than 16 million colors at 480 by 800 pixels of resolution. The Epic 4G also has a standard lithium-ion battery, which provides up to six hours of talk time and up to 300 hours, or 12.5 days, of standby time. Compared to similar devices presently on the market, these times rank below the seven-hour average for talk time and the 448-hour average for standby time.

Camera

The Samsung Epic 4G for Sprint has a 5-megapixel camera, which captures still images at up to 2,592 by 1,944 pixels of resolution and is capable of recording video at 720 pixels of vertical resolution. Several camera features, including auto focus and geotagging, give the phone added photographic options. Geotagging is a process that embeds map and GPS coordinate data into each image captured by the phone. A secondary camera gives the phone videoconferencing capability.

Messaging

The Samsung Epic 4G for Sprint has the ability to support text, photo, voice and video messages and mobile email through a connection to a Post Office Protocol, Internet Message Access Protocol or Simple Mail Transfer Protocol server. The phone also supports push email, which immediately delivers incoming mail to the phone and does not require the recipient to sign in and manually check for new messages. Through Internet connections to third-party clients, such as AOL and MSN, the Epic 4G also supports instant messaging.

Internal Components

Built on the Android 2.1 Eclair operating system, the Samsung Epic 4G for Sprint uses a 1 GHz ARM Cortex-A8 processor, a PowerVR SGX540 graphics processing unit and a Hummingbird chipset. Equipped with an assisted-GPS application, the Epic 4G has the ability to provide navigational services. A-GPS technology uses a combination of satellite and cellular tower signals for location-based services, a feature that provides contact information for nearby commercial and emergency services, such as restaurants and hospitals.

Tags: Epic Sprint, Samsung Epic, Samsung Epic Sprint, also supports, Epic also, features including, pixels resolution

Choose A Digital Photo Frame

Almost everybody has at least one photo frame somewhere in the home. Many of these frames show off several pictures, often as many as ten. A digital frame, however, can cycle through up to five times that amount at the push of a button. You may be considering buying your first digital frame and have noticed just how many of them exist. There are several things to consider before making your purchase. Here is choose a digital photo frame.

Instructions

1. Begin by choosing a size for your digital frame. Just as with standard picture frames, digital photo frames come in numerous shapes and sizes. Some of them are the size of your regular photos which you'd have processed at the store and some are so small that they'll fit on your key chain. Determining this will be a big factor in the next step of the process.

2. Determine how much money you want to spend on a digital photo frame. Many digital photo frames cost well over $100. Only you know how much you're willing to spend on such electronics. It is important to remember that a digital photo frame will be showcasing an entire roll of pictures, maybe more depending on which frame you buy.

3. Choose which type of digital photo frame you want to purchase. When talking about anything “digital,” there is always more than just one standard option. Digital photo frames come as simple or as elaborate as one could want. There are frames that serve as ornaments, perfect for those who like to place pictures on their Christmas trees. There are even frames that play music or audio files. Deciding for or against a basic digital photo frame will greatly influence your decision (as well as the price).

4. Become familiar with the software of the digital frame before you make your purchase. Read about how easy or complicated specific digital frames are to use when it comes to uploading, removing and changing pictures. This is especially important if you're not the most computer-savvy individual.

5. Read plenty of product reviews. There are plenty of reviews for everything digital to be found on the internet. Digital photo frames are no different. Once you've narrowed your choices down, search for them online and learn what other users had to say regarding the product. Things you should look for include clarity of the pictures, reliability and whether or not the frame is easy to use.

6. Go to the store and look at the digital photo frame yourself before buying one. You can read about clarity and pixels until your eyes are sore. The fact remains that you can't fully grasp this type of information until you see it for yourself in person. Most electronic stores which sell these frames will have at least a handful of them out and operating so that potential buyers can see them. Once you've done this, you'll know whether or not the digital frame you want to purchase meets your standards.

Tags: digital photo, digital photo frame, digital frame, photo frame, photo frames

Free Up Space On An Ipod

Using an iPod media player can be an addicting experience. It seems like iPods can fill up all too quickly with music, pictures and movies transferred from your home computer or laptop. When this happens, use these tips to free up space.

Instructions

1. Convert your files to a compressed format. If you have AIFF format files, they're taking up too much space and should be converted to AAC files.

2. Right-click on the file in iTunes, check its file type under Properties and change it if need be by control-clicking the file and then selecting the "Convert" option.

3. Delete the original AIFF files to effectively minimize your space. If you don't do this, you'll actually end up losing space because you'll simply be adding AAC files to your library.

4. Delete media that you don't use or don't need. If you rarely listen to a particular album or only wanted pictures on your iPod for a single occasion, delete them to make room.

5. Make your photos smaller. If you're showing your photos on your iPod, they don't need to be large files since the screen isn't very big. Compress them to save space.

6. Remove files when you're done using them. Things such as TiVo recordings and audiobooks take up a lot of space, especially if they're not going to be viewed or heard again.

Tags: your iPod, your photos

Frame Nature Pictures

See how the tunnel creates a natural frame for nature.

You see a sudden rainbow glimmer across the sky, a golden streak of lighting flash on a dark stormy night or the soft glow of a sunset over an ocean. Mesmerized, you pull out your camera and snap the shot. Later, you wonder why your nature picture seems so ordinary. Next time, take a couple of seconds and move around before you shoot. Look for an interesting angle that creates a frame for the shot. Consider the lighting and shoot during dusk or dawn for a surreal quality. Make your nature photograph memorable and one you will treasure.

Instructions

1. Pick the area of nature you want to photograph. Look through your viewfinder and walk the area, until you find an interesting aspect for your picture's focus. It may be the changing color of the leaves, the ocean wave or a creek in the hills.

2. Find natural elements to give depth to your picture and act as a frame. Look for a hanging tree limb, a natural path leading to the creek or a set of large rocks around the edge of the ocean.

3. Divide the viewing area of your camera screen into nine small, separate squares in your mind. Move the item you want to focus on off center and place the natural framing element to the bottom right or left of your screen, to add interest to your picture.

4. Get up high as you look through your viewfinder at the overall picture. Bend down low, to see how it looks from this angle. Zoom in and out, to see how the photograph changes as you move to different heights and zoom angles. Choose the angle you like best.

5. Wait for the sun to reach the level of lighting desired and take your picture. Snap several pictures of the same scene at different light settings, to determine which one turns out the best. Snap a couple backups in case your hand shakes.

Tags: your picture, through your, through your viewfinder, your camera, your nature

Use A Skylight Filter

Skylight filters are attached to the lens of a camera to filter out UV (ultra-violet) light. In color film, UV causes a bluish haze. In both color and black and white film UV fuzzes up distance objects so that they loose their clarity of line. If too much UV is present, the image is distorted regardless of if the camera records the image via film or digital sensors.

Instructions

1. Consider the setting in which you are shooting. Choose what degree of UV filtration you want your skylight filter to provide based on the photo setting.

2. Decide which manufacturer and grade of filter you want. Some manufacturers grind finer lenses, so the reputation for quality varies. The Photofilter website gives a good overview of what's available.

3. Check the diameter of the lens you want to attach the skylight filter to.

4. Select a skylight filter that is the correct size to fit the lens you want to attach it to.

5. Screw the filter onto the end of the lens, make sure it is not cross-threaded with the lens. This can cause gaps in the fitting and cause UV leakage.

Tags: lens want, lens want attach, skylight filter, want attach

Cool A Telescope Mirror

The mirror on a telescope needs time to reach thermal equilibrium in order to get the best view. This means the mirror must be the same temperature as the air around it. A mirror on a telescope is a sensitive tool. Its purpose is to focus starlight down to a single point. Heat causes a mirror to flex minutely. If your mirror is too warm, you will have difficulty focusing on images. Setting up and allowing the mirror time to chill is the best way to see a starry night with your telescope.

Instructions

Setup

1. Set your telescope up an hour before you plan to use it.

2. Remove all caps on the telescope. This allows airflow around the mirror.

3. Point your telescope away from the sun and let the mirror reach thermal equilibrium.

Computer Fan

4. Take the back off the telescope frame. Unscrew the end cap on the tube.

5. Thread a hair band through the frame of the fan at one corner. Pull the end of the band through the center section of the elastic to form a slipknot around the fan frame. Repeat three more times, one band on each corner of the fan frame.

6. Hook the loops of each elastic to screws protruding from the frame of the telescope. There are screws that secure the mirror in place stick out of the behind the mirror. Slide one band loop around one screw to hold the fan in place. Think of a trampoline: The fan is the canvas surface attached to a frame by rubber bands.

7. Cut a piece of craft foam the size of the rear opening of the telescope. This will act as a baffle. Once cut, fasten the foam to the frame of the telescope with a strip of hook and loop fasteners.

8. Attach the fan to a 12-volt battery.The red wire from the fan attaches to the positive terminal on the battery. Attach the black wire to the negative terminal. This will power the fan.

Tags: your telescope, around mirror, band through, frame telescope, mirror telescope, reach thermal, reach thermal equilibrium

Fun Games To Play Through Text Messaging

Fun Games to Play Through Text Messaging

Text messaging is useful for straightforward communication, but it can also be a platform for creative fun. Knowing a few text messaging games is a great way to flirt or just pass the time. Games can be anything from simple to complex, with as many players as you care to get involved. Try out a few of these the next time you're away from your friends or family and want to get in touch.

Cross Streets

Cross Streets is a great game for people who either know their city well or are trying to learn it better. Use your cell phone to snap a pic of street sign with an interesting landmark in the background, such as a distinctive steeple or favorite coffee shop. Text the photo to a friend. It's then their job to name the cross street and send back a more challenging pic to you.

Frengo Trivia

If you are looking for a more professional gaming experience via text messaging, then Frengo is a top source. This mobile community's most popular text messaging games typically involve trivia. You can compete against your friends in any category imaginable.

Thumb Flurry

The goal of thumb flurry is to write a long text as quickly as possible. The judge sends out a text to every contestant with a passage from a book, a joke or a movie quote. The contestants then have to re-type the passage and send it to the judge. For every mistake, the texters have one second added to their final score, so even if you get your message into the judge's inbox first, you can still be harmed by inaccuracy. This game requires some ground rules in advance, including whether or not T9 is allowed.

Jumbli

A game offered directly from AT&T, Jumbli has everyone in the country competing to produce the highest scoring word from a collection of letters with different point values. A massive Jumbli screen has been set up in Time Square, or you can find the current letters online and in participating restaurants and businesses.

Tags: text messaging, Cross Streets, Games Play, Games Play Through, messaging games

Format A Sd Card For A Camera

Formatting your camera's SD memory card is an easy way to improve performance and clear the way for new photos and videos. Allowing hundreds of images to build up on your SD card slows your camera down and increases your risk of lost data. Cards should be formatted often, either in the camera or from your computer. But be warned that formatting a card permanently erases all of its photos, so make sure your important images are saved on your hard drive.

Instructions

Backing Up Your Data

1. Insert the card into your card reader.

2. When the autoplay dialogue box appears, choose "Open Folder to View Files." If it does not appear, open "My Computer" via your Start Menu and open the "Removable Disk" drive.

3. Copy the contents of your card by right-clicking the folder called "DCIM" and choosing "Copy."

4. Open to your "My Pictures" folder by accessing "My Documents" in "My Computer." Once inside this folder, right-click the background area and choose "Paste." Your pictures may take a few minutes to copy, and once the transfer is complete you may rename the new "DCIM" folder by right-clicking it and choosing "Rename."

5. Return to "My Computer" and eject your SD card by right-clicking "Removable Disk" and choosing "Eject."

Formatting Your Card in the Camera

6. Insert the SD card in your camera and turn it on.

7. Open your camera's menu and select "Setup" or "Utilities."

8. Choose "Format." The camera will ask if you're sure you want to format the card, advising you that all data will be erased.

9. Choose "OK." Formatting takes a few seconds depending on the size of your card.

Formatting Your Card in the Computer

10. Insert the card into your card reader and open "My Computer."

11. Right-click the "Removable Disk" that represents your card and choose "Format."

12. Choose the following options in the dialogue box that appears: Under "File System," choose "FAT." Under "Allocation Size," choose "Default Allocation Size." Leave "Volume Label" blank, and do not choose "Quick Format."

13. Click "Start" to format the disk.

14. Eject your disk: Right-click "Removable Disk" and choose "Eject."

Tags: your card, Removable Disk, your camera, Insert card, Allocation Size, Card Camera, card into

Digiscope With A Canon

Digiscoping allows you to get extremely close shots of an object from afar. It is commonly used in wildlife photography because it allows the photographer to get a zoomed-in shot without interrupting the normal behavior of the animals. The technique simply requires attaching a digiscope to the Canon camera. A digiscope is a form of telescope that is meant to work with cameras. The process is fairly simple.

Instructions

1. Adjust the aperture to "P." This is the setting that will auto-balance the light-exposure settings.

2. Mount the camera on the tripod. Pull back the arm on the top of the tripod until you can lift the small tripod-mounting plate from the platform. Insert the screw in the center of the mounting piece into the threaded hole on the bottom of your camera. Turn the screw clockwise until it is snug in the camera. Pull the arm back on the tripod once again. Rest the mounting piece on the platform one side at a time. Release the arm. The piece is held in place by the arm.

3. Connect the digiscope to the camera. Align the small, threaded end of the lens with the circular lens holder on the camera. Turn the lens just slightly clockwise until it clicks into place. Some larger lenses may require you to screw an additional support to the lens and tripod.

4. Frame the scene that you would like to shoot by looking into the camera's view window. Adjust the focus rings on the lens until you have a sharp picture through your viewer. Press the button on the top of the camera to take the shot.

Tags: back tripod, camera Turn, clockwise until, mounting piece, Pull back, Pull back tripod

Prepaid Cell Phone Plans

Cellular phones--with their ability to make and take calls from virtually anywhere--have become a staple of modern life. Cellular phones add an element of mobility, allowing users to talk, text and even browse the Internet on a whim with no wires, no physical connections and--as is increasingly common--no monthly bills. Explore several aspects of prepaid cell phone plans, including the history of prepaid phones, types of plans, and some benefits and considerations regarding their use.

History

While prepaid cell phones may seem like a byproduct of a burgeoning mobility industry, the prepaid plan dates back almost as far as post-paid (traditionally billed) services. The first recorded American patent for prepaid service was issued to a small carrier, Banana Cellular, in 1993. This plan allowed customers to pay for a predetermined amount of use in advance, though they were only allowed to connect to other Banana Cellular customers. Prepaid wireless became more akin to normal post-paid services in 1994, as Houston-based Houston Cellular Telephone Company began offering the prepaid option to customers with insufficient credit to open a post-paid account. This service, known as CallTrack, spurred proliferation of prepaid cell phone services as it repeatedly proved more profitable than more traditional post-paid services.

Function

When a customer acquires and activates a new prepaid cell phone, the new line is provisioned by the carrier in much the same way as traditional post-paid accounts. Basic information is taken from the customer, the mobile handset's electronic serial number (ESN) is recorded and a telephone number is assigned to the set. Rather than submitting the cell phone plan to monthly billing, however, an up-front charge is collected from the customer and placed on the account. Proprietary software monitors the usage of the phone, deducting charges (defined in the prepaid cell phone user agreement) from the account as the phone is used. When the account reaches a low balance, the software warns the customer. When the balance reaches zero, the software disables functionality of the cell phone. In some cases where the customer agrees in advance, the software may also attempt to automatically replenish the account using a provided credit or debit card in order to prevent service interruptions.

Features

Prepaid cell phone plans have traditionally afforded their users somewhat sparse services, allowing voice calls only and often at a significantly higher cost than billed services. The popularity of prepaid cell phones, however, has prompted carriers to offer more services in prepaid cell phone plans, and many carriers now offer text messaging (texting) and data services to prepaid customers. Many plans debit the prepaid account for each minute of voice talk time or data usage, and debit the account a separate--usually lower--charge for incoming and outgoing text messages. Some carriers also offer unlimited usage of some services for an additional prepaid fee, such as unlimited data usage or unlimited off-peak voice talk time for around $1 per prepaid day.

Advantages

Prepaid cell phones afford mobility to customers who do not qualify for traditional post-billed services due to lack of credit, low income or lack of permanent address. They are often inexpensive and easy to obtain, and many do not require credit checks or extensive information to activate. Once activated, prepaid cell phones allow users to control spending; rather than accumulating massive (and sometimes unexpected) bills, prepaid cell phones simply stop working when a customer reaches the preset spending limit. On the opposite end of the spectrum, customers who rarely use their phones--like customers who maintain a mobile phone account for emergency use only--can use prepaid accounts to avoid high recurring bills for phones that are rarely used. Finally, the nature of prepaid cell phone plans means there is no contractual obligation to keep the phone for any length of time, and prepaid customers are not subjected to the early termination fees that haunt post-paid customers.

Considerations

While there are many advantages to a prepaid cell phone plan, these plans are not suitable for all mobile phone users. Prepaid customers often face a very limited choice of phones, with most "cooler" or "trendy" phones reserved for post-paid account holders. Prepaid phones are often more expensive, too, as the profits carriers reap from post-billed accounts help subsidize the initial purchase price of the cell phone handset. Finally, prepaid cell phone plans can be considerably more expensive for heavy users, as per-minute and per-message charges are generally higher for prepaid users than for post-billed consumers.

Tags: cell phone, prepaid cell, cell phone, cell phone plans, cell phones

History Of Video Conferencing

Video conferencing enables people in two or more locations to communicate with each other. The technology used in video conferencing combines both audio and video components so that everyone involved in the conference can see and hear the other participants. Through its development, video conferencing has greatly enhanced international trade as it allows for groups to confer about routine matter without having to travel. This saves both time and money and allows for an increase in productivity. The history of video conferencing begins during the 1950s and spans over six decades of advancement and innovation.

Early Developments

In 1956, AT&T created the first system for two-way videoconferencing called the PicturePhone. With the system, two people could have a continuous conversation with a still picture that updated every two seconds. At the 1964 World's Fair in New York, AT&T unveiled a revised model to fair goers. After using the phone to call across the country to exhibits in Disneyland, the guests were asked to provide feedback about the experience. Due to the large amount of criticism, developers at AT&T returned to developing the phone. Six years later, updated PicturePhone service was offered to residents of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The cost of the service was $160 per month and was unwieldy in size, which led to AT&T discontinuing the program.

1970s

In 1971, Ericsson demonstrated the first Transatlantic phone call with its own video conferencing system, and in 1974, a large research program began at Information Science Institute (ISI) at the University of South Carolina laboratories. In 1976, Danny Cohen of the ISI published a landmark paper concerning the use of Network Video Protocol. Network Video Protocol was a technological advance that Cohen began work on in 1973. Its invention greatly aided in the development of video conferencing. In 1976, Nippon Telegraph also released an industrial video conferencing system that linked Osaka and Tokyo.

1980s

ISI released a second innovation in the field of video conferencing in 1981 with Randy Cole's publication concerning Video Protocol. The COST 211 research group built upon Cole's work, developing encoding for communication lines that would become integral for video conferencing. In 1982, VCR systems released a $250,000 version of video conferencing unit for public sale whose phone lines cost $1,000 per hour. PictureTel released a less pricey model in 1986, but the equipment was still costly at $80,000 with $100 per hour lines. Later in the year, Mitsubishi released a $1500 phone that allowed users to view one still picture of the other party throughout the call.

1990s

ISI's video conferencing research continued through the first half of the 1990s with its innovations being used by products sold through PictureTel and DartNet. Meanwhile, IBM developed its own video conferencing technology, and in 1991, the company demonstrated the first video conference using a personal computer. AT&T departed from its PicturePhone design in releasing a video conferencing system for home use in 1992. From 1992 to 1998, video conferencing units were released by a variety of companies, including INRIA, Macintosh, UCB, Novell and VocalTec. In 1996, Microsoft launched video conferencing software that utilized the Internet to hold audio and video based meetings. The software was called NetMeeting, and Microsoft updated the program twice during the late 1990s.

2000s

The first hand-held video conferencing device was released by Samsung in 2001. Video conferencing was also used in television news reporting and online classrooms during the same year. The next landmark in video conferencing technology occurred the following year when French surgeons used video conferencing to conduct a gall bladder removal surgery in Strasbourg, France from a location in New York City. Yearly advancements in Voice Over Internet Protocol occurred from 2005 to 2008, all of which continually improved the quality of video conferences while lowering their cost.

Tags: video conferencing, video conferencing, conferencing system, video conferencing system, Video Protocol

Different Types Of Camera Memory Cards

Shooting with a digital camera is becoming easier to easier, but many cameras have different storage capabilities for these pictures. Understanding the different formats can help you choose your next camera and the best memory to purchase. Understanding the memory cards can also help with data conversion and uses of the memory cards in other products.

Compact Flash Card

The Compact Flash Card or the CF card is one of the biggest camera memory cards. This card originated for use in holding large amounts of data and is commonly found in larger cameras like the Canon Rebel XT. The card features over a dozen pin holes that connects to the card reader in order to process information.

Secure Digital Card

One of the most commonly found camera memory cards is the Secure Digital card, commonly referred to as the SD card. The SD card can be found in Canon, Panasonic, Kodak and Nikon cameras, among others. It is convenient for its small size and storage. The SD card is so popular that other electronics use it, such as the Nintendo Wii and Video Cameras. The card is shaped like a rectangle with one of the corners slanted. The bottom side features 9 gold areas used for data downloading and uploading. SD cards are commonly blue in color as well.

Memory Stick

Sony camera users have to use their patented Memory Stick. The Memory Stick has many different forms, including the Memory Stick Duo, Pro and original memory stick. They look a lot like an SD card, except they are longer in size and used with Sony digital cameras, video cameras and other Sony electronics like the Sony PSP.

XD Cards

Like Sony's memory stick, the XD card is exclusive to the Fujifilm Company. XD cards are about half the size of the SD card and are pretty much obsolete, except those found in older cameras. Fujifilm has begun replacing their cameras with SD slots instead, but multiple card readers can still read XD cards and some manufactured cameras can use them.

Size

Camera memory cards should always be kept in the camera because of their small size. Even though all types of cards may look the same, the insides can be vastly different. A high speed camera memory card will provide faster picture data to the card and allow you to snap more pictures quickly. The amount of the pictures stored on these cards depends on the mega pixels of your camera, but a multiple gig card should easily hold over 500 pictures.

Tags: memory cards, Memory Stick, camera memory, camera memory cards, commonly found

Set Date And Time On Kodak Easy Share C653

Have you ever wondered how other people get the dates and times on their cameras? Now you, too, can have the date and time stamp on the screen of your Kodak Easy Share C653. The menu is easy to navigate, and this should take you no more than about 2 minutes to complete. Setting the date and time does not mean that you have to have it included on your pictures, but it does ensure that your camera has the correct information should you decide to include it on your photos.

Instructions

1. Use the disk on the upper right-hand corner of the top of your camera to turn on the power by clicking it over to the green "Auto" icon on top of the disk. Let your camera power up completely before moving on. You will know when this is done when you see a real-time screen on your viewing screen and not the Kodak logo.

2. Find and hit the "Menu" button on the back of your camera. This is located on the lower right-hand corner of the rear of your camera, next to the viewing screen. This will bring up all of the options that your camera is capable of handling. Use the directional pad on the right side of the rear of your camera to scroll down to "Setup Menu" and hit "OK."

3. Use your directional pad again to scroll down to "Date and Time," and then click "OK" again. This now opens the calendar section of your menu.

4. Use your directional pad to move over to the "Month," or the first blank on your screen. To change the number, simply use your up and down directional keys on the pad to change the date. When you are done, push right on the directional pad to go to the day of the month. Again, change this number by using your up and down keys. Once you have this set, hit "OK," and you are returned to the main menu screen.

5. Scroll back up the screen to "Return," and hit "OK." This will again take you to another screen, where you need to then hit the "Menu" button. This will save all of the information you have entered, ensuring that your date and time are permanently set.

Tags: your camera, that your, This will, date time, Easy Share, Easy Share C653, Kodak Easy

Hook Up A Mini Dv Camera To Usb

Connecting your miniature digital video camera to your computer allows you to capture images from your camera and to review and edit your favorite video footage to share with family and friends. For those who are not technically savvy, this can sometimes seem overwhelming given the variety of cords and ports available on both the computer and the camera. But the connection simply requires the correct cord.

Instructions

Hook Up a Mini DV Camera to USB

1. Locate the camera output firewire port. This is often on the side of the camera---often under a rubber flap that covers and protects it. Usually it's next to the power plug. The firewire input port is four-sided and resembles a rectangle with one side slightly shorter than the other.

2. Determine if the firewire port is a six-pin or four-pin input. A six-pin is larger and can easily be confused with a USB input. The four-pin port is less than half this size.

3. Select the right cable for the job. If you have a six-pin port but a four-pin cable, you need to get a new cable or get an adapter that will allow the pins to fit.

4. Insert the firewire cable into the firewire port. Make sure you have lined up the corresponding shapes or you might damage the pins.

5. Turn on your computer and allow it to boot up. Locate your USB port on the side, back or possibly front of the hard drive. Insert the USB cable into the port.

6. Turn on your camera. Your computer should recognize the video component and open up a dialogue box to "capture" the video. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Tags: firewire port, cable into, Hook Mini, Hook Mini Camera, Mini Camera, Turn your

Format An Sd Memory Card On A Computer

SD memory cards are most often used as a way to store photos on digital cameras or to extend the internal memory of cell phones and other portable media devices. Depending on the device, you may need the memory card in a certain format. You may also want to format the drive so that it can be accessed by both Windows and Mac computers. Whatever the reason or file system needed, formatting the memory card from your computer is simple.

Instructions

1. Insert the SD memory card into your computer's memory card reader. If the computer does not have a built-in memory card reader, you will need a USB adapter. Insert the memory card into the adapter and plug the adapter into your computer's USB port.

2. Open "My Computer." The SD memory card will be listed as a connected drive. It may be listed as "Removable Media."

3. Right-click the memory card within "My Computer." Select "Format..."

4. Set the capacity (in megabytes). Set the format--choose between FAT32 or NTFS. FAT32 is a file system format that can be read from/written to on both Windows and Macs. FAT32 cannot handle single files larger than 4GB (gigabytes). NTFS is the default file system format of Windows--this format cannot be accessed by Macintosh computers but can handle larger files than FAT32. Name the newly formatted drive if you'd like. Check "Quick Format" and click "Start." Windows will format the SD memory card.

Tags: memory card, file system, your computer, both Windows, card into

Media Card Reader Troubleshooting

Transfer your files from your camera or music player easily and quickly with a card reader. All-in-one readers work with all popular cards, including SD, MMC and compact flash. Some of them have read/write speeds of up to 34MB/s. The most common issue that is encountered with media card readers, also called memory card readers, is the device not being detected by the PC. Take a look at how you can troubleshoot this problem.

Verify Minimum System Requirements

Check the documentation to make sure the reader is supported by your operating system. For example, SanDisk card readers support Windows Vista, Windows XP SP2 and Windows 2000 SP4.

Verify the Reader's Status

Right-click "My Computer," select "Manage" and on the left pane select "Device Manager." The card reader will appear in two places, "Disk Drives" and "Universal Serial Bus." Look for "USB Mass Storage," too. If there is a yellow exclamation point or question mark, try to refresh the devices. Refresh the devices by right-clicking the entry with the error and click "Uninstall." On the top menu, click on "Action" and then click on "Scan for Hardware Changes." Then double-click "My Computer" and look for the card reader.

Try Other USB Ports

Often, the reader fails to receive enough power. This is particularly likely if you are using a hub and even more likely if the hub isn't powered. Check to see if the hub has a power cord going to the wall. Try other USB ports.

Change the Drive Letters

You can re-assign a drive letter using "Administrative Tools" in the Control Panel. There will be an area called "Computer Management," and under "Computer Management" there will be a section called "Disk Management." Right-click the drive you want to change, and give it a new letter.

Other Things to Check

Make sure the connection to the USB port is secure. For troubleshooting purposes, you can disconnect everything else that's plugged into any USB port. Disconnect them one device at a time, and see which one may be causing the trouble. Make sure the USB port you're using works. Try something else in it.

Tags: card reader, card readers, Computer Management, Make sure

Format An Olympus Xdpicture Card

An xD memory card is a storage medium used by Olympus and Fuji digital cameras. No bigger than a postage stamp, an xD card is lightweight, and with its size, it's easy to carry several around with you on extended trips and photo shoots. Before using an xD card for the first time, you should format it. You should also format it every time you download photos off the card to the computer. Deleting photos from the card doesn't clear the card of all the data, and over time, if a card isn't formatted, this can cause the card to be corrupted.

Instructions

1. Insert the card into your camera and power on the camera.

2. Press the Menu button on the back of your camera and use the arrow keys to navigate to "Camera Setup."

3. Select "Format Memory Card" from the submenus under Setup and press "OK."

4. Press "OK" when the camera flashes a warning that says "This will delete all data on the card. Continue?"

5. Press "Menu" again to exit the Setup menu.

Tags: Press Menu, your camera

Format An Olympus Camera Card For A Fuji A345

Formatting a memory card can help your camera to run faster and more efficiently.

If you just bought a brand new memory card for your digital camera, or if your camera is showing signs of working slowly, you may want to format your memory card. Formatting a card erases all data from the card and creates the folders necessary for the camera to store photos. This makes the camera able to run more smoothly, as well as enabling you to take many pictures in quick succession without clogging up your camera's memory.

Instructions

1. Insert the memory card into your Fujifilm A345 digital camera, making sure that the camera is turned off first. Push the "Power" button to turn your camera on. Push the "Menu/OK" button to the right of the LCD screen to display the settings menu. Use the left and right directional buttons to select the "Option" menu option. Use the up and down directional buttons to select the "Set-up" menu option. Press the "Menu/OK" button.

2. Make sure that you are in the section of the set-up menu numbered "1." Use the up and down directional buttons to select the "Format" option in the set-up menu. Press the right directional button.

3. Use the left and right directional buttons to select "OK" on the format screen. Press the "Menu/OK" button. This will format the memory card to the specifications of your Fujifilm A345. The formatting process may take a few seconds.

Tags: memory card, buttons select, directional buttons, directional buttons select, your camera, Menu button

Format An Ipod Mini Before Selling It

You own a license for the music on your iPod mini, but if you sell your iPod mini with music still on it, you run the risk of violating your iTunes user agreement. To prevent this, you should use the iTunes restore process to format your iPod mini to its factory default settings.

Instructions

1. Open iTunes to see if you need to update your iTunes software. If your software is out of date, iTunes displays a message asking if you would like to update. You must have iTunes 7.0 or higher to format your iPod mini.

2. Connect your iPod mini to your PC. Wait for your iPod mini to show up in your device list.

3. Select your iPod mini from the left sidebar. This displays configuration information about your iPod mini in the main iTunes window.

4. Click the "Restore" button. Choose to restore your iPod mini with the latest iPod software when your computer prompts you. This insures that your iPod mini is up to date before you sell it.

5. Follow the on-screen prompts through the second stage of the restore process. Leave the "Name" field and "Syncing Preferences" buttons blank. This allows your buyer to name the iPod mini and set her syncing preferences when she receives it.

6. Disconnect the device by clicking the "Eject" button next to your iPod mini in the left sidebar.

Tags: your iPod, your iPod mini, iPod mini, iPod mini, format your, format your iPod, iPod mini with

Canon Sure Shot Z115 Instructions

The Canon Sure Shot Z115 is a point-and-shoot 35mm camera. The champagne-colored consumer camera has automatic film loading, advance and rewinding to make taking pictures a snap. if you have recently purchased a Canon Sure Shot Z115, learning use the camera is easy to do.

Loading Film

Open the back of the Z115 to load film in by sliding the small lever on the back of the camera marked "Open." Once open, place the film canister on the right hand side of camera where the indentation is for it, and then take the exposed portion of the film and line the holes on the sides of the film up with the spokes inside the camera's advance wheel. Once you have lined up the film, close the back of the camera. The camera will automatically advance your film to a clean frame so you can begin shooting.

Turning the Camera On

Turn the camera on by pressing the button on the top of the camera marked "On." Turning the camera on will automatically remove the lens cap from the camera and extend your cameras zoom lens out from its body.

Flash

The flash on your Z115 defaults to always being automatic, meaning it will flash when needed and not flash in bright situations where it is not needed. Turn the flash off by pressing the button on the back of the camera marked with a lightning bolt symbol. An icon will appear on your cameras display with a picture of the lightning bolt symbol with a slash through it, indicating the flash is turned off.

Autofocus

The Canon Z115 has a built-in autofocus to make pictures taken with the camera always in focus. To use autofocus, press the shutter button down halfway. Once the camera has focused on your subject, press the shutter button down the remainder of the way to take a picture.

Unloading Film

When your roll of film is done, the camera will automatically rewind the film. Once the film stops rewinding (you will clearly be able to hear the rewinding process), open the back of the camera to remove the finished roll of film for processing.

Tags: back camera, camera marked, camera will, camera will automatically, Canon Sure

Compare Prices On Slr Digital Cameras

SLR Camera

Digital single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras used to be considered professional cameras to which only a few photographers had access. Now camera manufacturers have created consumer cameras that are affordable to a larger pool of photography enthusiasts. Still, DSLR cameras are expensive, selling for $700 for old models and upward of $1,000 for newer consumer models, so you should compare prices before buying.

Instructions

1. Compare camera makes and models first. There are a number of camera manufacturers, and they each offer a range of digital SLR cameras from consumer to professional. To compare camera prices, you have to compare similar cameras across brands. For example, a Canon Rebel is comparable to the Nikon D80, so you would want to compare the two for capabilities and price.

2. Use a comparison Web site to get an idea of the going rates for the camera you want. Camera prices may vary greatly online.

3. Visit an electronics retail store to compare prices. While online stores usually have great deals, retail stores may end up saving you money because you won't have to pay for shipping or return fees. Retail stores may also have incentives such as free camera bags or memory cards.

4. Search online discount stores such as Amazon.com and TigerDirect.com for bundles or packages. These packages may not save you money on the camera body, but it will end up being a great deal if it helps you reduce the cost of accessories such as lenses and cleaning kits.

5. Check classified ads and auction sites. Many people still use online and print classified ads to advertise their digital SLR cameras for sale. Depending on the seller, used cameras can be great deals because they may be just a few months or years old and are being sold for hundreds of dollars less than a newer model.

Tags: camera manufacturers, compare prices, great deals

Get Pictures Off An Sdhc Card

Get Pictures Off an SDHC Card

Getting digital pictures off an SDHC card requires the use of a Micro SD, as a storage component. Digital pictures can be stored to the Micro SD, and taken off with an SDHC card, through a basic transference process known as exporting. The SDHC card can be inserted into a computer's ExpressCard slot, so its picture files can be visible and accessible. Once the Micro SD card's picture files are accessible, action can be taken to export the pictures from the card, so they can be moved to the computer. Exporting is usually quite rapid; it takes approximately 30 seconds to one minute.

Instructions

1. Place the Micro SD memory card into the bottom port slot of the SDHC card.

2. Locate the computer's ExpressCard slot. Insert the SDHC card into the computer, in the direction where the words are legible. An AutoPlay window will pop up in the lower right corner of the screen, above the computer's taskbar, or directly in the middle of the screen.

3. Create a name for the new pictures folder that will be generated. There will be a data form in the AutoPlay window, located in the lower right corner of the screen. Type the folder name in that particular data form.

4. Click the "Import" action below the data form, once you have typed a name for the new pictures folder. The pictures will, then, be taken off the SDHC card and transferred to the new folder on the computer's hard drive.

Tags: SDHC card, data form, AutoPlay window, card into, computer ExpressCard, computer ExpressCard slot

Take Black Shadow Background Photos

A mounted flash can create an artistic shadowy backdrop in your photos.

Though camera flash units often receive flack for creating obtrusive lighting and casting dark shadows behind a subject, many photographers enjoy this high-contrast look. When used appropriately, both in-camera and external (mounted) flash units can highlight bold colors and create long, black shadows behind the subject of choice.

Instructions

1. Turn on your camera's internal flash function by setting it to "Auto" mode. If you are using an external flash unit, mount it to your camera's hot shoe attachment and power it on.

2. Position yourself at a 45 degree angle to the front of your subject. From this position, the flash will create a dense black shadow which falls back diagonally from your subject.

3. Compose the photograph within the viewfinder. Try placing the subject to one side of the frame, as this will make room for the shadow that is cast by the flash.

4. Press the shutter button and wait for the resulting picture to be displayed on your camera's LCD screen. Adjust your shooting angle to create a longer or shorter shadow and shoot again if desired. If you're using film, take several shots from different angles to ensure good results.

Tags: your camera, behind subject, flash units, mounted flash, shadows behind

Reset Your Forerunner 205

The Forerunner 205 is a GPS device made by Garmin. This particular GPS device is made specifically for runners and, aside from the precise satellite location, has features such as a heart rate monitor and the distance traveled. As with many electronic devices, the Forerunner 205 may run into minor hardware or software glitches and freeze up. In such situations, a reset may be enough to solve the problem.

Instructions

1. Press and hold the "Mode" and "Power" buttons simultaneously until the device turns off. It should take no more than a few seconds to turn off.

2. Remove and replace the battery in the back of the device if the first technique does not work. The Forerunner 205 automatically shuts off once the battery is removed.

3. Update the Forerunner 205 to the latest software update to ensure that you have the best software available. Connect the device to a computer with a USB cord and run the WebUpdater software. Follow the on-screen prompts to update the software. See the link in the Resources section if you do not have the latest version of WebUpdater.

Tags: device made

Reset And Reboot A Zune

Zune is a popular mp3 player developed by Microsoft that is known for its reliability. However, like any electronic device the Zune can malfunction. Users may experience their device freezing, that is the Zune player will refuse to respond to any commands and will appear stuck. Depending upon whether you have a regular Zune or a Zune HD, you will have to do different things to get your Zune to reset or reboot itself.

Instructions

Soft Reset (Not for Zune HD)

1. Move the Hold Switch to the unlock position.

2. Press and hold both the Zune pad's Back and Up keys until the device turns off, and then turns on again with the Zune logo appearing on the screen. This indicates that the Zune is resetting itself.

3. Wait for the Zune to reset itself completely before operating the device.

Zune HD Reset

4. Press and hold the Power button on the top of the Zune.

5. Release the Power button after 10 seconds.

6. Wait for the Zune to restart.

Hard Reset (not for Zune HD)

7. Move the Hold Switch on the top of the device to unlocked.

8. Press and hold both the Back button (backwards facing arrow) and the Up button of the Zune pad. Release the buttons, once the device begins to power up.

9. Press and hold a combination of buttons based on your Zune model immediately after you release the buttons in step 2.

For a 4 GB, 8 GB, and 80 GB Zune, press and hold the Back button, Zune pad, and Play/Pause buttons simultaneously. Hold these buttons until the Zune device restarts and the words "Please Wait" appear on your Zune screen.

For a 30GB Zune immediately press and hold the Back button, the left side of the Zune pad, and the center of the Zune pad. Hold until the words "Please wait" appear on the Zune screen.

After "Please Wait," the words "Connect Zune to your PC" will appear on the screen.

10. Connect your Zune to the PC using the USB sync cable. The Zune software will open once your device is detected and update your device with the latest Zune firmware if needed.

Tags: Press hold, your Zune, Back button, button Zune, button Zune Release, device Zune

Why Do Phone Cords Tangle

Corded Telephones Use Wires

The basic premise of traditional telephone service concerns converting sounds into electrical signals and sending those signals to another party some distance away. While cordless, cellular and Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) telephones accomplish this task in different ways, a traditional corded telephone uses a set of two wires to conduct the electrical signals. These signals must be received by the phone from the telephone network, then sent to the speaker (or received from the microphone) in the handset. To facilitate the transfer of the signals to the handset, a corded telephone uses two wires known as a "cable pair" to relay the signal from the phone base to the handset.

Telephone Cords Are Shielded

While the electrical signals that drive telecommunication may be relayed for many miles between to parties, the most vulnerable part of the signal's journey occurs between the telephone base and the handset. The proximity of the handset to sources of outside interference--things like hairdryers, radios, even electronic gadgets--makes the signal more susceptible to line noise and distortion.

In addition, frequent movement by the user, which may range from simply switching the handset between ears to walking carelessly around the room, increases the likelihood that the cable pair connecting the handset to the telephone base will become worn and break. To help quell both issues, telephone manufacturers apply heavy shielding to telephone cables. This shielding serves the dual purpose of both protecting the cable pair from interference and adding some elasticity to the cable.

Shielding Is Intentionally Curly

The shielding used by manufacturers of telephone handset cords is intentionally designed to be very curly. Fully extended, a telephone cable is quite long, usually at least four, six, or eight feet in length. By conditioning the thick shielding on the cable pair to curl up on its own, the lengthy handset cord can be compacted to a size that is easy to store and does not get in the user's way.

This intentionally curled design gives rise to the industry name for the cord--the "Curly Cord--and creates the pigtail-like design familiar to modern telephone users. When a user fully extends the cord, though, or switches the handset from ear to ear frequently, the cord's natural tendency to return to its curled-up state often catches other parts of the cord during the recoil process. The result is a tangled nest of double-curled curly cord.

Tags: cable pair, electrical signals, base handset, corded telephone, corded telephone uses, telephone base

Call Slovakia From The United States

Less visited by tourists than its neighbor the Czech Republic, from which it was peacefully severed in 1993, Slovakia seduces its visitors with medieval villages and the dramatic High Tatry Mountains. Hurry up and plan your trip before Bratislava turns into the next Prague.

Instructions

1. Determine what time it is in Slovakia. Slovakia is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, which means it is 6 hours later in Slovakia than it is on the East Coast of the United States, and 9 hours later than it is on the West Coast.

2. Keep in mind that the Slovak language is similar to Czech, but differs in some respects. English is spoken widely, though not universally, as is German. If all else fails, try French, which is also studied by some Slovaks.

3. Dial 011, the international access code.

4. Dial 421, the Slovakian country code.

5. Dial the city code. Some city codes for major towns in Slovakia include 7 for Bratislava, 88 for Banska Bystrica and 95 for Kosice.

6. Dial the remaining digits.

Tags: code Dial, hours later, United States

Slingbox Requirements

The Slingbox is an impressive piece of audio video gear. Using the Internet, the Slingbox makes it possible to see your personal DVR and movie collections anywhere you can get internet service. Before you rush out to pick one up, there are some limiting requirements, so be sure your equipment is ready and compliant.

For PC users

To steam in high definition, your Windows-based PC must have at least a 2.4GHz processor and 2GB of RAM.

To stream in standard definition, a Pentium class 4 (or equivalent) processor and 256MB of RAM is required.

Regardless of resolution, you will need to have Windows XP or higher and Internet Explorer Version 7 or higher or Firefox 3 or higher.

Apple Mac users

To watch Slingbox streaming, your Mac must be an Intel-based Mac, have OS 10.5 or higher, at least 1GB or RAM and Safari 4 or later or Firefox 3 or higher.

Network speeds

The quality of the video you stream will also rely on the speed of the Internet connection that you are using. To get full HD quality video, your bandwidth must be 3 Mbps or higher. To see standard definition, 600 Kbps is needed. Mobile streaming requires a minimum speed of 150 Kbps.

Tags: Firefox higher, quality video, standard definition