Info-Leeches and other E-Invertebrates

Cell phones

Everybody needs a cell phone these days, there aren’t many ways of managing without one. There is such a large range of options, clam phones, phones with e-mail, bluetooth, everything you could think of, and now some of them are even compatible with music players. Sometimes all you need is just a cheap cell phone that can still do all the tricks. Fortunately there are now a number of cheap cell phones, which can offer the range of services for less than the price of a new car.

Looking for cheap cell phones?

The price of a mobile phone has a lot to do with the type of service that you buy with the phone. When hunting for cheap cell phones the first thing to consider is what you will need from your phone. Will you be using it a lot, will you need access to emails, will you only use it every once on a blue moon? These can all affect the type of service that you need. Then decide if you would prefer a contract or pay-as-you-go.

Contract

There can be ways of finding cheap cell phones on contracts through the Internet, though the chances are that if you want something that is more than just a basic phone, a long term contract with one phone company is not the answer. Instead, look for contracts that offer you money off other services, as this can be as good as taking cash directly off the phone. Contracts will often offer money off of calls, or money back for making lots of calls, so this is can be a way of getting a cheap cell phone.

Pay as you go

An option that involves paying less for the phone is pay as you go. This allows you to buy a cheaper cell phone by making you pay for each call that you make. There are no money-back schemes with this phone, and the phone itself may not have all the capability of a contract phone. If you use your phone a lot, then this method will probably end up costing you more than the original phone.

Buying cheap cell phones online

Another method of tracking down cheap cell phones is to search the internet for deals - there are plenty of sites now dedicated to selling phones and accessories through the net, and that is one way of researching the cheap offers.

The modern mobile phone market is a buyer’s market, like so many of the services that are offered via the internet, and therefore it is possible to shop around, and seek the best offer you can get. Once you have made your decision between contract and pay-as-you-go, you should be able to narrow down your searches until there are only a few options. You need to be careful to read all the small print properly. The best options are not always the ones that offer the lowest prices; these can keep you on a leash even after the charges have been raised to the roof.

Since Ink cartridges are a recurring need to keep a printer going, it is much easier to buy refilled ink or filling it yourself using refill kits.

Ordering refilled cartridges online is probably the easiest option. It is simple and the cost of these ink cartridges is considerably lower. However, there are a few things to remember or watch out for while choosing your supplier. Even after you make up your mind, it is advisable to try a few cartridges before placing bulk orders.

It might be preached that, a refilled cartridge makes the warranty on the printer void. This is NOT true and the warranty on the printer still stands even if you use recycled ink, as per the law..

Here are a few tips that could help you pick your supplier:

1. The company should have a street address. This would authenticate their presence. It is much better to have a street address rather than a P.O.Box address.

2. It might be handy to have your supplier’s customer care number in case there is a problem with the refilled cartridge. A phone number would help you reach them in much lesser time and is definitely a more convenient way of communicating. If a phone number is not available, you must insist on an email address at least.

A good online retailer should typically have the following on their website to make things easy for you.
1. Glossary Of Terms: This should contain the understandable version of any technical term used or any jargon that is used to describe the technicalities of a printer and its part or about the ink cartridge.

2. Refunds: This is the one you need to read carefully. Before you make a purchase, it is very important to know what the companies refund policies are. There could be a few things involved, such as, refund being made only within a certain period of time or what needs to be done in order to get a refund. How to go about it etc.

3. Exchange: In some cases you might want to have your cartridges exchanged. For example if you have bought the wrong cartridge or you mixed up the model of the printer for which you wish to make the purchase. Here again it would be handy to know the policies in place. The policies could change with the companies.

4. Cancellations: This could be an important factor when you pick your supplier. If you wish to make a cancellation, you would need to know how it can be done, if there is a timeline involved, whether or not you get a full refund etc.

5. Frequently asked questions: This section would take care of your general queries and save you time that you would have to spend otherwise calling them. This would help you find out more about the company.

6. Simple product election procedures: You should be able to select the product by the model of your printer either by its name or number.

7. Money Back Guarantee: Most good companies would offer you a money back guarantee without too much hassle. This could also be a confidence booster because if a company hesitates in promising you a refund, chances are that the company is not too sure of its product. On the other hand if there is a simple money back guarantee, the product should be good.

8. Shipping Instructions: Most companies would offer free shipping if the purchase is over a certain amount, which could vary from. They would also give you indications of timelines of how much time it is likely to take. Some companies do not offer free shipping. This needs to be clearly understood to avoid getting unpleasant surprises.

9. Data Security: This could be an extremely important factor in choosing your supplier. During the registration process, you might enter details that are not personal. Your details such as, phone number, address, email address etc need to be protected. This is where the privacy policy is important. If these details are sent out, you could be at the receiving end of unsolicited emails or phone calls. During the process of making a payment you might enter your credit card details, which obviously is confidential. To make sure this information is not handled carelessly, you must check the data security or the privacy policies of the company.

10. Tracking: Once your shipment is on its way there should be some method of knowing where exactly the packet is. Should it take longer than usual or get lost, the order tracking information would prove useful.

There is obviously no better way to find the best dealer than to keep looking for one that you are happy with. However, these pointers could give you things to look out for and help you find the right supplier.

John Sollars is the managing director of Solar Electronics, which are both ink and pc peripheral suppliers based in Shropshire, UK. To access a comprehensive online shop of original and re-manufactured printer inks please visit http://www.mega-office.co.uk

Wikipedia (www.wikipedia.org) states, “noise cancelling is a method for preventing unwanted sound. Sound consists of vibrations in the air, which can be represented as a wave. If a speaker emits a sound whose wave has the same amplitude and the exact opposite polarity to the original sound, the waves cancel out and the result is no sound at all.”

While this seems rather technical here is a more simple explanation: sound waves are created by the noise cancelling headphones to counter and eliminate the unwanted sound waves outside of the headphones or speakers. A digital signal processor determines what sound wave is needed to cancel the outside sound wave and it produces that sound and amplifies it through the headphones.

This method differs from noise-reduction headphones which are designed to reduce the noise you hear by physically blocking the sound from reaching your eardrum. This is the same passive, unpowered method that is used by insulation or sound-absorbing ceiling tiles in your home.

Noise canceling headphones tend to work best for constant sounds like lawn mowers and appliances but they allow in intermittent sounds, such as conversation or a ringing phone, so you are not totally isolated. They are also known to be more comfortable than noise-reduction headphones since they are lighter weight and generally smaller in size than noise-reduction headphones.

Some of advantages of noise cancelling methods compared to noise-reduction methods are:
• They can be more effective at low frequencies
• They can be less bulky
• They can be selective in that they can block noise (e.g. from an engine) but not useful sounds (e.g. voices).

Some of disadvantages of noise cancelling methods compared to noise-reduction methods are:

• They consume power, usually supplied by batteries that must be replaced. If the batteries die the noise cancellation stops working; and if you are using the headphones to listen to music, in many models, the music stops as well.
• They may introduce additional noise, usually in the form of high-frequency hiss. Noise cancellation headphones attempt to block sound by sampling the outside sound and then producing an equal but opposite sound – sometimes the approximation of sound can be difficult.

Whatever method of noise reduction you choose, it can help prevent hearing loss. By using headphones when listening to music, you can hear the music at much lower volumes because you are not trying to drown out background sounds. And those around you won’t have to listen to your music; it can be contained in the headphones.

Lee Blue is an avid musician, composer, and home studio recording artist. He uses Extreme Isolation Noise Reduction Headphones (http://www.quietheadphones.com) in his recording studio as well as his office during work to block out distractions.

Nowadays, more and more monitor comes in with flyback transformers problems. Testing flyback transformers arenot difficult if you carefully follow the instruction. In many cases, the flyback transformer can become short circuit after using not more than 2 years. This is partly due to bad design and low quality materials used during manufactures flyback transformer. The question is what kind of problems can be found in a flyback transformer and how to test and when to replace it. Here is an explanation that will help you to identify many flyback transformer problems.

There are nine common problems can be found in a flyback transformer:

a) A shorted turned in the primary winding.

b) An open or shorted internal capacitor in secondary section.

c) Flyback Transformer becomes bulged or cracked.

d) External arcing to ground.

e) Internal arcing between windings.

f) Shorted internal high voltage diode in secondary winding.

g) Breakdown in focus / screen voltage divider causing blur display.

h) Flyback Transformer breakdown at full operating voltage (breakdown when under load).

i) Short circuit between primary and secondary winding.

Testing flyback transformer will be base on (a) and (b) since problem (c) is visible while problem
(d) and (e) can be detected by hearing the arcing sound generated by the flyback transformer. Problem
(f) can be checked with multimeter set to the highest range measured from anode to ABL pin while (g)
can be solved by adding a new monitor blur buster (For 14′ & 15′ monitor only.) Problem (h) can only be
tested by substituting a known good similar Flyback Transformer. Different monitor have different type
of flyback transformer design. Problem (i) can be checked using an ohm meter measuring between primary
and secondary winding. A shorted turned or open in secondary winding is very uncommon.

What type of symptoms will appear if there is a shorted turned in primary winding?

a) No display (No high voltage).

b) Power blink.

c) B+ voltage drop.

d) Horizontal output transistor will get very hot and later become shorted.

e) Along B+ line components will spoilt. Example:- secondary diode UF5404 and B+ FET IRF630.

f) Sometimes it will cause the power section to blow.

What type of symptoms will appear if a capacitor is open or shorted in a flyback transformer?

Capacitor shorted

a. No display (No high voltage).

b. B+ voltage drop.

c. Secondary diode (UF5404) will burned or shorted.

d. Horizontal output transistor will get shorted.

e. Power blink.

f. Sometimes power section will blow, for example: Raffles 15 inch monitor.

g. Power section shut down for example: Compaq V55, Samtron 4bi monitor.

h. Sometimes the automatic brightness limiter (ABL) circuitry components will get burned.

This circuit is usually located beside the flyback transformer. For example: LG520si

Capacitor open

a. High voltage shut down.

b. Monitor will have ‘tic - tic’ sound. Sometimes the capacitor may measure O.K. but break down when under full operating voltage.

c. Horizontal output transistor will blow in a few hours or days after you have replaced it.

d. Sometimes it will cause intermittent “no display”.

e. Distorted display i.e., the display will go in and out.

f. It will cause horizontal output transistor to become shorted and blow the power section.

How to check if a primary winding is good or bad in a Flyback Transformer?

a) By using a flyback/LOPT tester, this instrument identifies faults in primary winding by doing a ‘ring’ test.

b) It can test the winding even with only one shorted turned.

c) This meter is handy and easy to use.

d) Just simply connect the probe to primary winding.

e) The readout is a clear ‘bar graph’ display which show you if the flyback transformer primary winding is
good or shorted.

f) The LOPT Tester also can be used to check the CRT YOKE coil, B+ coil and switch mode power transformer
winding.

NOTE: Measuring the resistance winding of a flyback transformer, yoke coil, B+ coil and SMPS winding using a
multimeter can MISLEAD a technician into believing that a shorted winding is good. This can waste his precious
time and time is money.

How to diagnose if the internal capacitor is open or shorted?
By using a normal analog multimeter and a digital capacitance meter. A good capacitor have the range
from 1.5 nanofarad to 3 nanofarad.*

1) First set your multimeter to X10K range.

2) Place your probe to anode and cold ground.

3) You must remove the anode cap in order to get a precise reading.

4) Cold ground means the monitor chassis ground.

5) If the needle of the multimeter shows a low ohms reading, this mean the internal capacitor is shorted.

6) If the needle does not move at all, this doesn’t mean that the capacitor is O.K.

7) You have to confirm this by using a digital capacitance meter which you can easily get one from local
distributor.

If the reading from the digital capacitance meter shows 2.7nf, this mean the capacitor is within range (O.K.).

9) And if the reading showed 0.3nf, this mean the capacitor is open.

10) You have three options if the capacitor is open or shorted.

- Install a new flyback transformer or

- Send the flyback transformer for refurbishing or

- Send the monitor back to customers after spending many hours and much effort on it.

* However certain monitors may have the value of 4.5nf, 6nf and 7.2nf.
Note: Sometimes the internal capacitor pin is connected to circuits (feedback) instead of ground.

Tv rca flyback transformer circuits usually do not have a internal capacitor in it.

If you have a flyback diagram and circuits which you can get it from the net, that would be an advantage
to easily understand how to check them.

Jestine Yong is a electronic repairer and a writer. For more electronic repair articles please visit his website at http://www.noahtec.com/electronic-repair-articles.htm

Who needs an LCD display? Well, if you’re like me, having one huge hunk of a monitor sitting on your desktop is just not feasible. Not only does it take up desk space, but there’s just simply no need for all of the physical mass, right?

Welcome LCD displays—the computer monitors of the present and future. From year to year these computer peripherals tend to get smaller and thinner in size with twice the power and benefits. Well, stay on the look out for more to come because I am certain that our current flat monitors have not reached their journey’s end yet. An LCD (which stands for liquid crystal display, by the way) works much differently than your CRT, mostly because they don’t project light, and therefore use much smaller units during display.

Let’s talk about the benefits of a flat monitor:

1.) They produce less heat

2.) They use less electricity

3.) Because they use digital signals, the display is sharper and clean

4.) Speakers are generally included in the screen, so you don’t have to worry about cluttering your desk with speakers anymore

When deciding on purchasing your LCD display, be prepared to spend at least $200, and definitely look into a 19 inch display (as opposed to a 17 inch). From Sam’s Club to Sears to Circuit City, it’s certain that you’ll find the display you need for the price you want to pay. Just do a little comparison shopping, and pat yourself on the back for making a purchase that will clear up your desk clutter and save you some space!

Demetria Zinga is the founder and owner of http://www.faith-media.com, a technology and consulting firm which specializes in web design and hosting, graphics and print designs, internet marketing, and e-training. She is also the founder of http://www.christianladies.net, an interactive ezine, blog, and podcast for Christian women.

The world of computers is constantly changing. It is one of the only industries that is different from month to month. If you’re in the market for a new PC, there are continually new options available. To get the best bang for your buck in computer technology, you may want to consider building your own PC.

Those with a little know how in the computer industry can save themselves tons of money by building their own computers. Companies such as Tiger Direct and mwave.com offer components that can create a top of the line system for a fraction of the cost. These stores offer all of the necessary components that reside in the “case” or main unit of the computer.

These include the motherboard, processor, cooling fans, hard drive, memory, keyboard, mouse, video and sound cards. There are motherboards available with integrated video and sound but not all do.

When you are buying a motherboard, make sure to check whether you will need to buy a separate video and sound card. Also make sure that the motherboard you are buying has extra slots so you can expand your system.

Another key to remember when building your own computer is to make sure all of your components will work together. Manufacturers make specific models to work together, so you may want to buy your parts from just one brand.

If you are going to use your computer to surf the Internet and play computer games you are going to need extra pieces. At minimum you will need an Ethernet card, CD/DVD drives and a graphics card. You can also benefit from gaming ports for joysticks or other game controllers.

The hardest part about building your own PC is installing the motherboard and the Operating System. This is the first step toward creating the unit. You must physically put the components into the case using screws. Begin with the motherboard and then connect your processor. Add the memory into the memory slots and install any necessary drives.

Once you’ve installed the drives, you can put in the install CDs for your operating system. Most PCs will guide you through the set up process to install the operating system. After making sure the operating system is up and running, put in your other devices one at a time.

Although it may be quicker to install all of your additional hardware at once, you want to test each piece as you go to make sure that piece is in good working order.

Even though building your own PC can give you a better computer for less money, the process is not for everyone. As a compromise, computer companies like Dell and Gateway allow their customers to custom build PCs on their website.

A customer can choose from different options regarding speed, memory and special portals. The additional benefit of buying from a company is that the PC is normally under a guarantee. You can also take advantage of technical support. This may be the best option for someone who has extra money to spend to get the custom components that they want.

D. David Dugan personally helps to maintain a computer shopping site at http://www.greatpcdeals.com as well as a Spyware Information site at http://spyware.dugancom.com

Power supply is found on every personal computer. It is device where power is received from the alternating current and converted to direct current that is useable by the computer. It is located inside the CPU distinguished by cooling fan and the power-cord receptacle.

Since the power supply receives the first surge of alternating current, it heats fast when used and cools down when the computer is shut down. The heat produced by electric surge can cause the components to overheat more frequently than other parts of the CPU. As the consequence, the power supply is the particular part that is most prone to failure.

One most common symptoms of power supply failure is the inability of power to come on. Several reasons might cause this to happen. The first thing you should do is to check whether the socket has power. To do this, all you have to do is to unplug your computer and try other plug. It can be a radio or a lamp. If the radio or the lamp work, then you have to check whether your computer plug is already busted. This might be a rare circumstance but it is probable to happen.

Another thing worth checking is the voltage setting. At the back of the CPU where the power supply is visible, you can surely locate the voltage selector. Check if it is on the right setting, which is 220v. On a 110v country, set the power supply to 110V.

If in case the power comes on but there is no live screen, you may try shutting down the computer again. Booting for at least two times would make the power supply to stabilize. Usually, this happens when the motherboard demands more timing from the current power supply.

But if you have done this for several times and there is no sign of live screen, it is more likely that the motherboard protects itself. Don’t react violently if this happens; just buy a new power supply that the motherboard suggests. It is cheaper to buy power supply than to replace the motherboard so you should be thankful your motherboard does not accept the power supply.

Another common cause of power supply failure is the fan defect. If the power supply is working properly, you should not hear any cranking sound. You must also feel a breeze from the power supply. If you hear a cranking sound, there is no need to panic. Make sure that the sound is not caused by any solid object interfering with the blades of the fan. If you notice that the power supply fan creates noisy whistle-like sound, the cause could be the capacitor.

Power supply fan can be replaced. But make sure that it is removed by technicians because if you remove it improperly, you might get electrocuted even if the power has already been removed.

In the case of PC shutting down randomly by itself, make sure that the power supply maintains its right temperature. Also check if the fan is working properly. It could also be the cause of unstable power supply. If this happens, it is advisable to replace your power supply.

These are some but most common power supply problem. If one of these happens, it is always wise to check everything first before buying a new power supply.

Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides power supply resources on http://www.your-power-supply.info

Network cards are mandatory additions to PC purchases now that even the smallest offices now have broadband Internet access and peer-to-peer networking.

Even if the cost of later purchasing Ethernet adapters a la carte were the same as the bundled prices, your clients still should get Ethernet adapters with their PC purchases.

The Benefits of Adding Network Cards to PC Purchases

When you add Ethernet adaptors to PC purchases, you and your clients won’t need to worry about compatibility between them and other hardware components in the PCs and their chosen operating system. All device driver installation and configuration hassles are already taken care of for you.

You and your clients will also have an easier time getting help from the PC vendor’s technical support department. The PC vendor should recognize the Ethernet adapter as part of the complete system and “supported” configuration. And, once again, the Ethernet adapter likely will be covered under any standard on-site system warranty agreement.

Note About Ethernet Adaptors

In many cases, Ethernet adapters are being built into the PC motherboards on desktop PCs and notebooks. Thus, there is no explicit option to include or exclude the Ethernet adapter. It just appears on the PC motherboard like a serial or parallel port.

The only downside is that, if the Ethernet adapter breaks, the PC manufacturer will need to replace the entire motherboard. If this happens after the warranty period has ended, you usually can disable the onboard Ethernet adapter and install a third-party Ethernet adapter in an available PCI or PCMCIA expansion slot.

Copyright MMI-MMVI, Small Business Computer Consulting .com. All Worldwide Rights Reserved. {Attention Publishers: Live hyperlink in author resource box required for copyright compliance}

Joshua Feinberg helps small business computer consulting firms get more steady, high-paying clients. Learn how you can too. Sign-up now for your free access to a one-hour audio training program on Small Business Computer Consulting Tips.

When considering buying a used or even a new laptop, the first thing you need to do is to determine your computing needs.

* word processing
* e-mail
* browsing web pages
* moving the laptop from home to work (weight)
* gaming
* on-line shopping
* a database application
* personal finance
* is battery power important

Check out the Minimum Systems Requirements needed to do all of the your applications. They will not come with the laptop, as refurbished laptops often only include the Operating System (OS). If they don’t include an installed OS, then be prepared to install it yourself. This is not for those that don’t know what they are doing, so research what is involved before buying one without an OS.

Once you understand what you really need, you need to determine your budget.

Most old laptops do not have working batteries. If you need a battery, shop around to figure out how much they cost. You should know that on older laptops, batteries don’t last more than an hour or two, so purchasing a new battery for the purpose of longer battery life may not be worth the expense. And by all means, stick with a name brand… IBM, Dell, Toshiba, Compaq-HP.

If you are new to computers and you want to browse the World Wide Web, you will need to obtain the services of an ISP (Internet Service Provider). There are basically two types of Internet access options: broadband (cable modem, DSL, satellite) and lowband (dial-up). Broadband is the preferred type since download speeds can range from 128kbs to 6000kbs. The faster the better, of course. But, if your budget is tight, dial-up works just fine for typical browsing and e-mail usage.

Your choice of ISP’s will be dependent upon two things: budget and location. If the budget allows and you don’t mind paying upwards of $35-50+ per month, you can purchase a broadband connection. However, even if money were no object, your physical location will determine what types of services are available to you. Broadband is not available everywhere (with the exception of satellite). If you have a telephone line, you can always choose dial-up. AOL’s bread and butter is dial-up users. Do your research to determine what is available in your area and compare costs.

And for you gamers out there, you definitely need a reliable broadband connection. Gaming over a lowband connection can be a frustrating experience and sometimes even impossible. You will need to check out the minimum systems requirement for the games you are interested in using to make sure the CPU speed and the RAM and graphic chip requirements will support the games you wish to play.

Once you have figured out your budget and your needs and the requirements of your laptop it is time to search for the laptop of your desires.

Some people choose to search at www.ebay.com. If you do be sure to check out the seller to be sure you will have a smooth transaction.

Many people don’t want the hassle of bidding, so use your favorite search engine: Google or Yahoo or MSN for the terms “used laptops” or “refurbished laptop”.

An important thing to keep in mind is how will the vendor treat you should there be a problem. If you don’t like their attitude or they don’t pick up the phone shop elsewhere. Price is important, but if you have a problem and spent the least amount of money possible the vendor may not have any resources available to help you after you have purchased and spent your money.

If all the above seems like too much of a hassle, then buy a new computer. It will cost around $700 + but will come with a new battery and a one year warranty, although some new ones seem to have only 90 day warranties. It will also have the latest Windows XP system and an 800 number to call the vendor, should their be a problem. I’d call the 800# first before buying to get an idea what kind of support they will provide.

David Perlmutter is the founder and CEO of UsedLaptops.com, Inc. ( www.usedlaptops.com ) His first portable was a Compaq Plus 20 years ago. UsedLaptops.com, Inc. has sold over 20,000 refurbished laptops to consumers and companies over the last ten years.

For Video cards - Most PC video cards these days are AGP. But you COULD be working with PCI, or PCI express. If you’re not sure which you have (more then 75% of the time it will be AGP) consult your motherboard manual. If your video card is AGP, you should see a slot smaller then the other slots on your board, and it will be a different color. You can likely also tell your video card if it has a GPU (a processor with a fan on top of it) or a video card company printed on it like Nvidia or Geforce.

To take out your video card in order to switch it for a newer one, or if it simply is not working, remove the screw first that holds it to the case. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THE CARD UNTIL YOU HAVE UNSCREWED IT. You will damage, maybe even destroy your card, and you may damage your AGP, PCI or PCI express slot as well. Your board may then have a simple switch that holds the socket down. Flick this switch up. After the scrue is removed, and the switch is flicked up, pull the card away from the board. Pull it on one side first so when it comes out it comes out on a slant, kind of like a car reversing. It should come out quite easily. To put in a new card, make sure the card you’re putting in is properly lined up in the slot, then press the card into the slot. If it dosen’t seem to be going in, you may be putting it in the wrong way. The pathways on the one side of the card should be the side that goes into the motherboard slot (these pathways looking like small lines going up one side of the card). Once the card sinks in with almost a click (like RAM), flick the switch down and scrue the card into the place you unscrued it. Start up your PC, make sure the card is working, then put your case back on.

Sound card - Sound cards are pretty easy, and the method for these can be used for any other card, such as network cards and the like (assuming they are all PCI. PCI are the black slots on your board). For installing/removing a PCI card, just unscrue it from the board, pull it out, then put the new one in, and scrue it in. Pretty easy. If you are having troubles, make sure the lines running up one side of the card is the side going into the slot. If you still have troubles, try turning the card around (but still make sure the pathways are facing the slot).

I am a young, aspiring computer engineer into Internet Marketing, hardware, software, web design, SEO and just about anything related to computers. Please come check out my growing PC forum at http://www.markspcforum.com