Being in the computer field for some years, I’ve seen many people being afraid to save data on their computers. People are so paranoid, but don’t really know what to do unless they’re willing to spend a little time to learn about the box with a cup holder built into it (CD ROM tray)=0).

Anytime I build a computer or reinstall Windows on someone’s computer, I always partition the hard drive into C: and D:. Partitioning is the process in which is installing one hard drive and making your computer see itself as having two hard drives. The C drive is always going to be the Primary Partition and the D and any other drive letter is always going to be a Logical Partition. He or she can use the FDISK utility in a Windows 98 Boot up floppy (XP already has the utility in the install cd and will ask if you want to create partitions)to create two partitions in one hard drive. This is good practice because when something goes wrong with Windows, all the data that’s saved in the D drive is in tact since Windows is installed in the C drive (remember, your computer is thinking that it has two hard drives instead of one).

Another good practice is to buy an external hard drive, Zip, or a tape drive depending on how large your data is, to have extra backup just in case, which is rare but does happen, the partition gets corrupted and the Logical drive is no longer there. I always tell my clients to save data that is critical to be on an external drive and to turn it off or at least take the connection out from the computer after every backup session, so that in case there’s a total system crash, or a hacker getting into the system, the data is not there to be damaged or tampered with.

Did you know that security systems do not deter a burglar from breaking into your house? If someone wants to get into your house bad enough, they will find a way to do it. Burglars are aware of the different types of systems and how they work. They are also aware of how to get around them. Basically there are two types of home security systems.

One type, called a monitored system, alerts a central notification center once the alarm has been tripped and this center then checks in with the homeowner to see if everything is ok by calling. The call center is alerted through the phone wires. A clever burglar will locate the outdoor phone wires that are exposed and cut them. By doing this, the information center is never alerted and the burglar is free to enter the home. One disadvantage to having a monitored system is that even after the alarm has been triggered, it gives the burglar time to still get into your house, steal some valuables and escape undetected. This can happen because typically once the alarm has been set the security company waits for approximately 30 – 45 seconds before contacting the homeowner by phone to receive the correct password. They wait this long to allow the homeowner to deactivate the alarm if it is a false alarm. If the monitoring company does not receive the correct password, or the phone is not answered, they then contact the police. By the time the police arrive at least 1-2 minutes has passed. An experienced thief can make off with quite a few of your valuables in that short amount of time.

The other type of alarm systems is ones that make a loud siren like noise inside and outside the house alerting neighbors. These are called unmonitored systems. The responsibility to contact authorities then rests on your neighbors. With this type of alarm system, it is best to also include flashing lights so people are well aware of where the alarm is coming from. The advantage to having this type of system is that burglars often become deterred when the sirens and lights start blaring. Their goal is to get in and get out with some loot and without being noticed. This is really tricky to do once the alarm has been tripped. A disadvantage of this type of alarm is that your neighbors must be home and willing to get involved by calling the authorities. This type of alarm is also not made for those who live in an isolated area of the countryside or whose neighbors are not close by.

If you’re still interested in installing an alarm system in your house there are a few things that you need to consider when researching the correct one for you.

Cost – security systems cost about $1,000. If you choose to have it monitored, there is an additional monthly fee for this service.

Package – be sure that your package includes: control panel, keypad, siren, motion detectors inside and outside and door and window contacts. You can add other accessories to your package, but in order to have a good system installed it should include the above-mentioned items.
Licensing etc. – get references and referrals on any company you might consider using. See how quickly they can install your system after it has been purchased. You do not want to hire a company that can sell their systems faster than they can install them.

Be sure to get information on their warranty.

Ask about their screening process for installers. Installers should have a criminal background check completed on them.

Call your police department to find out what their response time is to home security alarms. You may be surprised by their answer. Also check to see if there are any fines associated with false alarms.

Nothing replaces good old-fashioned safety and intelligence. Lock your doors and windows when the house is vacant, leave lights on inside and outside and keep valuables in a very safe place – maybe even outside of the home.

Are you ready to buy a home theater audio system? Here are several tips to help you find the right audio system for you.

1. Spend some quality time with the room you are going to put your new home theater audio system. Believe it or not but the room is as much a component in your home theater system as any of the electronics you will ever buy. Ask yourself which room you will be putting your new system in. Consider whether or not this room is going to be used solely for you system or will it be used for other activities. Will there be any size considerations for the components and speakers you plan on using with the dimensions of the room?

Consider drawing a map of your room and sketch the possible placements of your furniture, components and speakers. Measure the room’s dimensions and write them down. Make a list of all the inputs you currently have and will continue to use. Make a list of the inputs you intend to add to your new audio system. You should write down which components are going to need cables and wires. Also, write down the approximate lengths of those cables and wires. Once all of this is worked out carry this information and map with you when you go out to buy your new audio system.

It is important to arrange your room for optimal picture and sound by reducing screen and hard surface reflections. Do not forget the TV picture is not very pretty when light is reflecting off the screen. Also, audio is not so wonderful when sound waves are reflecting off hard surfaces like bare walls and windows.

2. Decide on what you want to experience when you settle down on your couch with your partner and a big bowl of popcorn. Ruminate on the experience you want before you ruminate on your budget. Is it stereo, surround sound, or primarily movies?

3. Spend a few hours looking around on key sites and forums and you will know more than most. Friends, family, trade and consumer magazines and inquiring jaunts to your favorite electronic store will help you gain customer leverage. Do not buy anything at this point. Get as much information stuffed into your brain that will help you when the time comes for you to buy your system.

4. Revisit the drawing of your room and your research. You will ultimately end up with two, possibly three choices. By now you should be a confident consumer. Decide what you absolutely want.

5. There are values out there the trick is to be an expert on home theater audio systems. Keep your eyes open for great deals. Big electronic stores offer promotions, online manufacturers can offer radically lower markup than retailers and online auctions offer access to deals all over the world.

6. Don’t get stuck with a mismatched TV size for your room. The key here is balance. If the TV is too big then you tend to see the details of the screen, not the image. If the TV is too small you might feel like you’re sitting in the nosebleed section. Here is an equation to help you decide the best screen size for your room.

2.5 x The size of you TV screen = Suggested viewing distance

For example: If your TV is 36” then according to the equation you should sit about 90” from your TV (36 x 2.5 = 90). Note that this chart in only a reference.

Good luck finding the home theater audio system to fit your needs. Enjoy shopping and make the experience fun.