December 25, 2014

Learning about Chip Tuning

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When I was a teenager, I took my first mechanics class. Why? Well, my father happened to be a military and civilian airline mechanic and it was important for him that his daughters understand the intricacies of how a car worked. He didn't believe that the knowledge was solely the property of men and wanted us young girls to be handy ourselves.

As part of our lessons, we learned about the engine in detail, how to change tires without depending on anyone’s help, and of course, how to fix and check the car for problems. I’m no mechanic, but believe you and me, I’m spending far less money and far less time at the mechanic than the average person who doesn't understand how to fix minor car problems.

That being said, it’s important for me to spread knowledge about the mechanics behind how a car functions, so today, I’m sharing some information on chip tuning. Enjoy the added knowledge!

Let’s start with the basics - What is chip tuning?

Chip tuning sounds similar to what it physically represents: “tuning” (modifying) an erasable programmable read only memory chip that is located in a vehicle’s electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU acts as a mini-computer and controls and monitors the engine.



What can chip tuning do?

The idea behind chip tuning is to modify the ECU for various reasons. Among these are to have superior performance, increase gas efficiency or have cleaner emissions. The chip tuning module will test and change the settings of the ECU based on your driving.

How does a chip tuner work?
The chip tuner will read data from the ECU and the engine and optimize the numbers and configurations based on the results. It will look into things like injection timing, quantity and pressure, air mass and boost pressure. Through analyzing these numbers, chip tuners will then work to fulfill their role in real time, consistently optimizing the engine.

A chip tuner can help save gas by making the engine run more efficiently.

What sort of chip tuner should you use?

Do NOT get a run-of-the-mill chip tuner. You are messing with a powerful part of your vehicle that could disable your car if done wrong. Only use quality chip tuners that can be trusted, ideally those that don’t use the OBD interface. The best chip tuner options will not overwrite the control unit and thus set the default options in the manufacturer’s software upon removal, like chip tuners from www.racechip.com.

How are chip tuners installed?

Chip tuners are relatively easy to install into your vehicle. It takes about 10-15 minutes to set it up and no special tools are needed. First, you connect the chip module to the engine and the engine control device with a simple plug system, fix the module, and you are set. Of course, any chip tuner that you purchase will come with visual and text instructions to facilitate the process, but otherwise, there are many video tutorials on YouTube to help you.
December 20, 2014

Pre-conception tips to get pregnant

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I'm in my 30's. Most women at this age are already married and have kids. And it concerns me because I'm not getting any younger. I just hope soon, when I'm already married and ready to have a baby - my future husband and I will not have any problem with conception because I know, it would really be stressful.

With up to ten percent of couples dealing with some kind of fertility issue, overcoming fertility problems is something a lot of people are thinking about. Whether a couple is dealing with a female fertility issue like not ovulating, a male fertility issue like low sperm count, or an unexplained fertility issue, not being able to get pregnant is a very stressful thing.

Before trying to conceive, couples should both see their doctor to discuss their plans to start a family and to see if there are any red flags or things to be concerned about. When trying to conceive, women can take a prenatal vitamin or fertility blend to boost fertility. Both partners should abstain from smoking, drinking or using drugs, and both should also try to eat a healthy diet, get plenty of exercise, reduce their stress levels, and get plenty of sleep. For more information on overcoming fertility struggles, check out http://www.pregnancytips.org
December 18, 2014

4 Things You Need To Think About When Buying A Used Car

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There are many ways in which less than honest sellers can pull the wool over your eyes when purchasing a used car. If you don’t have much knowledge about engines, and you haven’t bothered to research average prices, you could end up with a very bad deal. To help counteract that problem, we’ve come up with an essential list of four things you need to think about when buying a used car. So long as you pay attention to the points made on this page, the chances of you being ripped off will decrease considerably. At the end of the day, you just need to stop making yourself an easy target. If you know your stuff, the seller will have no choice, but to come clean.



Is the price right?

You’ll always want to make sure you’re getting a good deal, and so it’s important you do some research on average prices before attending a viewing. If you have no idea how much your chosen model is worth, how can you possibly know if you’re overpaying? It’s also wise to print off any information you find on average prices to show the seller. You never know; it could come in handy if you like their vehicle and you want to enter into negotiations. If a car is incredibly under-priced, you should be cautious. Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.


November 29, 2014

Columnar Database

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A column-oriented DBMS is a database management system (DBMS) that stores its content bycolumn rather than by row. It serializes all of the value of a column together, then the values of the next column, and so on. So, only the columns in the query need to be retrieved.

A columnar database has an advantage over row oriented dtabases in terms of efficiency of hard-disk access.

Aside from that, you can also get the following benefits when you use a columnar database:

1. Better analytic performance - the row-oriented approach allows better performance in running a large number of simultaneous queries.

2. Rapid joins and aggregations - the data access streaming along column-oriented data allows for incrementally computing the results of aggregate functions, which is critical for data warehouse applications.

3. Suitability for compression - it eliminates storage of multiple indexes, views, and aggregations, and facilitates vast improvements in compression.

4. Rapid data loading - in a columnar arrangement, the system effectively allows one to separate storage by column. This means that each column is built in one pass, and stored separately, allowing the database system to load columns in parallel using multiple threads.

Further, related performance characteristics of join processing built atop a column store is often sufficiently fast that the load-time joining required to create fact tables is unnecessary, shortening the latency from receipt of new data to availability for query processing.

Finally, since columns are store separately, entire table columns can be added and dropped without downing the system, and without the need to returning the system following the change.




However, there are also some drawbacks/challenges because no one-size-fits all system.

In terms of load time, converting the data source into columnar format can be unbearably slow where tens or hundreds of gigabytes of data are involved.

The incremental loads can be performance problematic.

For data compression, some columnar systems greatly compress the source data. However uncompressing the data to read it can slow performance.

There are also structural limitations. Columnar databases use different techniques to simulate a relational structure. Some require the same primary key on all tables, meaning the database hierarchy is limited to two levels. The limits imposed by a particular system may not seem to matter, but remember that your needs may change tomorrow. Constraints that seem acceptable now could prevent you from expanding the system in the future.

And lastly for scability. Columnar databases major advantage is to get good performance on large databases. But how about when you are dealing with common size database? Is it reasonable enough to use columnar database?
November 25, 2014

Top 5 Tech for 2015

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There have never been such a wide choice out there for techies than there is today. With such a wide variety of tech being released this year it can be hard to make the right choice and get the best gadget that suits you. With so much up and coming tech even now in November promising the best of the best in terms of performance often delivering little, there’s a lot to consider when making your decision. That’s where we come to give you a hand. Here is our top 5 tech.

LG G FLEX

The LG G Flex came out in February this year. It is the first phone to offer a POLED curved screen, the curved screen offers a more panoramic and immersive experience with a 720 x 1280 resolution. Feature wise the G Flex has a 6 inch screen, 2 GB of RAM, 32GB internal memory, 4G, a 13mp camera and a whopping 3,500 curved mAh battery. The phone also comes with a self-healing back cover which protects it from scratches and is said to heal them in 5 minutes.

HTC One M8

The HTC One M8 is simply an all-round great Android smartphone. It comes with 2 GB of ram, a 2.3 GHz quad core processor and come in both 16 and 32 GB variants. It has a 5 inch screen and dual, yes dual 4MP cameras on the back and is upgradeable to Androids latest 5.0 Lollipop OS. The build quality on the M8 is impressive in its own right using high quality materials and Corning Gorilla Glass 3. If it’s a premium quality flashy phone you are looking for than the HTC One M8 is a great choice.

Microsoft Surface Pro 3

The Microsoft Surface platform devices have gone through an identity crisis these past few years since release. The surface pro 3 is the first to finally deliver on all of the promises that Microsoft has made time and time again. Its specs are on par if not better than many of the top of the line Ultrabooks that have come out this year. It can sit up on any surface including your lap all thanks to the new hinge and kickstand, also kitted with your standard USB port and finally a well-deserved overhaul to the resolution that doesn’t make holding it as a tablet uncomfortable and awkward. It’s a refreshing new look to the well needed surface series and it’s the closest thing Microsoft has made that is comparable to both the iPad and iMac, with the advantage of all its features stuffed into one product with a price tag to match.

iPhone 6

The iPhone 6 is Apple’s most impressive phone to date, both in terms of physical size and its hardware specification. The iPhone 6 is the largest and thinnest iPhone yet with a 4.7-inch awe inspiring retina HD display or a massive 5.5-inch retina HD display if you chose the iPhone 6 Plus model. It features the new 8-megapixel iSight camera and a new 64-bit A8 chip with an M8 motion co-processor built in house. The iPhone 6 also has a on board fingerprint scanner built into the home button like the Samsung Galaxy S5 and sporting Apples new iOS 8 operating system.

Dell Chromebook 11

A perfect matrimony of design, performance, battery life, graphics and overall build quality. The Dell Chromebook 11 has a 11.6 inch screen with a resolution of 1,366 x 768. It is powered by a Dual Core Intel Celeron 2955U pushing out 1.4 GHz with on board Intel HD graphics and comes with either 2 or 4 GB of ram. Other noteable features of the Dell Chromebook 11 are it has a 16 GB SSD, HDMI out, SD card port and 2 USB 3.0 ports. Boot time is less than 10 seconds and has an excellent battery life. It’s an excellent package and you can pick it up for under £200 which is a steal.

About the author:

Cass is a writer and blogger covering all aspects of technology and home improvements. Working with companies such as JNB Aerials to promote the best technology to the world.
November 19, 2014

3 Office Technology Solutions Every Workplace Needs To Run Smoothly

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Running a modern business is nothing like it was twenty years ago. While computers may have been around back then, they were nowhere near as prevalent. It is vital that all company bosses move with the times and utilize all the latest tech to ensure their company makes the most profit possible. At the end of the day, your staff cost a lot of money to employ. So, if there are software solutions around that could save them time, they’ll become more productive. We’ve scoured the internet to find some of the best technology solutions you might like to consider. Most of them are used by thousands of businesses across the world.




If you only have a small budget, you’ll probably want to know how to get the best software without breaking the bank. Luckily, there are lots of articles online that can point you in the right direction. Just spend a few moments researching at some point in the near future. Thanks to monthly and yearly subscriptions, you no longer have to spend thousands to get the best solutions.

Apple computers

Whether you realize it or not, Apple computers are much better than their Microsoft counterparts. Not only do they run at faster speeds, but they’re almost immune to most of the viruses that can affect Windows systems. You can also get hold of lots of tools designed to improve performance even further. Mackeeper is one such tool. The cost of Mackeeper is lower than you might imagine, and so you should consider adding it to your machines as soon as they are delivered.

Video calling solutions

You need to deal with your customers and clients in the most-effective way possible. While you shouldn’t overlook the benefits of adding a live chat solution to your website, video calling with provide you with the best results. It will also help to increase consumer confidence in your brand. There is lots of different software you could use, but Skype is probably the best one out there. That is the case simply because the bulk of people who want to get in touch with you should have it installed on their machines.

Secure servers

You’ll want all the computers in your office to be interlinked. That means you’ll need to purchase a good quality server. You only have to look online to see a vast selection of good products on the market today. It is always a good idea to call in the professionals when it comes to setting up your server. The last thing you want is to find out hackers have managed to gain access and steal your most-important documents. Not only could that land you in trouble with the authorities, but it could also create the impression that you don’t know what you’re doing.

So long as you have those three essential technology solutions at hand, your chances of becoming successful will increase dramatically. While there are lots of other technology items you might require, those basic solutions are the best way to start.

Thanks for reading!

October 15, 2014

Nashville Internet service

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Nowadays, your participation in any large event like trade shows will demand that you provide internet access for participants. There are many companies that will try to provide access to you, and venues have their own systems hard-wired into their facilities. 

Unfortunately, neither will be completely reliable alternatives. Many companies treat event internet as an addition to their main business, and many venue solutions can be easily overwhelmed with traffic that they weren't designed to handle. For reliable internet for events, contact Trade Show Internet. They specialize in providing event internet, and their solutions can be scaled to your capacity and technological needs. 

Trade Show Internet provides both internet and bandwidth solutions. Simply put, bandwidth is the capacity of your network. You will want to match your internet technology with your capacity. They provide their internet services almost everywhere across the country, including Nashville event WiFi service and event WiFi in Boston. Wherever you are, contact them at http://tradeshowinternet.com.
October 09, 2014

Feeling Sleepy? Learn How To Stay Awake And Alert When You Drive

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It’s no secret that one of the biggest killers on our roads each year are sleepy drivers. It doesn’t matter whether someone falls asleep whilst driving for just a couple of seconds or longer.

Anything can happen when you’re driving. If you take your eyes off the road for just two seconds, a car or a pedestrian could cross your path without you knowing. That’s why the use of cell phones whilst driving is now banned in many states.



Do you drive a lot in your car each day? If so, I’m sure you will have encountered times where fatigue started to set in. The trouble with those situations is that the more you fight your fatigue, the quicker you will start to fall asleep!

That’s why the purpose of today’s article is to ensure that you avoid such situations in the future. Here is what you need to know.


September 09, 2014

Debunked: Check Out These Surprising Myths About Gas Mileage

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One of the most talked-about topics in the car world is gas mileage. Car makers around the world are often coming up with ways to introduce fuel-efficient vehicles to the market. Many of the world’s governments are also putting pressure on those car makers to do so.

Scores of nations around the world are keen to lower car tailpipe emissions. And one of the ways that can make this happen is to use less gas.

Some folks don’t have the money to buy new cars, and so they have to keep driving their gas guzzlers. They will have got told some gas mileage facts by various people at some point. But did you know that some of those “facts” are nothing more than a fallacy?



Photo obtained from Flickr (Image Credit)

Today I will share with you some surprising myths about gas mileage. Check them out below:

Myth: only small cars offer good gas mileage

Anyone that has listened to their physics teacher at high school will know about drag. Heavier cars place more load on engines, and so those engines will use more gas.

Small cars have always been lighter than bigger ones. But these days, car makers are using lightweight materials such as aluminum and carbon fiber in larger cars. In fact, many of the top-ten fuel-efficient cars of 2014 are medium-size to large cars!


September 03, 2014

Starting A Small Business? Make Sure You Get The Right Car

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It’s easier than ever to start up a business in today’s economy. Maybe that’s why more and more people are doing it. Running your own business is a fun and challenging way to make money. It’s also a way to give yourself freedom from office 9-5 shifts and horrible bosses. You can run a business from your desk with your laptop. If you wanted, you could even run a business from your bed with your iPad!

That sort of life isn’t always possible, of course. It is easy for even the most technophobic individual to run a business today with modern software. That doesn’t mean that you can do everything from home. Modern startups tend to revolve around homemade goods and the personal touch. That’s what sets them apart from big businesses. You can’t always run an operation like that just from your home. You’ll have to get out there in the real world. That means getting the right car for your business.


August 27, 2014

Too Much Cabin Noise? Here's How To Make Your Car Quiet

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It’s no secret that all modern cars on the road today don’t have silent cabins. The faster you drive your car, the more wind noise you hear. And if you’re stuck in traffic, you will doubtless hear noise from the world around you.

That can be quite annoying if you’re in a traffic jam, and you have to listen to some music you don’t like! On the other side of the spectrum, what happens if you want to listen to your favourite tunes at a loud volume?

Other road users stuck in the same traffic jam with you will have to listen to it too! There’s no point trying to shield them from your music by putting your windows up because they can still hear it!



If you’re worried about hearing road noise, or other people hearing you inside your car, this blog post is for you! Here are some tips on how to soundproof your car’s interior.

Apply soundproofing mats to your car’s interior

The first thing you need to do is strip your car’s interior out. It can be quite a long and involved process, so make sure you have the time and space to do it.

You will need to remove your seats, carpets, and headlining. Some people will even remove their dashboard too; it’s up to you whether you wish to go that far!

Once your car’s cabin is shell-like, it’s time to get busy! I recommend applying some Dynamat soundproofing mats to all internal surfaces of your car. The floor, roof and door panels all need covering. I also recommend applying soundproofing mats to the bulkhead and in the boot (trunk) of your car too.

The soundproofing mats offer a soundproofing barrier between your car’s chassis and its interior.

Fit thicker carpets

The carpets that get installed in your car as standard are thin. Consider fitting thicker carpets to help absorb any noises from the rest of your car.

Now you can put your car’s interior back together again!

Upgrade your tyres

Here’s a great tip from Natalie at imperialcarsupermarkets.co.uk. If you hear a lot of road noise from your wheels at high speed, it will be because you have noisy tyres!

The chemicals used in the vulcanised rubber for tyres differ according to the make and model of tyres that you have. Some tyres are quieter than others. It’s worth doing some research into the subject, so that you can upgrade to some quieter tyres.

Tyres with soft compound rubber, such as Yokohama tyres, are often quiet. But the tradeoff is that they wear quicker. Still, if you’re in pursuit of a silent ride, you might not have any choice.

Tighten up and fix any loose components

A lot of the noises that you hear from your car are due to loose or broken components. For example, exhaust systems with worn rubber hangers can cause loud banging noises when you drive over bumps in the road.

If your mechanical knowledge is poor, get a mechanic to check your car for you. I hope this blog post has helped you today. Thanks for reading!
August 26, 2014

Why I Want A BMW 5 Series For My Next Car

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Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to buying cars. Yours might be different to mine, for instance. In the 16-odd years that I have been driving, I have owned all sorts of cars. My first car was a mk1 Volkswagen Golf, and I think that car might have started my affinity for German automobiles!

I now have a family, and so I need to buy a car that is suitable for transporting them with me. As I’ve developed a taste for luxury and refinement, I have decided that I am going to buy a BMW 5 Series for my next car.





You might be wondering why I’ve decided to go for that particular model. There are plenty of cheaper alternatives, granted. But there is something about the allure of the BMW 5 Series that I just can’t resist!

In this blog post, I’d like to share with you what I think the selling points of the BMW 5 Series are. But don’t blame me if you decide that you too would like to buy one!


August 25, 2014

How to Set-up Blogger Custom Domain with Namecheap

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Here are the simple steps to follow if you want to point the domain you purchased from Namecheap to your Blogger's blog. 

1. Log-in to you Blogger account and then go to Settings -> Basic and click Set-up a 3rd Party URL for your blog



2. Type the domain that you just purchased from Namecheap. Make sure to add "www" and then click Save.

An error message will appear stating that they have not verified the authority of the domain. Don't worry because you can set this up in your Namecheap account. Just take note of the CNAMEs  provided because you will need these details.



July 14, 2014

Saving Money on Your Car

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Outside of the obvious staples that are shelter and food, for many people, an automobile is the greatest monthly expense you will incur.  Granted, the convenience, and sometime critical need, of driving yourself around cannot be argued, but it comes with a hefty price.

Of course, the easiest way to save money on your car is simply not to use it. Walking, jogging and bicycling are not only free, but also good for your health. In many places, public transportation is a good option for the budget conscious. But, if you need to drive yourself, there are still ways to cut some corners.

  1. Instead of buying new, get a quality used car. It is very nice to be the first person to own a car. Seeing an odometer with less than 15 miles on it when you drive it off the lot is a great feeling. However, that feeling also just cost you a couple thousand dollars. Do you really want to get an extra loan to cover the costs of having a brand new car? As soon as you sign the papers on a new car, it’s gone down in value. Instead, consider what is now referred to as a “pre-owned” car. Dealers clean these cars up to where they almost seem new, but obviously they cost far less. Some may have been rentals or leases, while others were just owned for a short time by someone that couldn’t afford the payments. Instead of being the one bringing back a new car, take advantage of the savings and get the car you can afford. With the multiple car history services available these days, you can do a little research to make sure you aren’t buying a lemon.
June 24, 2014

Matt Mullenweg visits Philippines again! Successful Wordpress CommunityMeet-up!

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It was 2008 when Matt Mullenweg first visited Philippines for Wordcamp. And I was one of those lucky bloggers who had the rare opportunity to meet Matt, the man behind Wordpress and Automattic. Thanks to the Mindanao Bloggers for organizing the Mini Wordcamp in Davao. I will never forget it. Our picture was even included on a YouTube video featuring Matt (watch till the very end. Hehe.)

Anyway, Matt was here in the country again! Just recently, he visited Manila for a Wordpress Community Meet-up which was attended by bloggers, developers, designers, and enthusiasts of the world’s most popular web publishing platform.

The Official Meet-up venue was at The Globe Tower in Bonifacio Global City. It was organized and hosted by Globe Telecom and the Philippine WordPress community led by entrepreneur and president of the Davao Bloggers Society Andrew dela Serna.

Over 120 members of the local WordPress community gathered to learn more about Mullenweg’s expertise on web technology and online publishing, including his philosophy of giving more people access to publishing and blogging through the use of an open-source software.

When asked about his partnership with Globe Telecom, he shared that Globe saw an opportunity as they’re bringing lots of people online, and which is very complimentary with WordPress’ mission, which is to democratize publishing. He said Globe is doing some amazing things locally by bringing more people on data plans and connecting them to the Internet. :)
June 20, 2014

Why Don’t Americans Use Chip and Pin Technology?

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In Europe, chip and pin cards have been in common use for over 10 years. With swipe cards, all that’s needed for authentication is a signature, which is easy to forge. The increased security offered by the use of a pin number in chip and pin card was a major contributing factor to their widespread adoption and lead to in-store credit card fraud alone falling by £120 million.

Nevertheless, swipe cards are still the preferred method of transaction in the US and the question as to why has become particularly pertinent in light of the recent theft of 100 million credit and debit card numbers from Target’s databases. There’s no guarantee that chip and pin technology would have prevented this theft from occurring, but the likelihood is that it would have vastly reduced the amount of customers who were affected.



How Does Chip and Pin Technology Work?

Each credit and debit card which uses the chip and pin system is dependent upon a small microchip which is embedded in the card itself. When the card is inserted in a chip reader the card owner is then required to enter a pin, which the reader then checks against the identity of the chip. The information contained on the microchip is encrypted, making it extremely difficult for anyone to gain unauthorised access to the card’s data.

The card’s chip will usually protect it from being cloned, but the security of the card is also dependent upon the security of the pin. Pin owners are advised to never write their pin down or tell it to anyone else. It’s also advisable that pins are changed on a regular basis.

Reasons for Not Adopting Chip and Pin

There are numerous reasons as to why the US has not so far adopted the chip and pin card system. The cost of new card readers may well be a contributing factor, as to replace all of the older card readers would entail a significant expenditure. Strong US legal protections for those who’ve been affected by card fraud may have also led to apathy regarding the need to switch over. However, strong protection does not equate to protection and if paying for the changeover is a factor for individual retailers then card reader rental providers, such as Card Cutters in the UK, may go a long way towards mitigating these costs.

The Future of Chip and Pin in America

Americans have long been left at a disadvantage because of the difficulty of relying on swipe cards when travelling abroad in places such as Europe, where chip and pin is the norm. Security aside, this should be reason enough for American banks to issue their customers with chip and pin cards. However, despite the banks’ reticence on this matter, retailers such as Target have begun to issue their own customers with cards containing chip and pin technology in an effort to combat future security breaches. Chip and pin may not yet be ubiquitous with American retail, but there’s no doubt that change is coming.
May 28, 2014

How To Make Sure You're Getting A Good Deal On Your Next Car

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Unless you have official qualifications in mechanics (or your husband does), buying a second hand car can be fraught with difficulties. Not only will you have to spend time considering all your options when it comes to model and colour, but you’ll also need to keep your wits about you with regards to engine status and any hidden issues private sellers may try to cover up.

For that reason, it’s almost always better to buy used models from a reputable dealership, even if it means paying a little more for your car. While you might have to spend more money initially, you’ll have much more cover should something untoward happen, and so you’re bound to save hundreds, if not thousands in the long run. I recently read on the Big Motoring World Twitter page that the months of June and July are always the best for buying a used vehicle at the best prices, so there’s no time to lose. You need to start your research now to ensure you capitalise fully on this.

With that in mind, the article you’ve found today has been written in the hope of giving you some handy advice that could result in you getting a better deal. Obviously, you should always try to take a qualified mechanic along when purchasing anything second hand, but if that’s simply not possible, the information in this article should help to limit the chances of you getting ripped off.

Look at the history

So long as you’re buying from a second hand dealership, you should have the opportunity to read through the car’s full history before committing to a purchase. This is something you should definitely take advantage of. Don’t start panicking if it’s had a lot of repair work, that is completely normal for something more than five years old. However, if you notice that most of the work has been done on the same area of the engine, this should set alarm bells ringing. Like it or not, some automobiles are just prone to issues, and if the one you’re looking at seems to fit this category, you should move on and find something less risky.


May 28, 2014

The Serious Dangers of Distracted and Drowsy Driving

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Local law enforcement and highway patrol outfits have become increasingly more effective at cracking down on those who make the terrible decision to drive inebriated. We all see the commercials and electronic road signs stating something similar to “You Drink.. You Drive.. You Lose.” or “DUI Decide Before You Drive”. This campaign has certainly made the public more aware of the dangers associated with drinking and driving and the costs if you are found guilty of the act. Much less has been done to make drivers more aware of the dangers associated with driving drowsy or distracted driving. The facts and figures continue to mount outlining the increased risks of each act. While in recent years, most states have made it illegal to text and drive, many other acts while driving remain legal, and there is very little being done across the country to address the dangers of drowsy driving.

Distracted Driving.. What is it and are we all guilty?

There aren’t many people today who are unaware of the dangers associated with texting and driving. It has become a new focus of many traffic enforcement agencies as the number of crashes have skyrocketed due to this ill-advised act. In many states this has a “primary enforcement” level meaning an officer can pull a driver over without any other offense taking place. In roughly a dozen states, this law is carried over to all hand held phone use which has been more effective in deterring phone use by drivers. Law Enforcement has become increasingly more effective in spotting cell phone offenders but the onus is on us as individuals to keep our phones away and focus on the road.

Distracted driving extends beyond cell phone use in the car. While the cell phone is a principal offender, other acts such as eating and drinking, fumbling with navigation units, spending too much time adjusting the audio, talking with passengers, and grooming or putting on makeup all increase the likelihood of an accident. While the fatalities associated with distracted driving has decreased slightly over the last couple years, injuries associated with such and the number of crashes overall continue to steadily increase. Most alarming is the age group with the highest percentage of distracted driving fatalities relative to the amount of drivers on the road belong to drivers under 20. Not eliminating these habits in the most inexperienced of drivers is a mistake parents and communities must work harder not to commit. However, the onus is again on the driver to understand that while they possess a drivers license, most are far poorer drivers than they realize. Any trip near a local high school around 3pm can surely attest to that.


May 15, 2014

Globe Telecom bets on high school techies

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Globe Telecom President & CEO Ernest Cu welcomes at The Globe Tower 32 high school students who were selected to participate in this year’s Globe Junior Mobile Wizard program.


Go on vacation, enroll in a tutorial class, learn new skills, apply for a job - these are just some of the many ways where students can spend their summer.But for some high school techies they grab this rare opportunity to build their future through Globe Telecom’s Junior Mobile Wizard program. It is a six-week summer program offered to Globe employees' high school children. It gives the teens a chance to learn outside a campus setting and become a part of a real company setting as they interact with customers.

They are tasked to demonstrate and discuss the latest gadgets and mobile data services, as well as other Globe offers and services, providing them the opportunity to assist customers who may wish to apply for the latest postpaid and broadband plans or avail of other Globe promos.

This year, a total of 32 qualified for the program, with 25 coming from Metro Manila, 5 from Cebu and 2 from Davao. The students, aged 15 to 17, are in second to fourth year high school level.

It began with a 2-day training at the telecommunication’s headquarters in Bonifacio Global City. The students were then assigned in 7 Globe stores located in several areas in the Philippines.

Truly a great way to spend their summer right? Not only that they were able to learn about Globe products but it also develops their social, business and entrepreneurial skills.
May 09, 2014

How Today's Cars Can Self-Diagnose Problems Using Technology

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Back in the day when dinosaurs roamed free across the land (OK - I’m exaggerating a little, but it was 16 years ago!), I had just passed my driving test and bought my first car, a battered old Volkswagen Golf mk1.

I seem to remember that it was silver in colour, although at first glance you probably wouldn’t have been able to tell given that the car appeared to be made up largely of body filler and rust! In hindsight, I probably should have saved up a bit more for something that wasn’t a piece of scrap metal on wheels, but even in those days it was a rare sight on the roads, so I just had to buy it!



But, I digress. The reason why I was bringing up my old banger of a Golf was because the car didn’t actually have any form of warning system to tell me that my car had a serious engine problem, for example. The only dashboard icons that alerted me to any problems were the battery and handbrake icons.

These days, things are very different. It is now possible for all modern cars to effectively self-diagnose themselves, with most giving drivers a simple explanation as to the reason the problem has occurred.

So, just how do today’s cars self-diagnose themselves, and are they useful at doing so? In this blog post, I walk you through the different systems checks that the cars of today perform.


May 09, 2014

Save Money on Your Mobile Phone Bill

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Ever since the world of smart phones took over the entire mobile device industry, data plans, billing, and charges have been a thorn in the side of most smart phone using consumers. Data usage is never quite as intuitive or simple to navigate as it might be; users must decide how much 'data', or wireless bandwidth, they typically use in a month, and then purchase a plan that includes just that much and no more or less. Then, data users must pay close and regular attention to the amount of wireless connectivity that they are utilizing so as not to go over and engage in large overage charges. If you are unfortunate enough to have to pay these fees, www.kangaroopaydayloans.com can help.

As a result of facing heavy handed data overage charges unintentionally by going over the specified monthly allotment, users have realized that data usage is something to be reckoned with. Just one unknowingly large download or one too many images viewed can mean a mean data overage fee that can push a phone bill up and over the edge. Fortunately, a mass of handy tricks and tips now exists to help frustrated mobile users to reign in and be conscious of their data use. Some of the most useful ways of controlling your use are free, and right at your fingertips if you are savvy with the world of apps.

Apps to Control Your Data Usage

There are a handful of no cost apps now that are specifically designed to make you aware of your data usage, and help you to control your phone bill if it is going overboard. Some of the best will actually turn your data off and restrict it if you exceed a certain amount of usage, and many will tell you exactly what it is you are doing on your phone that is using up all of this data. In this way, you can craft a completely customized phone environment that will make it easy for you to conserve data by closing apps, specifying notifications and alerts, and toggling settings with downloads and images, two of the data heavy aspects of mobile phones.
  • My Data Manager for Android helps users simply and easily assess how much data they are using on a day to day basis and where precisely all of their largest bandwidth is being utilized. If, for instance, there is an app running in the background that you hardly use or don't use at all, but it is utilizing a lot of data, My Data Manager will help you to shut that app down and save on data and expenses.
  • Onavo Count for Android and iPhone is an award winning application that has helped hundreds of thousands of mobile phone users quell their data usage and nip extra charges in the bud. The app is free, seamlessly integrates into your mobile phone home page and has a beautiful interface. You set your personal limits into the program and then Onavo works with you to protect you from going over your data usage, while telling you how your data is being used and how you can improve the performance of your mobile device. You can even check on how much data you are saving by using the app, an encouraging aspect of the program for all high data users.
By using one of these two apps, or a similar one that suits your preferences more closely, you will set up cautious boundaries around your data usage and ensure your stability. By paying close attention to your data limits and having the added protection of a data management app, you will be well prepared for anything on your mobile phone.
May 06, 2014

4 Reasons Why You Probably Shouldn't Buy A Car

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Do a simple Google search and you will find thousands of articles that tell you why you should or need to buy a car, explaining the various benefits and reasons why it makes sense to have a car. But how many articles do you see from people that explain why you shouldn't buy a car?

Not that many is the answer! Don’t get me wrong; cars are a useful necessity for many households around the world, but mankind didn't always rely on cars to get them from A to B. Today I am going to look at the other side of the car ownership coin and explore the reasons why you probably shouldn't buy a car!

1. You hate driving



I must admit; I think I am one of those seasoned motorists that are now starting to head towards the “I hate driving” camp! I have been driving since 1998 and, at first, I used to enjoy getting behind the wheel of my car and driving here, there and everywhere!

But today, the roads are somewhat more densely-populated than they were back in those days, and the usual negative points of driving (traffic, road rage, idiotic driving) seems to have grown exponentially.

If you actually start to feel stressed and have raised levels of blood pressure before you even get behind the wheel of a car, chances are you hate driving and should probably let someone else get in the driver’s seat.

2. You hate people



There are two types of people in this world; those that are happy to interact with others, and those that aren't.

Do you spend most of your time moaning about people, going into detail on a regular basis about why people annoy you and how you wished you lived on a small island by yourself with only marine life for company?

If so, you are probably not a people person. Driving definitely isn't for you, as you will most probably spend a large proportion of your time on the road swearing at other road users and getting angry at them.

Do yourself a favour: get rid of those “red mist” moments by surrendering your driving licence!

April 30, 2014

Globe launches "TxtHIV to 8504" campaign

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Fernando Esguerra, Globe OIC for Corporate Social Responsibility, demonstrates how TxtHIV operates. With him are (from L-R): PNAC Executive Director Dr. Chito Avelino; S&S TechnologiesPhilippines President and CEO Mark Soriano; and PHANSUP Chairman Oscar Picazo.

There are only seven countries in the world which are experiencing a steady increase in the number of HIV cases and the Philippines is one of them. The Philippines received 12 new cases of HIV daily in 2013 from only one case in 2009, with 95% of them involving males. Since 1984, 17,450 Filipinos have been reported with HIV, 1,599 of them have progressed into AIDS.

With this increasing number of HIV cases in the Philippines, Globe Telecom in collaboration with key partner organization launches the “TxtHIV to 8504” campaign. It's a SMS-based information, counselling and clinic referral drive for people who wants to be tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) but are afraid of facing societal discrimination.

With your Globe postpaid or prepaid mobile number, you can just text HIV to 8504 and answer five yes or no questions via an interactive voice recording to check if testing is necessary. You will then be provided with contact details and addresses of the nearest specialized accredited health centers where you can go for assessment, counseling, and immediate treatment. All calls will remain very impersonal and confidential.

At present, only one percent of the general population has been tested for HIV since most people are afraid to ask for help or simply do not know where to get information.

So if you think you are at risk, you should really take the first step. TxtHIV to 8504!
April 28, 2014

Steps to Mobile Banking

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Banking used to be time consuming, and generally inconvenient –especially for people with full-time employment.

“Customers can be reluctant to visit branches, and it is more likely than ever that these customers will switch their main banking relationship. To cope with this change, banks today are striving to provide a strong digital channels offering,” says Ahmid Khidir of Misys Banking Solutions.

Mobile banking is one solution that is making the necessity of using your bank a simpler and faster process and an overall better experience. Are you thinking about getting started, but not sure where to begin? Here is a beginner’s guide to banking on your phone.

Registration

There are a number of different mobile apps that will allow you to bank from your phone. They are typically offered through your bank though there are third-party apps as well. If you’re just getting started with mobile apps, steer clear of the third-party applications. They may have security risks that apps don’t.

Text alerts vs. service applications

Stay on top of your account activity by having your bank send you a text message when your balance has reached below a certain amount or when a bill needs to be paid. They are also used to prevent fraud, such as in situations where someone may be trying to gain access to your online account.

Alternatively, you can download an app. "A technology-savvy consumer will use an application to pay bills or buy a mobile ticket and pay for the transaction in an intuitive way. A number literate person may prefer IVR (interactive voice response) or menu-driven means," says Srinivas Nidugondi, head of mobile financial solutions at Comviva.

Security

It was alluded to above – use service-provider applications (i.e. ones from your bank) primarily. Don’t click banking links you received in a text message or email unless you have specifically requested it at that point in time. You may enter your information for someone else to steal.

Ensure that you are not connected to public networks when using apps on your phone. Wi-Fi is easily hacked, so you shouldn’t share sensitive information while connected to them.

Keep a lock on your phone with a difficult password, or better yet always log out of your mobile banking. If you lose your phone, information can end up in the wrong hands.

Always download the app updates as they often contain repairs for flaws in security.

Functionalities

Banking apps are offering more functions than just checking your balance and receiving alerts. Here are a few.

Transferring and Depositing Money

Apps such as the Barclays PingIt App allow you to transfer money to friends and family using just their mobile number, which makes it even more secure. Chase also allows customers to deposit cheques by taking a photo of it and having it verified by the bank.

Paying Bills

Add and remove billers from your handset, as well as pay the bills as you receive them.

Online Shopping

A number of Merchants are now offering mobile payments – you use your phone as a credit or debit card for different payments.

"Airtel Money has merchant partnerships with over 1,800 brands across the country, including utility providers, insurance companies, mutual funds and local chemist and grocery stores," says Sriram Jagannathan, CEO of Airtel M Commerce Services.

The app for the Mercantile Bank of Michigan has partnered with PayPal, which allows you to use their service through your phone. It’s great for when those eBay auctions end during work hours!

Budgeting and Financial Planning

Simple, a third-party app, allows you to keep track of your expenses and will also inform you as to whether you can afford a prospective purchase.
April 28, 2014

Globe Tattoo launches Prepaid Mobile WiFi portfolio

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Take connectivity to greater lengths as more devices are now being offered with Globe Telecom's Tattoo Prepaid Mobile Wifi.



Tattoo 4G Mobile Wifi - you don't even need to plug it in your laptop to explore online. Just turn it on and enjoy surfing. Plus you get to enjoy a Free Facebook access once a week for six months. For only P1995, you can connect up to 10 devices with a speed of up to 12Mbps.



Tattoo 4G Mobile Wifi + Powerbank - this is Globe's newest mobile wifi device which can fully charge your phone up to 3x (5,200 mAh). You can also connect up to 10 devices with a speed of up to 12Mbps. This is offered at P3,795 and of course you get to enjoy Free Facebook once a week for 6 months.



Tattoo LTE Prepaid Mobile WiFi + Powerbank -this will not only allow you to share your WiFi and charge your phone (1,780 mAh). You can also surf to the fastest beat with speeds of up to 42 Mbps and avail of the FREE 5GB worth of data, valid for 7 days upon activation. This is offered at P4,995.

So what are you waiting for? Experience a blazing fast internet connection with the new Tattoo Prepaid Mobile WiFi devices.

From expanding your social network while keeping your mobile phone and tablet in sync, or to experiencing the best that life has to offer non-stop by keeping your battery and connectivity signals full, Tattoo gives you the power of possibilities in better ruling your self-designed life and style.

For more information, please visit Globe Tattoo's Mobile Wifi website.
April 21, 2014

How To Get The Most For Your Money When Buying A Second Hand Mazda

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If you’re considering picking up a good quality second hand Mazda car this year, you’re probably on the lookout for some handy tips and tricks that will help you save the most money possible, right? Well, luckily, I’ve been buying used for many years, and Mazda is one of my all time favourite manufacturers. So, I’m the perfect person to give you a helping hand. Don’t get me wrong, you’re not going to save thousands by following my advice, but doing so could mean you get to purchase an extra couple of beers the next time you’re in the pub.

So, if you fancy driving around in a cool sportscar like the MX-5, or even if you’d like something a little larger like the CX-5, it’s best to check all the details before ploughing ahead. Luckily, you can see the full car spec at Mil Cars Mazda and many other relevant websites, so there’s nothing stopping you from getting started straight away. Without any further delays then, here’s how to get the most for your money when buying a second hand Mazda this year.

Research Research Research

Before you even start looking as used Mazda models in the real world, you’ll want to spend some time browsing the internet in search of the best prices. Online auction websites are a good place to start, as they will give you an accurate idea of how much each model sells for. You can obviously expect to pay a bit more at your local garage or forecourt, but you should get a ballpark figure. Also, knowing how much they sell for online will give you some leverage when it comes to negotiating the price down slightly.


April 21, 2014

What Makes People Want To Buy A BMW?

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When you mention the BMW name to anyone, I can guarantee you that they will immediately conjure up images of prestigious, executive and powerful cars. Whilst this is true to a certain degree, many BMW models are actually catered for the general public rather than specific ‘niche’ markets such as the discerning company executive or someone that likes to show off their wealth to the masses!

It’s no secret that BMW has sold hundreds of millions of its models across the globe for several decades now, and there is no letting up in the German car manufacturer’s popularity. BMW is also known for its advancements in technology, having recently offered to the car market its first affordable luxury electric car, the i3.



So what is it that is making millions of people around the world put their cash towards a BMW-branded car rather than any competitors? Here are some of the most-common reasons why.

They are affordable

OK, so spending £30,000 ($50,000) on a brand new BMW 4 Series Coupe isn’t exactly “affordable” to the masses, but on the secondhand market, BMW cars are actually pretty good value-for-money!

And the great thing is, you don’t have to end up buying a 20-year old model with 300,000 miles on the clock because there are many different models that you can pick up which are 5 years old or so, and have average mileage on the clock!

The thing about BMW cars is that, like with all cars, depreciation can cause a massive hit during the first 12 to 36 months of the car’s life, so if you’re looking for the latest model but don’t want to spend the massive price tag, get one that’s 3 to 5 years old for a good deal!


April 18, 2014

Sexy Scion Cars Seduce the Fast-Moving Members of Generation Y

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Scion is a brand put on the market by the well-known Japanese automaker Toyota. The brand’s models are designed to appeal to younger customers, popularly known as “Generation Y.” These sleek, sexy vehicles have just what it takes to turn the eyes of ambitious, tech-savvy young people. What makes them truly irresistible is their low price given the high level of sophistication. It’s no surprise that youthful drivers are snapping these cars up all over the country!

Beginnings

Toyota has been selling automobiles of the Scion brand since 2003 in the United States and several Middle Eastern countries. The first Scion car was presented in the United States on March 27, 2002 at the New York Auto Show. Subsequent models made their debut at the Great Car Show in Los Angeles in 2003. During these early years, Scion cars were only sold at 105 dealerships in California. Now, due to their popularity, they are widely available across the United States. Since 2011, the Scion models are also available in Canada.


April 17, 2014

Foreign Media: Get Film, Music and More for a Fraction of the Cost

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Foreign Media

The latest in international film, music, and magazines can often carry a hefty markup. Watch the most recent films, keep up with international music and print media with these simple ideas, without the higher prices. Become a cosmopolitan shopper through a few quick deals, and stay up to date while also saving money with global media in a snap.

Register for Streaming Service for TV, Film, & Music

A great way to stay up to date with international content on a budget is to stream it online. Many pay-per-stream services exist, but you can also sign up for subscription services which license lots of movies, television shows, and even music for you as well. By buying in to a package streaming service, you save on higher individual prices, and can access more material for a flat fee. Keep in mind these will still have limited releases, but by streaming your content through globally accessible services, you are able to access this material when it is first available in your territory. When needed, you can use koalapaydayloans.com.

Stay in Touch with the Deals: E-mailing lists of Content Owners

One of the best ways to access your favorite foreign media, is to sign up for the e-mail list, as you will be the first to know when content is released! Stay in the know by researching your favorite studios and directors, and find out who publishes the work! Most likely the content owner will have a way to stay connected with them on their website, and take advantage of this readily available way to stay connected! With these connections, you are able to save money by knowing when special bundle packages are released, or when items go on sale.

View or Sign up for Online & Data for Print News

Want to know what is going on globally, without having to purchase all those magazines in the local rack? Follow the path of the internet, and for the smart phone savvy, download your global news sources, right to your smart phone. You’ll be able to avoid costly prints, which are often more expensive in their foreign issues, and stay in touch with tons of media, in an instant. Full articles are usually available for a subscription fee, but many articles are available in shortened sample versions for free. If you want to read a particular story in more depth, while avoiding the subscription fee altogether, follow the news source a few weeks, and watch the same article become available in full-length. Many stories are licensed in full by common media sources after a week or two, in digital form, with no fees.

Watch out for False “free” Material

When surfing on the web for the newest musical, cinematic and other digital media, many are tempted by the “free” media bay items, in efforts to save a few pounds. Be wary of these seemingly free services as often there are hidden fees included with subscriptions, even if the website markets itself as free. Additionally, viruses associated with unlicensed material, open your computer and your wallet up to legal and financial liability.

Join the Community! (In-Person Clubs or Online Blogs) with Like-Minded Fans!

Word-of-Mouth may still be the hottest way to stay current on all media in the global landscape. Is your favorite album is coming out in a re-release with special bonus songs? Maybe there is also a live recording of a concert in your hometown? By staying connected with your true content-loving community, you can find out the best of what is available from your research, and theirs as well. This will keep costs down, as you can avoid double-purchases by knowing about these special releases, and buying the content you want the most. You’ll be shocked at how much you can save, and keeping up with current material on a budget will be done with ease.
April 17, 2014

4 Tips For People Buying A Used Car This Summer

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There are no hard and fast rules for buying a used car, but if you want to get the best possible deal for your money, and you want to avoid falling victim to frauds, you’ll need to be very careful when parting with your cash. You see, although you might well be an honest person, the same can’t be said for everyone, which is precisely why I’ve chosen to write this article today. I’ve been purchasing my cars second hand for a long time, and so I’ve got to learn about common issues and lies frequently told to buyers. With that in mind, spend the next few minutes reading through all the information in this post, and you should come away with a better understanding of how to make sure you don’t get ripped off.

I actually bought an amazing 2004 Mazda MX-5 last week, and through following my own advice I got a brilliant deal. You could easily achieve the same if you pay attention to all the points I’m about to make. So, without any further delays, here are 4 tips for people buying a used car this summer.

1. Do Your Research

The best way to avoid losing out is to spend some time researching your model of choice. That way; you should know enough about it to spot when something is wrong. Also, researching the model will mean that you’re more aware of how much it’s worth, and so in a much better position to haggle and get the price down.


April 15, 2014

How To Get The Best Computer Software Without Breaking The Bank

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We all know how important it can be to have the right software solutions on our computers, as this can make a real impact on usability. There’s really no point spending hours or even days doing something that can be sorted in seconds with the use of the right programs, and this is why I’ve decided to write a short article today highlighting the ones you might like to check out over the next couple of weeks. Don’t worry too much though, as all of them are affordable, and none of them will break the bank.

You see, while expensive software can be good, for most people, the cheaper alternatives are just as functional. Of course, if you’re a professional photographer or something similar, you might want to lay out the cash. However, this will mainly be because it will go down as a business expense and get taken from your tax bill. So, spend the next couple of minutes reading through all the suggestions I’ve made below, and hopefully you’ll come away with a better understanding of what’s out there at the moment.

Microsoft Office

This is one of the only software packages I would ever pay for, and there are some very good reasons for that. While some people are happy to settle for open source alternatives like Open Office, it really doesn’t compare. If all you want is a word processor, just use the one that came preinstalled on your PC. However, if you want an all round package that will allow you to create letters, business cards, accounting spreadsheets, databases and presentations, you definitely want to have a look at The Software King or another reputable online seller, as they’re usually much cheaper than high street stores.

AVG Antivirus

While many people choose to pay for Norton Antivirus to secure their systems, in my own experience, AVG is one of the best free solutions around. You can, of course, pay for full cover with this program too, but the free option is just as good. You might have trouble finding out how to activate the free cover though, and so I’ll explain. You just need to go to “add or remove programs” in your control panel and start the uninstall process. Once you’ve done this, AVG will ask whether you want to completely uninstall or change to the free service.

CCleaner

I won’t tell you what the first “C” stands for, but you can probably guess. This program is absolutely essential, and absolutely free to download for all machines, no matter which manufacturer you chose. Basically, it searches through your computer to find files and programs that you don’t need, don’t use and that shouldn’t even be there. Unlike some of the other similar software available, this one digs really deep and permanently deletes files and programs other solutions simply can’t handle. Best of all? It’s tiny, and so you could have it downloaded and installed within a couple of minutes.

Well guys, you’ve read all the information, and now you know how to get the best computer software without breaking the bank. See you back here next time for some more wicked tech tips!

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