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DIRECTIONS:
Mix all ingredients together in large bowl. Sprinkle over monitor, keyboard and system unit. Click to restart.

If only it was so easy! But actually, it's not so hard to take action on those items I listed above. Here's the scoop on how to implement each step.

Apply Windows Updates

If you run Windows and you use the Internet, you simply MUST stay up to date with the system patches that come out in response to the privacy and security exploits that are discovered every week. Failure to do so is an open invitation to hackers and crackers to invade your privacy and enslave your computer in a spam spewing network. To get the latest fixes and configure your system for automatic updates, open Internet Explorer, click on Tools, then Windows Update.

Clean out Viruses and Malware

Are you running a good anti-virus program, with automatic updates? Have you scanned your system for spyware, adware and other unwanted pests? If not, see my article "Spy, Counter-Spy" at AskBobRankin.com for details on how to protect yourself from those risks. Viruses and malware can slow down your system a LOT, because they use your resources to generate popup ads, send spam, and often interfere with the operation of good programs.

Remove Unnecessary Software

You may have a bunch of software packages on your hard drive that are no longer needed, or they were gratuitously installed when you downloaded some other package. Toolbars, file-sharing programs, free email enhancers, online shopping "companions" and download managers are notorious for this practice. These uninvited guests can put a big drag on your startup time, cause web pages to load slowly, and generally bog down your computer. Go to Control Panel, then Add/Remove Software to see what packages are installed. Remove the ones you know you don't need, and do a web search to learn about the ones you're not sure about.

Scrub That Hard Disk

Both Windows and application programs tend to leave temporary files lying around on your hard drive, taking up space needlessly. A hard drive that is close to being full can cause Windows to act strangely, and will slow down or interfere with efficient disk access and virtual memory operations. And if you surf the web a lot, your temporary internet files folder can become quite large, causing Internet Explorer to slow down or malfunction. Cleaning up unneeded files, scanning for disk errors and defragmenting the hard drive can help to restore some zip to your system. First, open My Computer, right-click on the C: Drive icon, select Properties, then click on Disk Cleanup. (Optional: Select the More Options tab to find and remove even more unwanted files.) To run a defrag, open My Computer, right-click on the C: Drive icon, select Properties, then Tools. Click the Check Now button to scan your disk for errors. When the scan is complete, click the Defragment Now button to run the defrag, which reorganizes your hard disk so Windows can find and access files more efficiently. (It's highly recommended that you close all running programs and disable your screen saver before running a defrag. Otherwise, updates to your files may trigger defrag to restart endlessly.)

Okay, Now Take a Breath...

We're more than half-way done with the process of cleaning the junk out of your computer. The rest of the steps may seem a little more geeky, and you can skip any or all of them if you don't feel comfortable digging a little deeper into the workings of the Windows operating system. But there is definitely bang for the buck here. Some of peskiest Windows performance problems can be solved by giving attention to these areas.

Slim Your Startup Selections

There are certain programs that Windows will start every time you boot up your system, and during the startup phase, they're all jockeying for a slice of your CPU. Extra or unwanted items in the startup list will defintely increase your startup time, perhaps by several minutes. To manage the list of startup programs, click on Start / Run, then type MSCONFIG. Press Enter, then select the Startup tab. If you see items in the list you know you don't need to run at startup time, UNcheck the box(es) next to them and press Apply. Some common examples are things related to AOL, RealPlayer, Napster, instant messengers, and video managers. If you're not sure about an item, no big deal. You can turn it off, restart your PC, and see if everything seems to work. If not, you can always go back and re-enable an item in the Startup list. This helpful list may help you decide what to keep or drop.

Clean Your Registry

The REGCLEAN utility from Microsoft cleans your system registry of unnecessary entries that are created when you install or remove programs on your computer. Sometimes an "orphaned" registry entry can confuse Windows during startup and cause a delay. And in general, slimming down your registry will make Windows run faster. You can download REGCLEAN here. Note: This program is no longer officially supported by Microsoft, but many users report that it works fine on Windows XP systems. You can also try RegSeeker which is a highly rated registry cleaner.

RAM and Virtual Memory Settings

When you run out of physical (RAM) memory, Windows will use a check of your hard disk to create virtual memory. This is a nice feature, because it allows application programs to access huge amounts of memory. The only problem with virtual memory is that it's a lot slower than real RAM. So installing extra RAM on the system board is a good idea because it's pretty cheap and easy to pop in. Find out how much your system will accommodate and install the maximum amount. Extra RAM will probably do more to boost your overall system performance than anything else! But getting back to Virtual Memory, it's wise to let Windows manage the amount, unless you are a Wizard, with a capital W. Go to Control Panel / System / Advanced, then press the Settings button under Performance. Click Advanced again, then press the Change button under Virtual Memory. If System managed size is selected, you're all set. If you want to fiddle with the Custom Size options, be my guest!

Turn Off Extraneous System Services

We're heading into uber-geek territory here, so be forewarned. Windows doesn't know exactly how you're going to use your computer, so it starts a whole bunch of system services that manage network connections, database access, error reporting, remote access and other nerdy-sounding things. You may not need all these services, and disabling some of them can reduce your startup time and system overhead. But choosing which ones to nuke is a bit daunting, unless you are an expert on Windows operating system internals. Here's my advice... disable only the ones that you're sure about. If you encounter a problem, you can always go back and turn a service back on.

I hope that helps. If you have success with this recipe, let me know, thanks!

This article has been reprinted from: http://www.askbobrankin.com/making_windows_xp_start_faster.html

BOB RANKIN ...is a tech writer and computer programmer who enjoys exploring the Internet and sharing the fruit of his experience with others. His work has appeared in ComputerWorld, NetGuide, and NY Newsday. Bob is publisher of the Internet TOURBUS newsletter, and author of several computer books. For more helpful articles and free tech support, visit http://www.AskBobRankin.com

Posted by hstxca | 10:57 PM |

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Dubai Real Estate Investment Forecast for 2007

The future prospect of real estate market of Dubai is quite good for 2007 and beyond. This is because of the fact that there is pretty intense and increasing demand for real estate in Dubai with around 5,000 new families shifting their base to Dubai every month. That is where, supply cannot keep up with demand, which in turn increases rental rates charged and of course the underlying value of completed resale properties.

rental rates increasing
The pivotal factor here is that each and every individual, couple or family arriving in Dubai needs decent enough accommodation at the locality, which is near free trade zones, shopping malls, business areas and airport. Due to this demand, rental rates and property prices in Dubai is increasing.

New projects on hold in Dubai
Real estate prices in Dubai are also increasing because of severe construction delays. There is also tremendous shortage of construction workers in Dubai and with prices of building materials also increasing appreciably; lots of new projects are on hold. Initial signs are that supply is not about to flow into the market in the near future and therefore the profitability of the completed stock is bound to increase.

Good location
Recent studies has come to the conclusion that real estate investors who are interested in good performing property assets in Dubai require to purchase completed stock in a good location. By good location, one means the kind of location, which is not feeling the brunt of commuting issues. You may have heard in various newspapers and websites that commuting is fast becoming quite a serious issue in Dubai. If you manage to come up with a good location, then only real estate investors can be assured of brilliant returns this year and beyond.

Dubais off plan real estate property prospects
It has come into the notice that investors have been making brilliant profits from buying properties off plan in Dubai. If experts are to be believed, investors are just paying a deposit before flipping the incomplete units back onto a market where there is lots of demand for such kind of property stock.

Article submitted by Sophia K webmaster for Dubai Real Estate Property Advice website, which helps you decide where you can invest in real estate properties in Dubai

Please visit http://www.aboutdubai.org for information on real estate property advice in Dubai.

Posted by hstxca | 8:46 PM |

Some Notes On Garment Seams

Remember the plain seam which is sewn right side to right side. This means that the wrong sides are on the outside and the seam is thus sewn on the wrong side; So when you are finished sewing, the seam with its seam lips on both sides is on the inside or wrong side and this is what you want. You want the seam lips on the inside so that all that is seen on the outside is a line of stitching.

For the flat fell or fell seam, you begin by sewing your first seam on the inside or wrong side of the fabric. Thus fabrics are right side to right side. This seam should be approximately 3/8 inch and then you snip off one of the seam lips to within 1.8 inch of the stitching line. Then you turn the larger lip in under the smaller one. You aim to enclose the smaller lip, Note that there are three layers. You can ask if you just want to sew the two upper layers together i.e. the two seam lips or do you want to sew the seam lips down to the actual fabric.

This is an interesting move i.e. just to sew the two lips together through hand stitching and this is an elegant finish. The lips will hold together; and the seam will have a turned in look. This is the fell or flat fell seam and this seam is now usually done by stitching the three layers together through a top-stitch. In this way the flat fell is done by holding down the seam lips to the fabric itself; the seam lips having been enclosed in each other.

Then for the French seam, the difference is that you start off at the right side of the garment. Thus the sides are placed wrong side to wrong side and the seam is sewn. You can then see the stitching line on the wrong side. The seam lips are then shortened to approximately one eighth of an inch. The garment is then turned around so that you are working on the right side. The aim is now to enclose the inside seam lips. Sew then at least inch from the fold to enclose the inside lips. This stitching line should not be visible on the outside. What is done here is not a seam at all. It is a stitching line done to enclose the inside lips and to neaten the seam. French seams are an elegant finish for fine and lightweight material such as chiffons and light fine silks.

Posted by hstxca | 8:31 PM |

Monday, September 24, 2007

rental Property Tax Deductions

Own residential rental properties? This article discusses how income from those properties impacts your taxes.

What Constitutes Revenue?

Generally, rental income is defined as any revenue you receive from the occupancy or use of residential property. Rent, obviously, is included in that revenue. Many owners are surprised to learn revenue also includes rent advancements, expenses paid by a tenant and any security deposits not returned to the tenant. In fact, revenue can also include amounts paid to cancel a lease, even if you had to sue the defendant to get it.

Yeah, Yeah, But What Can I Deduct?

Tax deductions associated with rental properties are strikingly similar to those found in any business. Technically, you can deduct any expense reasonably necessary to manage, conserve or maintain the property. Obvious deductions include mortgage payments, cleaning expenses, insurance premiums, service payments such as landscape maintenance, repairs, maintenance, etc. Overlooked rental property deductions include:

1. Expenses incurred in finding tenants,

2. Commissions paid to third parties that arrange for tenants,

3. Paying your accountant and/or lawyer,

4. Mileage for driving to and from the property [I said, No more parties!]

5. Depreciation of the property,

6. Depreciation of items in the property such as washing machines, furniture, etc.

Imaginary Rent Deduction

A few creative property owners have suggested that they should be able to deduct their customary and standard monthly rent if the property is empty. The argument goes, If the property is empty, I am not making revenue and should be able to deduct the $1,500 that I am missing out on. At first glance, this almost makes sense. Sadly, it doesnt fly from the perspective of the IRS. Since you are not receiving revenues, your total revenues for the year will be reduced by the loss rent. You cant double dip by deducting the $1,500 from the already reduced yearly revenues. The only things you can deduct are the expenses you incur during this period, and only for so long as you are actively trying to rent the place.

rental properties are a great investment. Even more so if you stay on top of your taxes.

Richard A. Chapo is with BusinessTaxRecovery.com - providing information on taxes. Visit us to read more articles about tax deductions and our new tax help page.

Posted by hstxca | 6:31 PM |

Telescopes! An Invention Of The Ages For The Ages To Come

Our solar system and universe are full of beauty. Unfortunately, many of these beautiful celestial objects are not visible to the naked eye. This is where the magnificent telescope comes into play, allowing us to view objects like the planets of our solar system and beyond.

Telescopes are used for many purposes. One for scientists usually studying physics or astronomy. And on a more personal level people who just have a hobby of stargazing. Telescopes come with magnifiers, that allow us to see things magnified with a clear view. These things if not magnified would just look like any other object in the sky to our naked eyes.

So what makes a telescope work? The two lens' that are installed into the telescope. Each lens has a specific function. The objective lens or primary mirror, collects the light radiated by the celestial object being viewed and brings it down to a focus point. The eyepiece lens picks up the sharp light from the focus point and disperses it to the eyes retina to view.

The diameter of a lens in the telescope determines how much light will be collected, and is termed the aperture. So the larger the lense the more light can be gathered. However image enlargement is dependent on the blending of the lens'. The eyepiece is the part of the telescope that does the magnification.

The prices of telescopes vary greatly. You can also buy different accessories to your telescope to increase the quality of the image seen. No matter which type of telescope you buy the objective is the same, and that is to view objects that are very, very far away. As with the rest of technological advancements, telescopes are only going to continue to evolve into becoming more and more powerful. Allowing us to see objects in space farther and farther away. This is truly exciting news we have been able to find other hospitable planets on solar systems millions of light years away. Only one can imagine what these great inventions of man will let us see in the future.

Steve DiCaprio writes in his personal blog about optical equipment and solutions

Posted by hstxca | 6:17 PM |

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