The Refresh Orlando Heirs

Protect Your PC

Having problems with your pc?
Do your kids, family or friends fill it with all the stuff they find on the internet?

Your computer, just like your car, needs to be serviced regularly to keep it running efficiently. You wouldn’t fill your car up with petrol from an old rusty can with a layer of dirty water on the bottom, so you shouldn’t allow your pc to be treated that way either.

Any pc connected to the internet is a target for viruses, spyware, adware and trojan horses.

You need to protect and clean your pc of these nasties which slow down your costly computer.
We will show you how to do at little or no cost in this free report.

Before we start here is our disclaimer:- we take no responsibility for any harm YOU may do to your computer with this information. Use it at your own risk and be sure you are confident of what you are doing before you start. It’s a good idea to make a restore point before installing/uninstalling or changing anything (see below for details)

Firstly Viruses, these are the most newsworthy of the baddies, and because of this most people have heard of them. They are the pc version of the Flu, or in a worse case scenario, Sars, and can kill your computer. There are new viruses released almost daily, and you need to keep up to date with Antivirus software to stop them. Fortunately there is a free program which can help you protect your pc. This is called AVG and is available at http://www.grisoft.com just follow links through the site to AVG Free Edition. Register your email address, download and install it to your pc.

The program is pretty straightforward to use but make sure you keep it updated at least weekly by double clicking the AVG icon (four coloured square) in the taskbar and then clicking on update in the window, tick internet as the source and you are good to go. It will automatically update and restart the main Antivirus program. Remember prevention is better than cure though and don’t open attachments in emails or even sent to you over instant messengers unless you are sure of the person sending them, even then if you have AVG installed right click the file and use the “scan with AVG” menu item to double check.

Trojan Horses come next on our hitlist, mostly these are small programs which record either keystrokes or other information and try to send it back to someone to steal your details. But they can be used to take over your pc completely or partially to use your resources to send spam emails, or launch attacks on other computers on the internet, often for denail of service (DOS) attacks. Most Trojan Horses are removed by the AVG antivirus software, or if not it will alert you to its presence, and you can google http://www.google.com to find how to remove it.

A good prevention measure to stop Trojans accessing the net to send their payload is to use a software firewall, again there is at least one free program you can download, called zonealarm. It will ask you wether to allow programs to access the internet or not, meaning if you get something you know you didn’t install accessing the net you can tell zonealarm not to allow it. To download zonealarm, go to http://www.zonelabs.com and follow links to the download section, and then to zonealarm (they are not so prominent as the ones for the Pro version which you pay for). It is a good idea to run a firewall to stop attacks coming in from outside as well your details going out. Windows XP with Service Pack 2 installed has a built in firewall, but zonealarm is much more configurable and does a better job overall.

Spyware and Adware can also be responsible for a lot of pc problems. These are often programs piggybacked onto a free download offered to help you with some other task like form filling on websites (Gator is a well known example but they are open about it). Spyware is used by less scrupulous companies and individuals to report back your surfing habits so they can send ads you’re more likely to respond to. These slow down your surfing and also run in the background using your pc’s power to do their dirty work. Sometimes the information sent back is even more sinister than just your browsing habits, so beware of software you download and check first. Adware is very similar although is usually contained in tracking cookies (small text files downloaded by your browser containing information to track you through a website).

Often these 2 terms are used interchangably. Another nasty which falls in with these is Scumware, which is a term used to describe software which hijacks another program (usually your browser or modem dialler) and displays only content which it’s maker wants you to see and often prevents you seeing anything else. The diallers reset your modems settings to dial another (usually very expensive) number rather than your ISP’s one. Thankfully some thoughtful individuals have kindly donated their time to give us free programs which will release you from the grip of these fiendish programmers.

Download firstly Adaware from http://www.lavasoft.de and install and run that (if it finds nothing on your pc I would be extremely surprised) secondly download Spybot Search and Destroy from http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html and install and run that too, it will pop up a dialog to say it has found adaware also on your machine, but it doesn’t really mind so close it and continue. As with virus software you should use these and update them both regularly, as you can be sure the people on the darkside of the internet are updating their stuff to keep you hooked into it. Both programs have a button for downloading and installing updates automatically so there is no excuse not to do it before every scan, which we would recommend doing at least monthly and more frequently if possible.

So now you are protected from viruses, trojan horses, and other pc illnesses so that’s it right?

Not quite, I have to say one of the most important things on your pc is your personal data, you can re-install Windows, Office and all the other programs on your computer from the cd’s, but your prized pictures, your kids half written essay for that all important exam or your wifes recipes handed down from generation to generation carefully typed out and saved can’t be. Back it up. NOW. Onto cd’s if you have a cd writer or if not get one installed or use floppy discs. But for the sake of your sanity BACK IT UP.

And finally some tips to keep your pc running at its optimum.

Before making any changes to your pc or programs, it’s a good idea to make a restore point by going to Start, then accessories on the start menu, then clicking System tools and finally the system restore icon. Follow the prompts and create a restore point to return to if it all goes wrong. Sometimes a slow pc is just the result of too many programs running, close down those you’re not using, obvious but often overlooked. If you’re anything like most pc users you have a bundle of programs start when your computer does, and sitting in the task tray at the right of the start menu. You can close these down manually but if you don’t use them at all then why not remove them?

If you may want them but not everytime you start up you can go to start, then click RUN and in the text box type “msconfig” without the quotes. Don’t worry now this looks daunting but all you need to do is click the tab at the right marked “Startup” and there is a list of all those programs which run as soon windows starts, now apply a little caution and lookup (http://www.google.com again comes to your aid) any you don’t recognise. Now those you’re sure you don’t need running at startup untick the box.

Next time you start windows will put up a box to tell you you’ve disabled some things, as long as your pc works ok now, tick the box to not show it again. If you took of something you need or want back run msconfig again, and retick the box in the startup tab again, next time you restart it will return. My last tip is to run defrag monthly, go to start, accessories, system tools and run defrag, this can often speed up a slowing pc as it makes all the files on your hard drive quicker to access.

Douglas Titchmarsh runs several websites, and blogs including
http://www.cashinonline.info

Themes from this article:

1. A digital image of a person’s face, can be matched against a database of other images.
2. The potential will exist to track the movements of everyone in a country.
3. Automatic face recognition is now becoming practical.
4. Face recognition systems in public places, is a matter for serious concen.
5. The shock value of the horrific events on September 11 could make many people opposed to excessive security much more tolerant of its implementation.
6. Information is collected and transferred without Knolouge or permission from the subjects.
7. Abuse of face recognition may generate additional crimes.
8. The question is that of proportion, there must be a balance between liberty and control.

Points inferred indirectly:

1. And everywhere the ceremony of innocence is drowned the best lack all conviction while the worst are full of passionate intensity.
2. Technology is intrinsically neutral, how it is used determines if it is a force for good or evil.
3. The central principle of our culture should be that which makes ours a free democratic society.
4. One can extrapolate from historical events such as the unclear tests in 1947, that technologies can not be dis-invented or confined to one use.
5. Data protection Act may apply, providing at least some basic rights, (no other statutory right in English law to personal privacy).
6. Technology can make surveillance cheaper through automation a some processes.
7. Freedom is only the perception of being autonomous.
8. A society can only be considered free where the goverment forces do not have absolute power over the general populace.
9. Democracy is in part based on the principles that groups can develop views in insolation from goverment.

Summary:

The main points made in an article:
Security system impresses US officials, a special report on the terrorism crisis by Stuart Millar published in the Guardian on Tuesday September 25 are summarised as follows:

American authorities are committed to deploying a relatively new combination of software and surveillance technologies in response to the attacks of September 11th as part of an airport security review.

The system under consideration, known as FaceIt, is designed to identify known suspects, through comparison of a person’s face against a database of facial images, it does not require the cooperation of the subject, and may not even generate irrefutable evidence in adverse conditions, such as those that exist in many airports, which would increase the risk of false identifications.

This development is being driven by political interests and could be implemented on mass, to form an equivalent to the British ring of steel, supposedly for our safety and protection to help law enforcement track known subjects. But once in place it’s use will invariably be extended over time to infringe upon the populous without our consent or knowledge.

The question is that of proportion there must be a balance between liberty and control. It should be noted that the current increase in the number of youths waring hoods is possibly a direct result of the introduction of CCTV systems.

Abstract:

The populace of an informed society would generally resist even the proposal of any potentially repressive technology such as the FaceIt facial recognition system, with the capacity to indiscriminately report on the movements of any subject, especially when these technological developments are being driven by political interests.

However such fears are currently being circumvented by the stronger feelings of national insecurity, which are also causing fundamental adjustments in political reasoning of the United States authorities whom are by implication encouraging development of technologies previously believed to be technically and socially unjustifiable.

The United States goverment:

Is committed to deploying a derivation of traditional surveillance technology, in response to a review of airport security in lite of the attacks of September 11th, as a measure to help prevent simular incidents in the future. This may be a futile gesture as they are looking at technology to identify known suspects, the problem is that this is not very useful as it is the unknown terrorists that the authorities need to be conce
ed about.

Technology:

This is a relatively new combination of software and surveillance technologies, the basic components of the FaceIt system under consideration have been about for years, the system is designed to identify known people in public, this could be implemented to form an equivalent to the British ring of steel and notwithstanding a highly unlikely series of events resulting in absolute control of this type of technology, invariably it will find other uses. For example, marketing research is frequently carried out via the use of surveys. It would be a trivial matter to use such a powerful security system to generate statistical data for analysing consumer trends.

This technology may be able to capture and analyse an image of your face, identify you from a see of people, read your face and even infer things from your body language, but the context outside the view of the cameras and the essence of the moment will be lost forever.

Effectiveness:

The efficiency of any technology is a function of firstly its inherent advantages over traditional methods and secondly whether its use would solve more problems than it would create.

Automation of surveillance operations may reduce part of the administration required, through effective communications and more centralised control, than is possible with human surveillance. The implication being that reduction in the time necessary to complete inconsequential tasks (moving paper around) allows more effective use of the staff resources.

However most law enforcement technologies, including standard CCTV security cameras are only effective with the cooperation of the people, these systems are often useless against those with criminal intent, and this technology does not generate irrefutable evidence in adverse conditions, such as those that exist in many airports, which would increase the risk of false identifications. The problem is that false identification by a person does not involve the implied reputation of technological accuracy.

Freedom of actions:

Absolute freedom would require the absence of any controls, legal of otherwise, this would amount to anarchy. Thus despite being free to do as we peace, we would, ironically, not have the ability to act upon our pleasure, as our lives would be consumed with the nauseate of saying alive! This is in direct contrast with what we are able to accomplish with in the restrictions of society, as a result of the opportunities such restriction creates.

Implications:

The implications of expediency adopting such systems are numerous fighting terrorism notwithstanding, there are many as yet unresolved questions as to the uses of a system designed to infringe upon the populous without the consent or knowledge of these people whose faces are captured. As logs as there are successive gove
ments, that take control and change policies, the uses of such tools will also be continually changing.

The problems arise when one considers the wider effects that unwanted surveillance may have, fore example democracy is in part based on the principle that groups can develop views in insolation from goverment.

One can extrapolate from historical events such as the development of Atomic weapons, to save thousands on both sides by ending the second would war without invading Japan The plans for which were stolen be the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, which started a sequence of events that untimely ended in the current situation where several minor nation have the ability to start a chain reaction that would literary destroy the world.

Data protection laws:

The American people have built into there laws safeguards that could reasonable be used to help prevent the uncontrolled spread of privative systems. We in direct contrast have no rights built rights to protect the privacy of information apart from those set into the data protection legislation which maybe a futile gesture as there are get out glasses for anything evan remotely related to law enforcement.

Innocent Majority:

Should this severance technology be implemented anywhere, the unique situation will be created where information will be collected and processed without the individual’s knowledge and will be used without the individual having consent. The Data protection Act may apply, providing at least some basic rights, (no other statutory right in English law to personal privacy exists).

Ethical Dilemmas:

In a stable society the freedom of the individual can not be absolute, there must be a balance between liberty and control. It is conceivable that there would be no civilised society without a govement able to curtail liberty to a reasonable degree. The question is that of proportion technology can be use as a tool for control, however over use of such technologies implies oppression.

Any technology can effect a society in significant ways. Fore example increasingly travail bits of data are collected, transferred precessed and used without the individual’s knowledge, this is a situation in which people can be completely manipulated by technology and it has long been the case that legal decisions lag behind technical developments.

Conclusions:

There is an old Buddhist proverb that states “To every man is given the key to the gates of heaven; the same key opens the gates of hell”. Words of wisdom and of waing as within computerisation lies such a key.

The implication is that nearly everything has some kind of cost to it, new technologies are not created instantaneously, so the consequences of such new systems are also not instantaneously realised, if we choose to ignore certain circumstances in fever of expedient action, in the end, the full implications will be realised, unfortunately too late.

As implied above, the events of September 11th are important, these events have almost certainly changed things forever. The question is that of proportion, this is what will determine whether the have won or not. Especially when these systems are idolised and become more important then the humans that they exist to serve, we know from history that this sequence of events inevitably fall back upon and destroy its makers in the end. Such subject have as yet been sadly lacking in our studies thus.

Technology is intrinsically neutral, how it is used determines if it is a force for good or evil, if a technology offers savings to one segment of society, some cost may be exacted ageist another. The Bible will teach us that we are to count the !

cost of our commitments. Is there a price tag for your soul? Jesus asks the most profound question “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his own soul in hell forever” Jesus is asking if we have really thought about costs; spiritual and material. (Jesus said, Matthew 16:26).

As long as we can justify the cost in terms of how it allows us it feel safer, then we are free because we believe the gove
ment is curtailing our liberty to allow a better quality of life. However, if as a society we accept invasive methods of protection then we surrender a little more freedom to choose how to five as we see fit and not as other would dictate. This includes the right to life without others watching our every move.

Monophonic ringtones, polyphonic ringtones and real tones are different types of mobile tones that are used by mobile phone users to add an element of fun as well as certain traits of their individuality to their handsets. Different types of downloadable mobile content especially ringtones have made their place in the hearts and minds of a multitude of young mobile phone users, across different parts of the globe.

What attracts these young minds to mobile phone ringtones? And what motivates them to spend a substantial amount of their pocket money on downloadable ringtones? An analysis of these questions leads us to some startling conclusions.

As mentioned earlier, downloadable mobile tones and other types of content perform two essential functions. For one, the ringtones, logos, screensavers and wallpapers are downloaded for adding a personal touch to the otherwise mundane mobile phones. Moreover, young people, who tend to get bored very easily, can use mobile phones to play different types of challenging and interesting mobile phone games or maybe listen to the sounds of melodious real tones or polyphonic ringtones to stay entertained.

Apart from these two obvious reasons, there are certain other factors that attract young minds to explore the different options present in downloadable ringtones and other forms of mobile content.

One of the most important reasons for enhanced use of mobile tones, mobile logos, screensavers, etc., among young people involves their need to be accepted in peer groups. An analysis of behavioral patterns among young mobile phone users show that for a large number of college going kids, downloading different types of ringtones has become one of the most popular ways, through which they can gain acceptance among certain groups in their immediate social circle. Many of them believe that the real ringtones or mp3 ringtones that emanate from their phones would make them “cool” and “happening” among their friends, family members and acquaintances.

Another reason that attracts young people to mobile phones is the enhanced functionality of these devices. They can use them for writing down addresses, looking at the time, listening to music, as photo albums or as alarm clocks. Consequently, youngsters feel incomplete without their mobile phones.

Moreover and as an extension of a point mentioned earlier, most young people have their own identities, idiosyncrasies and attitude that they want to flaunt among peers and friends. And what better way to do that then to download their own choice of ringtones, which may be real tones, polyphonic ringtones, or monophonic ringtones.

In addition, for an increasing number of young people, mobile phones are emerging as “virtual playgrounds,” wherein they are able to indulge in exciting mobile phone games, send each other text messages and listen to the sounds of different types of ringtones such as real ringtones, true ringtones and mp3 ringtones.

Because of all these reasons, different forms of ringtones have become an integral part of the lives of school and college going kids in the modern world.

Mark Bishop is the webmaster of http://www.ringtonezshop.com, a site specializing in the different genres of mobile phone tones, including polyphonic ringtones, Monophonic ringtones, True Tones, Real tones, mobile phone game downloads, Themes & Logos…

Millions of people everyday pay for ringtones to be sent directly to their mobile phone via SMS. So many people are unaware that if they have an iTunes or Napster account for downloading legal music they can transfer ringtones to their mobile for free. All you need is a blue tooth dongle. Cheaply obtained for around £10, they can offer unlimited ringtones and multimedia content. For instance, if you have pictures of a recent party on your mobile, you can send them to your pc and display then as your wallpaper or screensaver.

If you are looking to be that little bit more adventurous about your ringtone, you could always download software which would allow you to create your own music then transfer it to your mobile. But remember, if the song isn’t the best, you may find yourself getting funny looks from the kids on the bus when someone calls you. But isn’t that what ringtones are all about, uniqueness? Many ringtone advertising schemes use uniqueness as their target, but everyone followed the craze of the notorious crazy frog. So what ringtone reflects your personality? I will go with the classical English telephone and be boring, what will you choose?

by Michael Thomson webmaster from http://www.surgeryofsound.co.uk

I don’t know anyone who isn’t riveted on the Gulf Coast
situation and the devastation of New Orleans, deeply concerned,
thinking and praying for the survivors, the ones who didn’t
survive, the helpers, and those who have loved ones not
accounted for.

I do know individuals who are handling it differently.

Perhaps exchanges such as one I saw today are going on in your
office. When Marta walked in, with her usual big smile on her
face, she asked Amanda, “Do you have plans for Labor Day?”

Grimly, Amanda replied, “No. Not really.”

“No one seems to,” continued Marta, just making conversation.
“Everyone I’ve asked has said they didn’t have anything planned.
I guess everyone’s just tired.”

”Marta,” said Amanda, curtly, “It’s a little bit hard to think
about a vacation with what’s going on in New Orleans.”

“Why?” asked Marta, truly puzzled.

Amanda rolled her eyes and turned back to the computer to watch
the video of rescue activities.

Marta turned the corner and headed into Patrick’s office to ask
him if he thought a person couldn’t be happy until everyone in
the world was happy.

GRIEF & COMPASSION

People handle grief and compassion in different ways. Both
Amanda and Marta had taken part in their office’s Katrina Relief
Drive earlier in the week, and both had covered for other
employees who were trying to contact friends or relatives in the
Gulf Coast area.

Marta, however, was concerned, had helped, and was continuing on
with her life as usual, while Amanda, also concerned, also
having helped, felt it inappropriate to live her life as usual
at such a time.

Amanda thinks Marta is being “shallow,” and “self-centered,”
while Marta thinks Amanda is “dwelling,” and “over-reacting.”
Either way is A way of handling such a tragedy, nothing more,
and nothing less.

As we make our way through the aftermath of the hurricane, which
is likely to go on for a long time, we’ll have different
emotions and reactions, as individuals and as community, and
certain things are predictable because we each cope differently
with emotions.

Some want to vent about it every free moment, while others would
prefer to stay focused on work. The talkers like to share
feelings with others, and find it comforting. The workers like
to keep their mind on the work to get some relief from thinking,
i.e., feeling, about it. Contrary to common perception, it’s the
thinker-workers who are feeling it the most deeply, but it isn’t
a competition.

Some of us respond publicly to major tragedies involving large
numbers of people far away whom we don’t know, and send
something extremely helpful, though impersonal, like a check.
Somof us respond privately on a one-to-one basis to the
individuals we encounter daily who are in need, with a hands-on,
“I’m-here-for-you” approach that’s ongoing and personal.

Either way, the people in the world who need help, get it, and
the people in the world who need to give help, get to give it.

ADVERSITY NEVER TAKES A VACATION

There will never be a time when someone, somewhere, isn’t in
pain. In this same office where Marta and Amanda work, for
instance, there are people struggling with personal issues of
monumental proportions – this week, and every week.

Tom found out last week that his only child has cancer and the
prognosis is not good. He’s planning to take his family to
Disneyland over Labor Day. He’s deciding he can no longer wait
for “some day.”

Lucha is trying to figure out how to support 3 children on her
minimum-wage salary, with a car that just broke down, an
ex-husband who will not pay child-support, and aging parents who
also depend upon her. Lucha plans to spend Labor Day working
overtime on Saturday and Monday because she needs the money.

How should you handle the hurricane disaster? Is it right to
take a vacation when so many are suffering? Is it insensitive
for Marta to smile and make plans, or is it Amanda who’s
insensitive to brood, and drag others down with her ruminations?
Does it make sense for the office to send a thousand-dollar
check to a hurricane relief fund, when it could buy Lucha a new
car?

These questions don’t need to be answered, because they don’t
need to be asked. We each have a unique personality, different
coping styles, different pain-thresholds, and our own host of
personal problems others are not always aware of.

COPING STRATEGIES

In the aftermath of 911, we, as a nation, learned skills for
coping with major tragedies, and they’re worth repeating.
“Major” in this sense referring to “numbers of people impacted,”
because, along with not judging how others cope, we need to
avoid comparing, and “rating” tragedies.

Edward, in the corner office, lost his wife last year, and while
the numbers lost in New Orleans are staggering, so was the loss
of one person, his wife, to one person, Edward.

In whatever manner comforts you, manage your emotions, and those
of others — and let us pray that in the best of possible
worlds, those who need to talk find those who are able to listen.

Take care of yourself (especially if you’re a caretaker or
professional listener), not allowing yourself to get too tired,
too lonely, too hungry, or too overwhelmed – and in the best of
possible worlds, those who are stronger can shoulder some of the
burden for those who are not.

Limit the time you spend watching the disaster, as once you know
it has happened, donating mattresses to the Red Cross helps, but
watching television does not. Protect your children (and others
who are vulnerable) from the over-exposure.

Do something to help – and in the best of possible worlds, give
in proportion to what you have been given. But act upon your
compassion, because then it can be felt in the world, not just
inside you.

Remember that while there is suffering in the world, cruelty,
and injustice, at the hands of nature and at the hands of
people, there are also days of incomparable beauty when the sun
shines brightly, the breeze is gentle, and the rivers stay
within their beds; and there are also people who care, people
who comfort, people who are kind, and people who are fair. Our
world is neither all good, nor all bad, and nothing lasts
forever.

If you’re able, attend to the weak and vulnerable. Children see
this on television and need explanations, and to know that their
own world is safe; and so may the old and the infirm and anyone
else already at his or her limit.

Know that it is their turn now, and will be your turn some day –
both to suffer and to alleviate suffering – because that’s the
way life is, and we’re all in this together.

And dare to be happy in an imperfect world. Celebrating Labor
Day and enjoying yourself with a picnic, a trip, or sleeping in
will not affect the victims of the hurricane adversely. It’s not
a zero-sum universe, and you will be of no use to anyone if you
are exhausted, cynical, depressed, or negative.

Ordering flowers has long been surrounded with uncertainty, mystery and even fear. Will my flower delivery be fresh? How do I choose the right bouquet? Is a floral arrangement even appropriate? Here’s everything you need to know to remove the mystery from flower delivery.

Why Hesitate to Buy Flowers?
It’s inconceivable that anyone would hesitate to buy flowers when nearly everyone can remember the last time they received flowers, even if it was thirty years ago. Flowers make that powerful of an impression. Flowers are living. They fill the senses, with color, scent and emotion. They change the atmosphere of a room and are noticed every time you walk by.

Can Flowers Make the Wrong Impression?
While some gifts can be inappropriate or mis-interpreted for their intension, flowers are more versatile. You can give flowers to your sweetheart, wife, sister, mother, grandmother, boyfriend, neighbor, employee, boss and even someone you wish was your sweetheart with no regrets. You can always give a gift of flowers to show appreciation, friendship or simply neighborliness.

Where we live, in Moscow, Russia, flowers are a solid tradition to bring when invited for dinner, and even though they’re so commonplace, they never fail to wow the one receiving them. Flowers open the heart, melt the ice and make an unmistakable statement of affection and appreciation.

Flowers never arouse jealousy because they’re a gift that is absolutely pure. I remember when my brother brought flowers to my fiance the first time he met her. I thought it was incredibly kind. The flowers melted her heart, and I was absolutely impressed by his class and sensitivity. What a great first impression!

Of course it must be said that flowers make a wonderful apology. Leaders of the world would do well to send flowers to their adversaries. World peace would reign.

Flowers Aren’t Only For Women
Is there a masculine floral arrangement? I think all flowers can be masculine. Yes, you can send a guy roses. He won’t wonder what’s up. He’ll simply receive your affection and love you forever. If you have a problem with sending a guy flowers, there are plenty of alternatives. All florists have great green plants, small trees, flowering plants and bonsais. How about blue roses for something wild? Any one of them will be received with gratitude.

What’s the Occasion?
That’s a question you love to hear! Why? Because you can answer, “Oh, no reason!” That says volumes. Of course don’t miss the holidays such as Valentine’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries and Mother’s Day. You need to order several floral arrangements on Mother’s Day for all the mothers in your life.

Don’t forget those people you know who might be overlooked. Draw them into your world with flowers. However, flowers can make an even greater impact of love and affection when there is absolutely no occasion attached. Order flowers just because.

What’s The Appeal?
Flowers feed the creative soul in the giver and receiver. Both sending and receiving flowers is living art. Flowers are an expression of the heart of the giver that transcends words. that’s why we give flowers, because the colors, shapes and living motion say things which words or even a note card could never say. You can send a card, but it’s likely only read once or twice. Yet, flowers exclaim their messages for days. Every glance sends another nuance of love, appreciation and affection that can be expressed in no other way.

What’s the Problem with Ordering Flowers?
Perhaps this is where the fear of ordering flowers lies. Guys, especially, think they need some special skill or knowledge to properly order flowers because it’s a creative thing. Not so. You can get expert help from a florist to choose an arrangement that’s perfect. Today, there is no reason you can’t order on-line and select exactly what you want and have it sent overnight or if you’ve procrastinated, same-day. On-line ordering takes only a few moments and is incredibly secure and easy.

What kinds of Flowers to Order?
That’s easy. Variety. I’ve heard it said, “Don’t order roses on Valentine’s Day.” Why? Because it’s what’s anticipated. Flowers should be a pleasant surprise, so mix it up and order what’s in season. Try different colors of roses, such as yellow, pink, salmon or even mixed. Try different arrangements of seasonal flowers and discover the magic of variety and surprise.

In the west, you can pretty much order any number of flowers—a dozen, eighteen, twenty-four or even three roses. Keep in mind that in the east, such as Russia and former Soviet states, you don’t want to order an even number. Order only odd numbers of flowers, as even numbers are for funerals.

How to Handle Flowers
If you’re buying a bouquet from your local florist, plan to get your flowers to water fairly quickly. Often, the florist can put the stems in a little tube of water to buy you some time. If you’re not going far, an easy tip is simply to hold the flowers with blossoms down allowing gravity to do it’s job for the fifteen or twenty minutes it takes to get them to a vase of water.

Order Only Quality Fresh Flowers
Don’t order artificial flowers. It was in style once, and it will hopefully never happen again. Whenever possible order direct from the grower because you insure the freshest possible flowers with minimal handling and damage. Flowers can be delivered from the grower very inexpensively.

Take a Minute to Get Prepared
When ordering on-line, have the address and phone number handy of the one to whom you’re sending a floral arrangement as well as a short message that you’ll include. Also have your credit card nearby with the billing address. Order a day or two ahead of when you’d like your flowers delivered. For a Friday delivery, order on Thursday.

Building a Relationship Builds Confidence
When you order from the same growers each time, you learn their offerings and routine. You come to trust them and know what you’ll get with no surprises. Visit our page, Colors of TheRomanticWay for flower bouquet ideas for any occasion.

Send Flowers Today
Why not begin a tradition which you’ll never regret? Order flowers for someone now and see how it feels.

Rod Froseth is a freelance writer, photographer and webmaster of http://www.theromanticway.com, inspiration for a romantic way of life. Visit TheRomanticWay to subscribe to Rod’s free ezine, “Along TheRomanticWay”, here http://www.theromanticway.com/romantic-ideas-ezine.html.

Now that spyware is the single most dangerous threat to home computers connected to the internet today, getting your hands on some sort of spyware and adware protection is critical. Spyware has outpaced computer viruses in its prevalence, and in the kind of damage it can do to your system.

If you plan on using your home PC to do anything on the internet, even minor emailing or a little light surfing, this kind of protection is a must-have.

What is spyware? Spyware is basically any kind of software that gets installed on your machine without your knowing it, and tracks your actions on the internet for marketing purposes, or causes your computer to perform tasks that you didn’t request.

You can accidentally get this stuff installed on your computer, by downloading trials and demos of certain programs that have it “bundled”, like a lot of file sharing programs, (a lot, but not all of them) viewing email attachments, or even just visiting certain websites. Sometimes you get lucky and all it does is put a cookie or two on your machine and influence the types of banner ads you see (based on your web surfing habits) or give you a few pop-up ads.

Increasingly, though, companies are getting away with distributing spyware that hijacks your web browser home page, adds unsolicited desktop icons, and pollutes other parts of your web browser, like the screen you see when you hit “search”, and the page you get sent to if you misspell a web address. Instead, all you’ll see are pages of ads. There’s now a new breed of spyware that works like a Trojan Horse virus. Many log your keystrokes, passwords, logins, etc, typed in over a week or so and deliver them to the perpetrator. This is so serious that my antivirus program even catches this spyware. If you let this happen to you, you’re leaving yourself open to some serious, serious privacy violations, not to mention likely fraud or identity theft.

Probably the most serious kind of spyware of all, however, affects your email programs. Some will send out a solicitation email to every person in your address book and “sent” items folder. Some spyware just tacks an annoying advertisement onto every email you send out. And these aren’t the kinds of solicitations you would want any association with, either. This kind of stuff is the most serious of all, in my opinion. How would you like to have your boss get an email from you telling him to visit a distasteful porn site?

You can probably see by now that getting good spyware protection is more important than anything else. Viruses aren’t really a huge deal anymore, because most people have some kind of antivirus programs, and viruses just aren’t produced and distributed as much as they used to be. But the problem is, even the best antivirus software out there still doesn’t take care of spyware; it’s a different classification.

One of the main reasons spyware is so widespread is that it’s mainly all still legal. Viruses aren’t as much of a problem anymore because the people who start them almost always get tracked down, and sent to jail. But with spyware, most of what these components do isn’t really malicious. You’d have to prove some kind of harm. So you saw a few ads. The case could often be made that you initiated whatever process got it on your machine anyway.

Anyone who tries to commit fraud against you by using spyware also won’t really be doing it out in the open, so they probably won’t get caught. It makes more sense to just get some good spyware protection and keep this from happening in the first place.

Two of the better programs out there meant to deal with this are Adaware and Spysweeper. I use both, but from what I’ve seen, Spysweeper seems to detect more different pieces of spyware that get on my system.

Also, while they’re meant to complement one another, one feature Spysweeper has that Adaware doesn’t is that it watches specific components of Windows for you, like your “Startup” programs, web browser “favorites” and your browser homepage. All changes get reported to you. You decide right then and there if you want to let it happen.

Adaware has a similar system, but lets you set it to deal with, and prevent any such changes to your system, without even asking you. It’s like having your own digital bodyguard, watching your computer for you while you’re free to surf.

If you’re serious about your PC’s security and your privacy on the internet, spyware protection is not an option, it’s a must!

Phil Moyers, writer of Build Your Own Computer Plan shows computer novices how to save a ton of money by putting together fast, high performance PC’s of their own with handpicked, quality parts. Learn more about spyware protection

The best thing about a wireless network is exactly that, its
wireless! If you have a laptop or even a second desktop pc in
the home, installing a wireless network is a great idea. How
about checking your emails, chatting with online friends, doing
some shopping or just surfing the net all from a deck chair in
the comfort of your own garden. Wireless networks are so easy to
setup too!

The router that you get with a wireless network kit is the
backbone of the system and is basicly where all signals on the
network are sent to and from. The signal is enhanced via a small
aerial which is found on the back. The router does not need to
be connected to a desktop pc or laptop, it can be installed
remotely, you just need to site it near a power supply and a
phone socket.

Every desktop pc you want to connect to the wireless network
will need a wireless desktop adaptor, this is fitted by opening
the case and finding a spare slot for it to go into. The
wireless desktop adaptor for the desktop pc has a small aerial
which is similar to that of the aerial found on the router.
Opening the desktop pc case and installing a wireless desktop
adaptor is a very straight forward task. If you do not want to
do this yourself, get your local dealer or a friend to install
it for you. If you just have the one desktop pc you may as well
just connect the router straight into the desktop pc via a
network cable.

When it comes to connecting the laptop you need a wireless
laptop adaptor. This is as easy as just slotting the network
card into the side of the laptop. Each desktop pc or laptop you
fit a wireless adaptor to will require the software and drivers
to be installed and this is done using the cd that came with
them. Its just a case of following the on screen prompts to
install everything necessary for the wireless network to
function properly.

Once the wireless network is up and running you can share files
between the lounge and the garden, you can play games between
the bedroom and conservatory. All the while the router power is
on any number of the desktop pcs or laptop you have with
wireless adaptors installed, will function on the network. The
strength of the signal on the wireless network will vary
depending on what the type of router you have, the number of
walls, obstructions etc… between the connections, interference
from other electrical appliances and how far within the radius
of the router you are. The wireless network kits available at
the time of writing this article are quite capable of covering
an average property size.

A wireless network’s internet connection is ‘always on’ meaning
that in order to connect to the internet you just open the
browser and your homepage is there. The use of a logging on or
connection dialog box is no longer necessary.This makes
accessing the internet much more convenient. Make sure you have
a firewall, an anti-virus program and update your windows
operating system regularly in order to prevent any nasty
intrusions into your computer.

There you have it, now you do not need to miss your favourite
television program while waiting for that online auction to end.

As this new wireless technology spreads to every corner of the
world, it’s time that someone ask the burning questions that are
surely on everyone’s mind: “How does Wi-Fi work, and can it mess
up the molecular structure of my brain?” Experts say not to
break out the aluminum hats quite yet. But I would keep them
handy because no one’s 100 percent sure the low-intensity
microwave radio waves aren’t zapping our brains.

The chalkboard at the local Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf in Woodland
Hills has sported a cryptic message in recent weeks. Under all
the usual promos for double no-foam strawberry-mint Ice Blendeds
was this: “Wi-Fi coming March 7.”

Wilfred Finnegan, live in performance?

No. For those of you still clacking away on a Commodore 64,
“Wi-Fi” stands for wireless Latest News about wireless fidelity.
It’s the technology that allows people to surf the Internet with
no annoying plug-in phone lines - at much faster speeds.

There’s a quiet Wi-Fi Latest News about Wi-Fi revolution going
on in Los Angeles, and across the country. The only indication
for those not in the know are these small signs popping up at
coffeehouses, public libraries, universities, airports and hotel
rooms and even open public spaces advertising “Wi-Fi available.”
You may even live in a private Wi-Fi zone, as I do, thanks to an
unknowingly generous neighbor who hasn’t secured his or her
Wi-Fi network.

Even the city is getting into the game with a six-month trial of
a free Wi-Fi zone at the Van Nuys Civic Center around the Marvin
Braude San Fernando Valley Constituent Services Center, or the
MBSFVCSC, in conjunction with Woodland Hills company Aiirmesh
Communications. More city-sponsoredhot spots Latest News about
hot spot are planned downtown at Pershing Square and Little
Tokyo.

Los Angeles itself may become one big hot spot one day soon. A
panel of telecommunications experts is expected to report this
spring on the feasibility of the city leading the creation of a
citywide Wi-Fi community network that every citizen in the city
could use for cheap or free.

It’s already happening in Philadelphia, which is launching the
largest municipal hot spot in a few weeks, and Chicago is toying
with the Wi-Fi network idea as well.

As this new wireless technology spreads to every corner of the
world, it’s time that someone ask the burning questions that are
surely on everyone’s mind: “How does Wi-Fi work, and can it mess
up the molecular structure of my brain?”

Experts say not to break out the aluminum hats quite yet. But I
would keep them handy because no one’s 100 percent sure the
low-intensity microwave radio waves used by Wi-Fi networks
aren’t zapping our brains. If the Wi-Fi technology does turn out
to scramble our memories or make us stupid, then we are already
doomed. Most of us are surrounded every day by things that use
the same technology, most notablycell phones Latest News about
cell phones, cordless phones and medical devices.

As an Angeleno who lives with real threats like smog, gang
warfare, earthquakes, wildfires, landslides and rush-hour
traffic, I decided to fully embrace the Wi-Fi movement. I wanted
to be one of those happy people plucking away on laptops at
Starbucks Latest News about Starbucks or Borders in between sips
of cafe Americanos. So I called up Terry Halberg,
telecommunications planner for the city of Los Angeles, to get
me started with a personal tour of the Van Nuys community Wi-Fi
zone. To prepare, I bought the cheapest wireless modem card I
could find for mylaptop Latest News about laptop - $20 at Fry’s.

The city’s free Wi-Fi network itself is not much to look at.
It’s as visual as radio. There’s not much to see other than the
Wi-Fi routers placed strategically inside meeting rooms and out
on utility polls on the streets surrounding the MBSFVCSC. The
routers are no bigger than a hardback Jackie Collins novel, with
two antennas on top and two on the bottom.

“It looks like a little robot guy,” Halberg said. They beam the
signal all around the area and into the computers of anyone who
wants to access it.

Anyone with a laptop or PDA Latest News about PDAs with wireless
capability (such as my $20 card) can plop down anywhere around
the Van Nuys Civic Center/ Courthouse complex and log on for
free to the community network. Because the city is providing the
service, users must start at a registration page and agree not
to use the network to do illegal things such as download child
porn or sell unregistered firearms to Third World countries, and
not to sue if you get hacked while online.

Logging into the Wi-Fi Community Network hooks users up not just
to the network but with anyone else using it. This brings up
more disturbing questions such as, if my computer can pick up
data from these Wi-Fi waves, can data be sucked out of it the
same way?

Yes, it can.

According to the nonprofit Wi-Fi Alliance’s Web site: “If your
transmissions are not secure, you take the risk of others
intercepting your business e-mails, examining your corporate
files and records, and using your network and Internet
connection to distribute their own messages and communications.”

In other words, people can peek on what you’re looking at online
as if they were looking over your shoulder. That might not
bother Net surfers who limit their online travels to sites such
as Howtoknit.com or Allaboutmarsupials.net, but most people want
their Internet experiences to be private. If that’s the case,
dial-up may still be the way to go until there’s improved
security Latest News about Security for Wi-Fi networks. That
probably won’t be too long. This revolution is spreading in
months, not years. And though it may not be televised, it is
definitely coming to a screen near you.

Satellite TV seems to be the way of the future. With many people
already switching from cable, it makes you wonder what is so
great about Satellite TV. Some of the main reasons people are
switching over is due to the free offers of equipment and
installation, the HDTV picture quality, the channel selection,
as well as the range of service.

Due to the intense competition between DirecTV and Dish Network,
the prices have been getting lower and lower. These price wars
have caused the most recent offers to include free satellite
dish, free receivers, free installation, free DVR’s and more.
The two are very similar in what they offer to their customers,
but do differ in a few areas such as channel selection, and
sporting packages.

As many know, satellite television has excellent picture
quality. Now is the best time to purchase a HDTV and link it up
to your satellite and enjoy the best of the best. Once you plug
in the satellite, the television, and the surround sound, you
will be ready to enjoy the ultimate entertainment experience!

The channel selection with satellite TV is also one of their
strengths. Satellite TV allows the customer to pick which
package they want, which can be quite difficult when they are
choosing from 300 available channels.

One of the main benefits to satellite TV is its range of
service. If you are living in a rural area, which most likely
doesn’t receive cable service, its is very likely that you will
be able to receive satellite service. The one draw back may be
that you need one of the older, larger dishes in order to tune
in the programming.

Satellite TV has a lot to offer its customers. By switching over
now, you will be able to reap all the rewards and offers that
are available through DirecTV, and Dish Network.