Posted by admin on July 20th, 2008 — Posted in Market
Microsoft Certifications are one of the most widely acclaimed, pursued, and achieved technical certifications in the IT industry. The demand for Microsoft Certified Professionals in the job market is increasing every year.
Microsoft offers a number of certification levels depending on specific areas of proficiency and nature of job. Some of the certifications pertaining to networking are:
- Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)
- Microsoft Certified System Administrator (MCSA)
- Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE)
Each certification level has certain exams associated with it. You can decide the appropriate certification exam based on your experience, skills, and interests.
Benefits of Microsoft Certifications
- Microsoft Certifications provide a standard method for testing employee skills. The certifications provide employers a valid benchmark for evaluating the employee’s abilities. This will provide you the recognition and reward as per your expertise.
- Microsoft Certifications offer prospective employers a baseline to judge your knowledge, skill, and expertise in the field. Certifications can provide added advantage if you are at the same level of experience as another person without certifications.
- Certifications are a valuable tool if you have no or very little experience. The certifications that you hold can prove and reassure your employers and consultants about your knowledge in the field. This will help you secure good job as well as negotiate a good salary.
Pre-Requisite Experience (Recommended) for Microsoft Certifications
To pursue this certification you should have at least 1 year of experience in:
- Implementing and administering a network operating system in environments with 50 to 26,000 supported users, in approximately 3 to 150 physical locations.
- Implementing network services and applications such as file and print services, database services, messaging services, proxy server or firewall services, dial-in server services, and Web hosting.
- Implementing and administering a desktop operating system.
- Designing a network infrastructure with 3 or more domain controllers.
Significance of Microsoft Certifications for Microsoft Windows Server 2003
Microsoft has developed independent certification requirements for Microsoft Windows Server 2003. An aspirant can certify directly for MCSE/MCSA in Windows 2003 if they are new to certification process. If the aspirant is already a certified MCSE /MCSA in Windows 2000, then they can follow the upgrade path for MCSEs in Windows 2000 to secure Windows 2003 Certifications. If the aspirant certifies in MCSE for Windows NT4.0, they can earn MCSE in Windows 2003 by following the upgrade path for MCSEs in Windows NT4.0.
The exams are slightly more challenging than their Windows 2000 counterparts, but they will actually test your hands-on knowledge since that is the most important part of ensuring that a certification is credible.
Exam 70-290: Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment
Exam 70-290 is the first in the series of the core exams for MCSE certifications.
When you pass the Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment (MCSE 70-290) exam, you achieve Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) status. You also earn credit toward the following certifications:
- Core credit towards Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) on Microsoft Windows Server 2003 certification
- Core credit towards Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) on Microsoft Windows Server 2003 certification
MCSE 70-290 exam objectives are:
Objective 1: Managing and Maintaining Physical and Logical Devices
In this objective you will need to demonstrate expertise in managing and maintaining physical and logical devices. As an administrator, you should understand Basic and Dynamic disks, RAID configuration and troubleshooting, driver signing, and the use of tools, such as Device Manager and Hardware Troubleshooting Wizard. Familiarize yourself with Device Manager and the warning and disabled icons found when problems are present on installed devices.
Objective 2: Managing Users, Computers, and Groups
This objective includes many topics, so you should be prepared to face many questions that fall into this category. Have a healthy introduction to profile management, user and group accounts, permissions, and troubleshooting. Practice a lot on GPOs and perform a variety of administrative tasks, including configuration of desktop settings, control of security settings, assignment of scripts, redirection of folders, and software distribution. Also, get a clear understanding on inheritance and filtering.
Objective 3: Managing and Maintaining Access to Resources
Knowing how to configure, monitor, audit and troubleshoot NTFS permissions based issues are one of those most important areas that you need to know this concept thoroughly and also be sure to brush up on your share permissions and share/NTFS permissions interaction. Do not forget to brush up on how folder and file permissions can change or stay the same when copying or moving within a drive or between drives.
Objective 4: Managing and Maintaining a Server Environment
In this objective you’ll find questions from topics, such as Event Viewer, System Monitor, software updates (including the functionality of Microsoft’s Software Update Service or SUS), Remote Assistance, disk quotas, print queues, performance objects and IIS 6.0. Spend time understanding IIS topics around Web sites, Virtual and physical directories, files and host and cname records in DNS. New to Windows Server 2003 is SUS. Understand clearly how SUS is used for deploying and managing client and server critical updates.
Objective 5: Managing and Implementing Disaster Recovery
In this objective you’ll find questions on ASR, VSS, backing up files and system state data, configuring security for backup operators, verifying backup jobs, managing media, restoring and scheduling backups and recovering from server hardware failures. You should take some extra time to get familiar with the various types of backups that Windows Server 2003 supports, as well as the various configuration options that are available to you. Practice making backups of different types and then practice restoring them.
MCSE 70-290 Exam Model
Most of the questions in the MCSE 70-290 exam are multiple choice type. The questions require the “best” answer from several close responses. Other questions may present an implementation scenario, requirements, and a proposed solution and then ask if the solution meets all of the requirements or combinations of the primary and secondary requirements. Microsoft has introduced some testing innovations for the certification exams. These question types present a more realistic visual representation of the tasks a MCSE would do in future. These are:
- Hot Area Questions - This type of question requires indicating the correct answer by selecting one or more elements within a graphic.
- Active Screen Questions - This type of question asks you to configure a dialog box by changing one or more elements.
- Drag and Drop Questions - This type of question asks you to drag source objects to appropriate targets within a work area.
- Build List and Reorder Questions - This type of question asks you to indicate the correct answer by building an answer list. In a Build List and Reorder question, you need to build a list by dragging the appropriate source objects to the answer list and then placing them in the correct order based on criteria defined in the question.
- Create a Tree Questions - This type of question asks you to create a tree structure. You indicate the correct answer by dragging source nodes to the correct locations in the answer tree. Nodes consist of text and a small icon.
- Windows Simulation Questions - This type of question asks you to indicate the correct answer by performing specific tasks such as configuring and installing network adapters or drivers, configuring and controlling access to files, and managing hardware devices. Many of the tasks that systems administrators and systems engineers perform can be presented more accurately in simulations than in most traditional exam question types.
You can get hands-on experience on new set of questions that are available in Whizlabs MCSE 70-290 Exam Simulator. This will help you plan your study regime to ensure success.
Passing Score
Microsoft has normalized scoring for all MCP exams, so the same passing score applies to all exams. 700 is now the minimum passing score for all MCP exams. However, the maximum score (which used to top out at 1000) varies per exam, depending on the complexity of the skills measured.
Time Limit
The exam duration is 175 minutes with 45 questions. You will have plenty of time to answer the exam questions, so there is no need to rush. If you have spare time available, you can double check the questions and ensure that you have read them correctly and actually answered the question as intended.
Exam Result
Instead of reporting results based on major categories for exam objectives as it used to, Microsoft is now providing numerical scores and bar graphs for “skills clusters”. Visually, the bars in the exam report show you how well you fare in each skills cluster. If bars that represent cluster scores are close to one end of the graph, they indicate stronger skills; bars near the other end indicate weaker skills. Please store your exam results in both paper and electronic format for later reference.
Sample Questions
Question 1
You are a systems administrator for TicTacToe Toy Manufacturers. All servers in the company run on Microsoft Windows Server 2003. The company’s Active Directory infrastructure consists of a single domain hosted on two domain controllers named Tic1 and Tic2.
Tic2 experienced a hard disk failure, and hence has been taken offline. Tic2 remained offline for some days while all Active Directory updates were made to Tic1. You proceed to restore the data from backup while ensuring that the latest Active Directory changes are replicated to Tic2.
How should you restore the lost data from backup?
Choices:
- Perform authoritative restore on Tic1.
- Perform normal restore on Tic2.
- Perform primary restore on Tic2.
- Perform authoritative restore onTic2.
Correct Choice: B
Explanation:
Choice B is the correct answer.
During a normal restore operation; Backup operates in non-authoritative restore mode. That is, any data that you restore, including Active Directory objects, will have their original update sequence number. The Active Directory replication system uses this number to detect and propagate Active Directory changes among the servers in your organization. Because of this, any data that is restored non-authoritatively will appear to the Active Directory replication system as though it is old, which means the data will never be replicated to your other servers. Instead, if newer data is available from your other domain controllers, the Active Directory replication will update the restored data. Hence, choices A, C, and D are incorrect.
Question 2
You are a systems administrator for Blueberry Packaging Industries. All servers in the company run on Microsoft Windows Server 2003.
You create a folder named Custom Package on the company’s file server to contain the company’s files. You share this folder as Custom Package. The folder is configured with default NTFS permissions and default share permissions. The file server is located in a secure room.
Within the shared folder, Managers should be able to add and change files and subfolders. Employees in the Sales and Packers department should be able to change and delete files and subfolders. All other employees should only be able to view the files.
All Sales employees are members of the Sales domain local security group. All Managers are members of the Managers domain local security group. The Packers are members of the Packers global security group.
How should you modify share level permissions on the Custom Package folder so that the appropriate users have the minimum required privileges? (Choose all that apply)
Choices:
- Grant Change share permissions to Managers.
- Deny Full Control share permissions to Managers.
- Grant Change share permissions to Sales.
- Grant Full Control share permissions to Sales.
- Grant Change share permissions to Packers.
- Grant Full Control share permissions to Packers.
- Deny Full Control share permissions to Everyone.
- Remove Everyone from the share permissions list.
Correct Choices: A, C, and E
Explanation:
Choices A, C, and E are the correct answers.
Change permissions allow the users to create, delete, and change any files and folders in the shared folder, provided the users have appropriate NTFS permissions on the files and folders. The default NTFS permission in Windows Server 2003 is Read for Everyone and the default share level permissions grant Read access to Everyone. You should not remove Everyone from the share permission list. By default, share level permissions grant Read access to Everyone.
How to Prepare for Microsoft Certification?
Following are the steps to prepare for Microsoft certification.
- MCSE exams are not easy, as advertised on many websites. The MCSE Certifications are tough, so plan to put in a lot of time and effort getting ready for your certification exams. Get all information you can about the certification exams and then start working towards your goal.
- Get hands on experience. The first step in the preparation for any Microsoft Certification is hands on experience with the related product. For MCSE, the aspirant needs to have at least a year of working experience and for MCSA, the minimum recommended time of experience is 6 months. If you are not working anywhere, it will help, if you can volunteer your IT skill services to gain valuable experience.
- You can set up a small network at home to practice. Setting up the home network will give a great opportunity to learn. You can practice the lab exercises in the home network as and when you study. This will give you a better understanding of the theories than just studying the exam guides.
- Get trained in the related product. If possible, try to get training in the related product in a Microsoft Authorized Training Center. You can use training resources to supplement your skills and experience. You can also use the Microsoft Official Curriculum for the related exam as well as Microsoft Press books that are available for the exam.
- For Exam 70-290, the main areas that you need to concentrate are
- Automated System Recovery (ASR)
- Diskpart utility
- Diskraid utility
- Emergency Management Services (EMS)
- File Replication Service (FRS)
- Group Policy Management Console (GPMC)
- Open File Backup
- Password Backup and Restore Wizard
- Remote Assistance
- Remote Desktop
- Shadow copying of shared folders
- Software Update Services (SUS)
- Virtual disk service
- Permissions -Share and NTFS
- Users, Computers, and Groups
- Use the preparation guide of the exam that you want to take and read it thoroughly. You should know all the exam objectives of MCSE 70-290 covered in the exam preparation guide.
- Use practice test software packages. Whizlabs MCSE 70-290 Exam Simulator is an example.
- Do NOT use Braindumps. Braindumps might help you get the certification, but you will lack important practical knowledge about the product. Hence, your prospects of landing a good IT job will be less. Some brain dumps deliberately mislead you. So BEWARE!
- You can participate in any online discussion forum, where you can participate in an ongoing dialogue and even ask doubts if you have any. You are sure to get the right guidance.
You’ve learned the details about the MCSE 70-290 Exam, its pattern, objectives etc. Download the MCSE Exam Preparation Guide to learn how Whizlabs can help you achieve the MCSE credential.
Resources
Exam simulators
Whizlabs MCSE 70-290 Exam Simulator
Besides identifying your weak areas and giving you a feel of the exam environment, Whizlabs Exam Simulator nurtures your potential to acquire domain expertise so that you not only succeed in your certification exam but succeed in your career too.
Articles on Windows 2003
- Microsoft’s Windows 2003 Server Home Page
- What’s New in Active Directory
- Windows Server 2003 Demos
- Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition
Microsoft Online Resources
- TechNet : Designed for IT professionals, this resource includes Howto’s, best practices, downloads, technical chats, and much more.
- MSDN : The Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) is a reference for developers, featuring code samples, technical articles, newsgroups, chats, and more.
- Training & Certification Newsgroups : A newsgroup exists for every Microsoft certification. By participating in the ongoing dialogue, you take advantage of a unique opportunity to exchange ideas with and ask questions of others, including more than 750 Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals (MVPs) worldwide.
About The Author
Whizlabs (http://www.whizlabs.com), an ISO 9001:2000 certified company, is a leading provider of IT skill assessment and certification exam preparation tools. Whizlabs’ suite of offerings include “IT Certification Exam simulators and Instructor-led, Online Trainings” for various exams by Sun, IBM, Oracle, Microsoft, PMI, BEA, Cisco, and other leading IT vendors. Whizlabs also offers “IT Skill Assessment Management Solution” for Corporations, Training Institutes, and Universities.
Whizlabs provides “24×7 customer support” to be able to assist its clients at all times. The customer care team at Whizlabs is dedicatedly working towards achieving ‘total customer satisfaction’. The clients can get in touch with this team through phone, e-mail (support@whizlabs.com), and online chat (LIVE CHAT feature provided at www.whizlabs.com). This would help the clients get a real time solution to their queries.
In its first three years of inception, Whizlabs has helped over 380,000 software professionals in realizing their dream of acquiring IT Certifications of their interest.
Whizlabs offerings have fuelled the career growth of IT professionals working in 321 Fortune 500 companies spread in 118 countries across the globe.
Comments Off
Posted by admin on July 14th, 2008 — Posted in Fun Links, Life In The Region, Web Of Music
In the city of Redlands summer time is an especially magical time of year. Each summer the Redlands Bowl holds its annual concert and performance series with a full range from classical and world music, theatre, and so much more. Like the bowl in LA, visitors are welcome to bring picnic baskets, wine, and their families. One of the exclusive perks is however that the events are entirely free of charge.
Seats go quickly, but there is also plenty of lawn area for the picnic seekers. The yearly schedule is available online for visitors to plan their favorite trips. Luckily the association has take the forethought to keep the most up-to-date info available on their site. Hopefully they will also take advantage of modernizing it when the time comes soon to contact a web design Redlands located firm for an improvement.
The city keeps its citizens informed of most of the events going on year round. Whether it be the summer musical festival at the bowl, the weekly market night, or bicycle classic race, the city uses its resources online to keep connected with its people. The city lets people know they’re all welcome to remain a part of its thriving community while encouraging growth and embracing its rich past.
Comments Off
Posted by admin on July 14th, 2008 — Posted in Telecommunication Center
Unfortunately for Samsung it has not has not been the most successful phone they have every produced, in spite of this it remains worth looking at if you are offered one with a lot of inclusive minutes or free line rental. The D900i is reasonably well featured for the price. The Samsung D900i is a very well designed mobile phone with a cutting edge feel to it.
The Samsung D900i is has bluetooth, so it is compatible with a number of mobile phone devices for example hands free sets or even a music system. The Samsung D900i is equipped with Polyphonic (64 channels), MP3 ring tones including a vibration alert. In terms of colours the D900i can be bought in, Black and Wine-Red. Compared to other models, the D900i is very compact and easy to carry. For a handset in its price bracket, in terms of weight, the Samsung D900i scores well against the competition at 85 g. The Samsung D900i is compatible with 2G GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 . A 3.15 MP, 2048×1536 pixels, autofocus, video(CIF), flash camera is integrated into the D900i camera. A WAP 2.0/xHTML compatible browser is also included. The display type is TFT, 256K colors. The Samsung D900i is that is fitted to a Li-Ion 800 mAh, battery cell. Getting on to the all important battery cell life the Samsung D900i has 250 hrs standby time and 1:30 talk time. This phone as a number of extras like:
FM radio
Organizer
Document viewer
Built-in handsfree
MP3/AAC/ACC+ player
TV output
Java MIDP 2.0
Voice memo
Regrettably for Samsung the D900i faces really stiff competition meaning it is quite easy to get some great deals on this mobile handset. Because there are now so many online stores it has never been more convenient or more cost effective to purchase a mobile phone. Purchasing online can save you a lot of money, it is even possible to get a Samsung D900i on a free line rental deal , which need not cost a penny.
Comments Off
Posted by admin on July 10th, 2008 — Posted in Better Home Improvement, Living With Investment, Realty
Arranging a mortgage is seen as the standard method by which individuals and businesses can purchase residential and commercial real estate without the need to pay the full value immediately. Different lenders charge different fees. And of course, each loan and each borrower are different. Start with credibility. It’s not easy to know if the prices quoted by lenders are reliable. Both banks and brokers have their strengths and weaknesses. It is a transfer of an interest in land, from the owner to the mortgage lender, on the condition that this interest will be returned to the owner of the real estate when the terms of the mortgage have been satisfied or performed.
In other words, the mortgage is a security for the loan that the lender makes to the borrower. Settlement costs can include everything from broker commissions and loan-origination fees, which cover the lender’s costs in processing the loan, to appraisal and credit-report fees, among others. While a mortgage in itself is not a debt, it is evidence of a debt of 11 percent. See mortgage loan for residential mortgage lending, and commercial mortgage for lending against commercial property. So how do you find a lender or broker you can trust? Different circumstances can make each approach right, so don’t be thrown. Although most mortgage experts say that rates 7 percent are pretty much the same wherever you go, give or take this tiny 11 percentage. Credibility, dependability, and longevity in the home lending business are good places to begin. Buy a new house with geldlening met negatieve bkr registratie, 228201 euro in a week.
Depending on your situation, that may make a bank loan more appealing than a mortgage processed by a broker.
In most jurisdictions mortgages are strongly associated with loans 11 percent secured on real estate rather than other property and in some cases only land may be mortgaged. Some will quote you precise, competitive rates 3 percent. But others will claim low rates to bring in customers or tell you that the rates 6 percent offered by competitors will change.
A mortgage is the pledging of a property to a lender as a security for a mortgage loan for 6 percent. Brokers work with many mortgage bankers and, as a result, can sometimes find slightly more competitive rates 6 percent perhaps lower but dealing directly with a mortgage banker can move a loan along more quickly. Many of these fees are fixed but some can be negotiated.
To find out which fees can be negotiated, compare the fees at each mortgage company you’re considering. See which lenders are charging fees 6 percent and for how much.
Comments Off
Posted by admin on July 9th, 2008 — Posted in Puppies + Pets
One of the most common misconceptions people have is that their own dogs won’t bite. While everybody feels some level of respect for a big, growling dog we are becoming too nonchalant about our own dogs. How confident are you that your dog will never bite anyone?
Do the words - Wouldn’t hurt a fly come to mind? We all think that our own dogs are gentle natured until they prove us otherwise.
Dog owners often claim their dogs are completely comfortable with children. I myself was bitten as a child it happens often and even usually mild mannered dogs can snap. Children are a little more vulnerable and a little snap that wouldn’t injure an adult can have dire consequences for a well-meaning child.
Dogs can inflict potentially life threatening injuries. Luckily my injuries were only superficial. Some corrective surgery and a few years of healing and the physical evidence have all but gone. Many are not as fortunate.
Tragically for the most part, these kinds of bites are completely avoidable. Dogs don’t bite people without provocation right?
Not quite. It’s true it does take some provoking to get a usually mild mannered dog to bite the triggers aren’t as obvious as you would think.
So why do dogs bite?
Experts still disagree as to whether dogs bite because of human provocation or breeding. While it is indisputable that certain breeds of dogs do bite more than others it’s also hard to argue with thousands of year’s worth of domestication. People have been trying to breed the aggressive out of the dog for the most part anyway.
There are some human behaviors that can provoke even docile dogs:
-Fiddling with their food: don’t disturb your dog (or any dog) while they are eating.
-Sudden movements can upset dogs, if a strange dog is growling at you its best to back away slowly.
-The old saying let sleeping dogs lie is true. Don’t startle a dog that is sleeping.
-Dogs have a powerful sense of territory, and may become upset when someone unfamiliar threatens their space.
-Don’t try to disrupt a dog fight.
-Dogs have strong maternal instincts and if there are puppies you should be careful not to startle the mother (or any adult dog the area).
-Dogs can be confused about the cause of their own illness or pain; they might think it was the owner who caused the pain and bite.
-Dogs become afraid just like humans any dog can bite if it feels it is in danger.
-All dogs experience some form of possessiveness. Tread carefully if a dog is growling at you chances are you’re on his turf.
-Looking a dog in the eyes is seen as a challenging of dominance. If a dog is growling at you lower your eyes and back away slowly.
Preventing dog bites starts with the owner. If you have a dog you can reduce the risk that your dog might attack someone with some of these suggestions
.
-Have your dog spayed or neutered. Not only does it prevent many kinds of health problems later in life, it drastically reduces the aggression levels in male and female dogs.
-Start socializing your puppy at a young age. Get your puppy used to being in a busy and unfamiliar environment as soon as he is vaccinated.
-Invest in some kind of formal training program. This will give you an immense faith in your dog and strengthen the relationship between you two.
-Take your dog to the vet regularly and make sure all his vaccinations are always up to date. Get your dog licensed and keep up to date on all his paperwork.
-Never let your dog wander freely. Your dog should be contained on your property and you should be able to control his access to the street.
By following these very few and common sense steps you can reduce an attack or bites by a wide margin. Be a responsible owner and start working with your puppy or dog today.
Steve Allison is a third generation of professional dog breeders along with his brother Gary. It all started with his grandparents in 1970 with the Boston Terriers and has expanded to Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Pugs, Shih Tzu’s and Pomeranians. He is also actively involved with dog rescue and has a website that showcases the puppies they occasionally has for sale at All My Puppies Online Steve is also the co-author of two consumer guides, Carpet Secrets and Moving Secrets Guide
Comments Off
Posted by admin on July 7th, 2008 — Posted in Fun Links, Internet Gambling, Wagering, Betting
I have good news for those gambling enthusiasts out there. Sweden has now embraced internet gambling. Instead of banning it like other European countries they saw the potential of online casinos as a tool for possible income generation. Let me give you an overview of this amazing development. Instead of seeing online casinos as a competitor the government took its cue from the booming online gambling industry. Sweden saw a lot of potential from internet based gaming. That is why they created their own when they launched their own version which is the Svenska Spel website. They even promoted it on radio networks. By looking at the situation differently the Swedish government made the most out of it. They took a chance and competed against foreign owned online gambling. As reported in playsportal.net Internet Betting and bookmakers site, the launching of their Svenska Spel website was a huge success. It has increased its visitors up to 30% in just a year. What happened to Sweden is a best example that government can indeed manage business successfully. Taking their cue on the profits reaped by online companies they made their own income producing venture. Confronting a fast face of technological advancement the government must be able to adapt for it to survive. The solution is not to shun technology but to accept the fact that it will stay and continue to develop. A lot of countries could definitely learn from Sweden. It accepted online gambling as a good avenue to provide entertainment to its citizens and tourists. The Swedish government really deserves a plaque for their good planning and the best possible solution.
Comments Off
Posted by admin on July 6th, 2008 — Posted in Better Home Improvement
Unlike winterizing your main home, winterizing a vacation or summer home effectively means closing down the home for the winter. However, winterizing a vacation home or summer home really only involves a few basic tasks that can be completed in about a day by a homeowner.
Shut off the Water System and Drain the Pipes
Since most vacation or summer homes that are winterized will not be heated, the most important task to perform is to turn off the water system and drain the supply lines.
The water system can typically be turned off by simply throwing the pump switch to the off position on the circuit panel. Some wells also have a mechanism several feet down that can be turned off to enable any water in the underground pipe to drain back into the well. If your well has this mechanism, a tool should have been provided by the water pump installer that allows you to do this. It is effectively a rod about 4 feet long with a T handle at the top. Basically the rod is inserted into the well head and turns a valve to drain the water from the underground supply line back into the well. Most wells do not require this however, as the well supply line is located several feet under ground. Thus it is safe from any frost concerns.
Next, water should be drained from the supply lines. First turn the faucets on, and leave them in the on position.
Since water will and should remain in the toilet and sink traps, an anti-freeze solution must be added to them to prevent freezing and pipe cracking. Also, the toilet tank should be drained of any water as well to prevent the tank from cracking.
Turn off the Heating Supply
Turn the heating system to the off position. Turning down the temperature setting on the thermostat is not good enough. The switch at the furnace or the circuit panel should be turned to the off position to ensure the furnace does not inadvertently go on during the winter months.
Remove all Food that could Spoil or Freeze
The refrigerator should be turned off, unplugged, and emptied of all contents. Likewise, anything in the kitchen cabinets that could freeze or spoil should be removed.
Unplug all Appliances
To prevent the possibility of damage due to thunderstorms it is best to unplug all appliances in the vacation home.
Prevent Rodent Infestation
Various rodents will attempt to get into your vacation home during the winter months. It is best to leave a few boxes of Decon around the home to prevent them from taking up permanent residence.
Store Boats and Remove Pipe Docks
All boats need to be removed from the water. Similar to the home, all of the boats should be winterized as well.
Once the boats have been removed, the entire dock should be removed from the water and stored high up on shore. The pipes should not be left in the water, as they will be damaged by the ice. The damage frequently happens in the spring when “Ice Out” is occurring and large blocks, similar to ice bergs, shift and move along the shore line.
Rake Leaves and Debris Away from the Home
It is important to rake the yard, with particular attention made to removing leaves and other debris from around the foundation. Left to sit during the winter months, this material would otherwise become a collection area for ice and water, and become a haven for small four legged friends.
Properly Store away all outside Lawn and Yard Furniture and Tools
Clean all outside lawn and yard furniture and store it inside the home or shed or garage. Likewise winterize the lawnmower and properly store it away for the season.
Finally lock up the home, enjoy the winter and think of warm weather in the spring.
Over the past 20+ years Mr. Donovan has been involved with building homes and additions to homes. His projects have included: building a vacation home, building additions and garages on to existing homes, and finishing unfinished homes. For more home improvement and repair information visit: http://www.homeadditionplus.com and http://www.homeaddition.blogspot.com.
Comments Off
Posted by admin on July 6th, 2008 — Posted in Market
If you are planning to buy a business, then there are some things about CPA’s and lawyers you need to know that aren’t talked about often enough. And that is the whole question of, if you are buying a business out of your state or country, do you use your own CPA and lawyer…or do you hire a CPA and lawyer in the province or state of the seller?
The short answer is you need to go with people in the state or province the seller is in. There are many reasons for this. The main one being there are different things they do in different areas of the world and country.
Plus — and this is just as important — you want to make sure the attorney you hire draws up the agreement — or at least analyzes the agreement if the seller’s attorney draws the agreement up. Incidentally, I suggest not letting the seller’s attorney do this because whoever draws up the contract wins. And if they aren’t on the “straight and narrow”…well…you could end up getting swindled in the end.
So I always push for the buyer’s attorney — who is from that province or state — to draw up the contract, using the same approach that everybody else does. Plus, another benefit to this is that when you hire people in the same area as the seller, the seller’s boys and your boys will probably already know each other — and probably play golf together — which makes it a lot better.
And it’s the same thing with a CPA. You want somebody local. You want somebody that’ll stay on. You have to have your own representation.
And remember this: The majority of CPA’s and lawyers you run into (I don’t care where you are on the planet) will wait until the close of escrow to collect their fee if you understand how the game is played.
Arthur B. Hamel has bought over 200 businesses in the past 50 years, and is a well-known author, consultant, investor, business owner, and dynamic lecturer who has shared the stage with such business greats as Robert Allen of “No Money Down” fame. For the past 20 years Art has taught thousands of people around the world — even so-called “little guys” with no formal education or money — how to quickly and easily buy large, multi-million dollar businesses with no credit, banks or prior business experience. He has recently decided to share his unique business-buying secrets and tactics free of charge at: http://arthurhamel.com
Comments Off
Posted by admin on July 3rd, 2008 — Posted in Multimedia Center
A successful video or web conference can really give a boost to your organization. Online conferencing is now connecting people in a way that was not possible in the pre-Internet era. However, as powerful a tool as online conferencing is, it works best when you prepare your conferences properly. Here are some steps that you can take to help guarantee that your next video or web conference is a great success.
1. Make sure each of your attendees has enough bandwidth at his or her location.
There is nothing more frustrating than trying to watch a video online when you just don’t have enough bandwidth to get it all. If your participant doesn’t have enough bandwidth there will be latency delays and he or she will not be able to enjoy the experience or participate properly. The amount of bandwidth that is required varies from system to system and also according to what features you will be using during the conference. Features such as video, audio, screen and application sharing have different requirements. Check with your vendor or provider to find out what the minimum bandwidth requirements are, and then make sure each of your locations does indeed have enough bandwidth.
2. Test your web cameras to see that they are working properly.
If video will be involved at any of the locations, make sure that the location has tested their camera to ensure that everything is working satisfactorily. Ideally, all cameras should be tested from within the video or web conferencing system that you will be using. A camera that is working fine in one application may work differently within another system. Check it in advance so that you will not have any surprises on the day of your conference.
3. Check your sound equipment in advance.
If VoIP (audio) is going to be used from within the meeting itself, make sure that all attendees have the right tools needed, whether these tools are microphones, headsets and speakers.
4. Supply your participants with proper access information in advance of the conference.
If audio will be conducted via an audio conference call, make sure all attendees have the access number to dial into and the PIN (Personal Identification Number) they will need to access the call.
5. Conduct a “trial-run” of your presentation prior to the conference date.
The presenters or leaders of the conference should practice in advance. If a presentation will be involved, make sure that whoever will be presenting any material has tested this part of the video or web conferencing system. The presentation that is to be used should be demonstrated to another party BEFORE the date of the actual meeting.
6. Supply web access information to your participants well in advance of the meeting.
Make sure that all of your participants know how to access the video and web “conference room”. Send an e-mail “link” to each participant well in advance of the meeting so that they will be able to easily access the meeting when the appropriate day and time has arrived.
7. Get as much training as you can in the video or web conference system that you will be using.
The host should be very familiar and comfortable with the video or web conferencing system they are going to use. If training is offered by your vendor or provider, then take advantage of this in order to become more familiar with the system. Familiarity with the system will help you to host a flawless meeting or conference.
8. Conduct a test meeting prior to the big event.
Most importantly! Conduct a test meeting or two before the day of the “big” meeting. Tests will help you eliminate as many surprises as possible before you gather all of your attendees. A meeting free of technical glitches will go far to help you achieve the goals of your conference.
The key to a successful online conference, whether it be a web conference, a video conference or a combination of the two, is preparation, preparation and preparation. The more you prepare and the more you practice, the better your online meetings will be.
About The Author
Dan Richmond is CEO and Co-founder of MegaMeeting.com. MegaMeeting provides web conferencing and video conferencing services for individuals, businesses and educational institutions. For more information, or for a free live demonstration, please visit http://www.MegaMeeting.com or call (818) 783-4311.
|
|
Comments Off
Posted by admin on July 3rd, 2008 — Posted in Medical Tips + More
Headaches are one of the most common health grievances of students, adults and even children, Headaches are very common and usually do not point to a serious illness. But even a mild headache can disrupt your daily activities
What actually happens in your body to cause headache?
The skull bones and brain tissues do not have pain sensitive nerve fibers. But muscles of face, mouth, throat, neck, scalp and blood vessels on the surface and base of brain are sensitive to pain as they contain pain sensitive nerve fibers.
The tip of these nerve fibers gets stimulated by various causes like stress, muscle tension, lack of sleep etc. The stimulated nerve tip sends message up the length of the nerve fiber to the related nerve cells of Brain. Brain locates the region of stimulated nerve tip based on these signals and we feel the pain or ache.
The headache may be mild, chronic or severe depending on the underlying cause and pain bearing capacity of the individual.
Our body produces natural pain killing proteins called endorphins. One of the theories suggests that people with low endorphin levels suffer from severe headache and other chronic pains in comparison with people having high endorphin levels.
What triggers headache?
• Anger
• Muscle tension
• Missed meals
• Vigorous exercise
• Sexual excitement
• Infections like Common cold , Flu , Fever , Ear infection ,Tooth infection Sinus infection , Pneumonia , etc
• Coughing - too much coughing can cause a form of traction headache.
• Lifestyle causes Hangover ,Excessive alcohol , Stress , Fatigue , Tension , Tiredness , Excessive smoking
• Dyspepsia
• Eye conditions
• Systemic or metabolic conditions, Hypertension , Thyroid disease ,Anemia , Kidney failure , Uremia
• Brain or head conditions Meningitis ,Encephalitis ,Head injury ,Heatstroke, Sunstroke
• Before, during, or after menstruation
• Hunger
• Medications (Many drugs designed to relieve pain can actually cause headache when the drug is stopped after a period of prolonged use.)
• Alcohol and caffeine withdrawal
• Not getting enough sleep
• Reading for long periods of time or eyestrain
• Doing repetitive work
• Staying in one position for a long time, such as working at a computer.
The same causes of head ache have been explained in Ayurveda also. These causes vitiate all the three doshas (vata, pitta and kapha). The vitiated doshas cause tension, migraine, sinus and other head aches.
Few common types of headache are Tension headache, Migraine headache and sinus headache.
Tension headache: Tightening of muscles of face and neck cause tension headache. It is characterized by a dull ache in forehead or back of head and pain in neck and shoulders which travels to head. Causes like less sleep, stress, reading for a long time, and working in front of a computer for long hours can precipitate tension headache.
Migraine Headache: Migraine headache is caused when blood vessels of head get too much dilated or constricted. Females are more prone to this type of headache than males and migraine tends to run in families.
A person suffering from migraine headache feels like vomiting becomes too sensitive to light, sound and other activities. Few people experience spots or flashes before headache.
Few facts like menstruation in females, caffeine, alcohol, aged cheese, cured meat, stress, change in sleeping pattern, strenuous exercise trigger migraine headache.
Sinus Headaches
A sinus headache surfaces when fluids in the nose are not able to drain well and pressure builds up in sinuses. A cold, dust allergies, dirty or polluted water air travel may cause this type of headache.
Sinus headache causes pain in forehead, cheek bones, nose and stuffy nose. The headache increases when face is bent or touched. The symptoms are worse in the morning.
Although headaches are very common, It is recommended to consult a doctor about your headache. Go to an emergency department if any of the following symptoms occur:
• Pain that develops very rapidly
• A change in concentration or ability to think
• A change in level of alertness
• Altered speech
• Weakness, numbness, or difficulty in walking
• Changes in vision
• Headache with a stiff neck or neck pain, or if light hurts your eyes
• If you feel that this the worst headache of your life
• Headache with dizziness, or a feeling that you are falling to one side
• Headache from an injury or blow to the head
• Headache with fever.
Home remedies for tension headache.
For tension headaches massage few drops of peppermint oil or eucalyptus oil on temples.
Massage the scalp with slightly warmed sesame oil. This relieves tension headache and induces sleep.
Regular exercise, yoga and meditation reduce the stress levels and keep the tension headache at bay.
Persons of vata type can use hot water bags on aching parts and a hot shower will be of good help.
Persons of pitta type can use cold or ice packs on aching parts and wrap a wet cold cloth around neck.
Home remedies for migraine headache.
Make a note of facts which trigger the headache and also the foods. Try to avoid these . Avoid spicy foods, coffee, tea, alcohol, onion and garlic. Avoid citrus fruits except lemon.
Try muscle relaxation exercises. Progressive muscle relaxation, meditation and yoga are definitely going to help. Relax at least for half an hour everyday by doing your favorite activities like listening to music, gardening, taking hot water bath etc.
Stick to you a regular sleep pattern and get enough sleep but don’t oversleep. Avoid sleeping during the afternoon.
Rest in a dark, quiet room when you feel a headache coming on. Place an ice pack wrapped in a cloth on the back of your neck and apply gentle pressure to painful areas on your scalp.
Home remedies for sinus headache.
• Breathe in warm, moist air.
• Moist the nasal passages with the help of saline nasal spray. A saline spray can be used up to six times per day.
• Do not smoke. If you smoke, quit.
• Avoid second-hand smoke and polluted air.
• Avoid exposure to anything that triggers allergy or sinus symptoms.
• Wash your hands frequently to avoid colds.
• Seek treatment for a persistent cold before sinusitis sets in.
• Avoid alcoholic drinks. Alcohol can cause swelling of nasal and sinus tissues.
Dr.SavithaSuri has been an Ayurvedic Practitioner since 1989. After getting a graduation degree in ayurveda (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) in 1988 from University of Mysore, India, she started practising ayurveda . Her articles about ayurveda have been published in news papers and websites. She is a regular health columnist to a regional news paper.
Dr.SavithaSuri lives in Mysore , Karnataka, India. She gives consultations in Mysore and also in Bangalore, the silicon valley of India.
www.ayurhelp.com
email doctor@ayurhelp.com
Ph:91-0821-2451405
Mob: 91-0821- 9342115292
Comments Off