ST. PAUL -- A couple from Washington state faces charges after auto workers found more than 150 pounds of marijuana in their pickup's jerry-rigged gas tank and alerted police.
The 48-year-old man and 62-year-old woman were being held in the Ramsey County jail on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance. They told investigators they were driving from Yakima, Wash., to Chicago, according to Kent Bailey, acting agent in charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's Twin Cities office.
"Their bad luck is their vehicle had some fuel problems and they ended up taking it into a Midas Shop," Bailey said.
He said the fuel problems might have been caused by some marijuana getting loose in the tank. Also, the tank couldn't hold much gas, so the pair might have had to fuel up every 100 miles or so.
At the auto shop on the East Side, where the couple stopped Monday, mechanic Daniel Ries noticed the truck had a modified gas tank with fresh weld marks. When the two were told the tank needed to be replaced, they were "adamant" that the repair wasn't needed, Bailey said. Eventually, they relented but insisted that the pickup's old tank be saved.
Workers, who became suspicious and called police, found that the gas tank had been converted into two compartments; one contained fuel while the other had 157 pounds of marijuana worth about $157,000, Bailey said.
Bailey credited Ries for recognizing something was suspicious. "That's exactly what we need, because we don't have enough law enforcement to cover every corner," he said. "It was absolutely sharp thinking."
Using the phone number the duo left with Midas, investigators tracked them to the Hastings Inn and arrested them. They found 700,000 Mexican pesos, equivalent to about $64,000.
AP
Man Tried To Bail Himself Out With Cocain
SOUTHBURY, Conn. -- A man's plans to bail himself out after a drug bust went more than a bit awry over the weekend.
With the aid of a drug-sniffing dog, police found 48 grams of cocaine on the 32-year-old man after pulling him over for speeding, police said.
The suspect then arranged for his aunt to bring a small safe which he claimed contained money for his bail. But when his aunt opened the safe in front of a state trooper, they found cash, drug paraphernalia and another 16 grams of cocaine, police said.
Additional drug charges were filed against the man and his bond was increased to $125,000. He was later bailed out by another relative, police said.
The suspect was charged with possession of narcotics with intent to sell, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana and speeding.
Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press.
With the aid of a drug-sniffing dog, police found 48 grams of cocaine on the 32-year-old man after pulling him over for speeding, police said.
The suspect then arranged for his aunt to bring a small safe which he claimed contained money for his bail. But when his aunt opened the safe in front of a state trooper, they found cash, drug paraphernalia and another 16 grams of cocaine, police said.
Additional drug charges were filed against the man and his bond was increased to $125,000. He was later bailed out by another relative, police said.
The suspect was charged with possession of narcotics with intent to sell, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana and speeding.
Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press.
Your Ringtone, Your Identity
Washington Post: Whenever his cell phone rings, which is a lot, Delvon Murray, 18, hears "My Boo," the Alicia Keys-Usher duet. Whenever his girlfriend's cell phone rings, she hears "In Love Wit Chu" from hip-hop artist Da Brat.
These days, your cell phone identity goes beyond whether you get free weekend minutes or an expanded nationwide calling plan.
It's in the model of the phone you choose -- a $602 Motorola V3 that weighs about three ounces, or one of those giveaway phones you get just by signing up? It's in the ringing of your phone, too -- and the good ol' Ring! Ring! Ring! in your cell phone, Murray says, is so two years ago, when your choices in ring tones ranged from "The Star-Spangled Banner" to Beethoven's "Fur Elise."
This is a breakout year for tones, the 20- to 30-second synthesized versions of songs that play when cell phones ring, like an audible caller ID. They've been the rage in Western Europe and Asia, particularly in South Korea (news - web sites) and Japan, in the past two years, says IDC, a market research firm based in Framingham, Mass. But the United States, with younger consumers leading the way, is catching on fast.
These days, your cell phone identity goes beyond whether you get free weekend minutes or an expanded nationwide calling plan.
It's in the model of the phone you choose -- a $602 Motorola V3 that weighs about three ounces, or one of those giveaway phones you get just by signing up? It's in the ringing of your phone, too -- and the good ol' Ring! Ring! Ring! in your cell phone, Murray says, is so two years ago, when your choices in ring tones ranged from "The Star-Spangled Banner" to Beethoven's "Fur Elise."
This is a breakout year for tones, the 20- to 30-second synthesized versions of songs that play when cell phones ring, like an audible caller ID. They've been the rage in Western Europe and Asia, particularly in South Korea (news - web sites) and Japan, in the past two years, says IDC, a market research firm based in Framingham, Mass. But the United States, with younger consumers leading the way, is catching on fast.
Keeping your Laptop Safe and Secure
When people think of computer security they think of things like Trojan Horses, viruses, spyware, worms and other nasty things that hackers can send to you over the internet. No matter how many blocks you have in place, or how many firewalls you erect, though, there is a type of security that you are probably forgetting when it comes to your laptop.
With huge numbers of people using laptops both at home and at work, and the rising number of people taking their laptops with them on trips to anywhere from the coffee shop down the street to the next continent over, there is an important security issue also on the rise. The theft of laptops is at a record high, and once a thief has your computer safely in his hands, he has all the time in the world to crack the rest of your security or take your computer apart to sell the pieces.
Keeping your laptop safe is not just an issue of internal security and regular checkups (though these things are important), but also of physical security and making sure that your computer does not leave your possession.
Security at Work and School
With the theft of laptops on the rise, the job of protecting them has become big business. If you bring your laptop to work, then it is important to keep it secure at all times. Especially in a busy office with many people coming and going, a two-minute bathroom break can mean the loss of a couple of thousand dollars worth of technology, and a lot of data.
For a laptop on your desk in the busy office place, there are several options for keeping your laptop tied down and in place no matter what. One of these methods is attaching your laptop to a security cable to stop casual theft. These cables can only be released with a key or code, and keep others from lifting your laptop when your back is turned.
If you bring your laptop to work, but do not use it the entire time you are there, if you are a student or parent concerned about others accessing your computer, or if you foresee being away from your desk for a period of time, locking your laptop in a file cabinet or desk drawer can be ideal. If these options are not available, a laptop locker will keep others away from your valuable tool. Mount the laptop locker under your desk, in the trunk of your car, on the wall, or in the closet to prevent theft and unwanted access.
For a laptop that many people may need to use or have access to, and one that is not supposed to go anywhere, ever, then a tie-down bracket is the option to keep your computer safe. Popular with libraries and hotels, these brackets protect your laptop usually whether open or closed, but will not allow the laptop to be removed. These are also good for computers that can be in danger of falling from things such as store displays, car mounts, and laptops on hospital carts.
For schools or companies that provide laptops for special use to many people at once, a lockable laptop cart is idea. The cart provides room for fifteen to thirty laptops at once. These carts are constructed to be both mobile and extremely difficult to break into. When not in use they should be kept in a locked room for additional security, however even if someone gets one of these carts, it will be virtually impossible to conceal.
If despite your best precautions your laptop is lost or stolen, having installed a stealth signal program or other tracking program means that your laptop can call out for help. Report your laptop as lost or stolen, and your computer will begin transmitting its location to a control center. These control centers can then help you retrieve your lost computer, hopefully before any damage is done.
The best security you can offer your computer is keeping your eye on it at all times. If you choose to bring it with you anywhere, do not leave it alone unless it is under lock and key. People are tempted to set their bags on the floor and doze in waiting rooms or airports, but it only takes a second to lose your valuable investment and all of your data.
Security Online and in Networks
Don't think that just because your computer is locked up from theft makes it perfectly safe, either. Information you keep stored on your computer such as bank data, passwords, credit cards, and other sensitive information make a tempting target for hackers and identity thieves. The best security for your personal information is to not save it on your computer anywhere, ever.
It may not just be your data that thieves are after, either. Once they have established a connection, they can come back again and again to make use of your fancy processor and your internet connection to attack other computers and hide their own activities. These intruders get in through email viruses and weaknesses in existing programs, and often install programs to keep their access to your computer open. It is hard to tell that your computer has been invaded, but keeping your connection secure is vital.
There are things that everyone should know, and most people don't think about. Do not, for example, open an attachment from someone you don't know. If possible, avoid opening the emails, too. If you do open attachments, make sure they are scanned for a virus first. Infected friends can inadvertently send viruses on to you.
Visiting innocent web sites can also provide entry points into your computer. If you think of the internet as one big room, any program listening can hear your conversation (the data you exchange) and interpret it. Do not think that your computer is talking directly to the computer on the other end of the line. Your conversations/information are relayed through computer after computer until it reaches its destination. Programs can be installed to encrypt the information you send out over the internet to protect you from this mode of invasion.
Password protection is key, as is backing up your work every so often. That way even if you are infected with a dangerous virus, you can possibly format or use another method to wipe it away. Passwords should also be strong, containing letters and numbers, and not your own personal information like birth dates. You should also rotate passwords, not using the same one twice.
Anti-virus programs should be installed and updated frequently. They should also be used to actively scan for viruses on a regular basis to keep your computer or laptop as safe as possible. You should also make sure to keep your system updates with all the latest patches available, since they may help close a back door that an intruder could take advantage of.
A firewall program is not the same as an anti-virus program, but it is just as important. A firewall means that no one gets into your computer without your knowledge or permission. A person or program attempting to access your computer from a remote location will not be allowed through unless you specifically enable them.
There is a lot here to remember, and a lot of information to process. Following the advice outlined here, however, and searching regularly for new security measures and updates will help to protect your computer and all of the information stored on it. Safety, after all, is the key.
--
(c) Copyright www.cheap-laptops-guide.net All rights reserved.
You may use this article in its entirety if the links and resource box stay intact.
For more interesting articles on laptops, batteries, accessories, and laptop reviews, go to http://www.cheap-laptops-guide.net
With huge numbers of people using laptops both at home and at work, and the rising number of people taking their laptops with them on trips to anywhere from the coffee shop down the street to the next continent over, there is an important security issue also on the rise. The theft of laptops is at a record high, and once a thief has your computer safely in his hands, he has all the time in the world to crack the rest of your security or take your computer apart to sell the pieces.
Keeping your laptop safe is not just an issue of internal security and regular checkups (though these things are important), but also of physical security and making sure that your computer does not leave your possession.
Security at Work and School
With the theft of laptops on the rise, the job of protecting them has become big business. If you bring your laptop to work, then it is important to keep it secure at all times. Especially in a busy office with many people coming and going, a two-minute bathroom break can mean the loss of a couple of thousand dollars worth of technology, and a lot of data.
For a laptop on your desk in the busy office place, there are several options for keeping your laptop tied down and in place no matter what. One of these methods is attaching your laptop to a security cable to stop casual theft. These cables can only be released with a key or code, and keep others from lifting your laptop when your back is turned.
If you bring your laptop to work, but do not use it the entire time you are there, if you are a student or parent concerned about others accessing your computer, or if you foresee being away from your desk for a period of time, locking your laptop in a file cabinet or desk drawer can be ideal. If these options are not available, a laptop locker will keep others away from your valuable tool. Mount the laptop locker under your desk, in the trunk of your car, on the wall, or in the closet to prevent theft and unwanted access.
For a laptop that many people may need to use or have access to, and one that is not supposed to go anywhere, ever, then a tie-down bracket is the option to keep your computer safe. Popular with libraries and hotels, these brackets protect your laptop usually whether open or closed, but will not allow the laptop to be removed. These are also good for computers that can be in danger of falling from things such as store displays, car mounts, and laptops on hospital carts.
For schools or companies that provide laptops for special use to many people at once, a lockable laptop cart is idea. The cart provides room for fifteen to thirty laptops at once. These carts are constructed to be both mobile and extremely difficult to break into. When not in use they should be kept in a locked room for additional security, however even if someone gets one of these carts, it will be virtually impossible to conceal.
If despite your best precautions your laptop is lost or stolen, having installed a stealth signal program or other tracking program means that your laptop can call out for help. Report your laptop as lost or stolen, and your computer will begin transmitting its location to a control center. These control centers can then help you retrieve your lost computer, hopefully before any damage is done.
The best security you can offer your computer is keeping your eye on it at all times. If you choose to bring it with you anywhere, do not leave it alone unless it is under lock and key. People are tempted to set their bags on the floor and doze in waiting rooms or airports, but it only takes a second to lose your valuable investment and all of your data.
Security Online and in Networks
Don't think that just because your computer is locked up from theft makes it perfectly safe, either. Information you keep stored on your computer such as bank data, passwords, credit cards, and other sensitive information make a tempting target for hackers and identity thieves. The best security for your personal information is to not save it on your computer anywhere, ever.
It may not just be your data that thieves are after, either. Once they have established a connection, they can come back again and again to make use of your fancy processor and your internet connection to attack other computers and hide their own activities. These intruders get in through email viruses and weaknesses in existing programs, and often install programs to keep their access to your computer open. It is hard to tell that your computer has been invaded, but keeping your connection secure is vital.
There are things that everyone should know, and most people don't think about. Do not, for example, open an attachment from someone you don't know. If possible, avoid opening the emails, too. If you do open attachments, make sure they are scanned for a virus first. Infected friends can inadvertently send viruses on to you.
Visiting innocent web sites can also provide entry points into your computer. If you think of the internet as one big room, any program listening can hear your conversation (the data you exchange) and interpret it. Do not think that your computer is talking directly to the computer on the other end of the line. Your conversations/information are relayed through computer after computer until it reaches its destination. Programs can be installed to encrypt the information you send out over the internet to protect you from this mode of invasion.
Password protection is key, as is backing up your work every so often. That way even if you are infected with a dangerous virus, you can possibly format or use another method to wipe it away. Passwords should also be strong, containing letters and numbers, and not your own personal information like birth dates. You should also rotate passwords, not using the same one twice.
Anti-virus programs should be installed and updated frequently. They should also be used to actively scan for viruses on a regular basis to keep your computer or laptop as safe as possible. You should also make sure to keep your system updates with all the latest patches available, since they may help close a back door that an intruder could take advantage of.
A firewall program is not the same as an anti-virus program, but it is just as important. A firewall means that no one gets into your computer without your knowledge or permission. A person or program attempting to access your computer from a remote location will not be allowed through unless you specifically enable them.
There is a lot here to remember, and a lot of information to process. Following the advice outlined here, however, and searching regularly for new security measures and updates will help to protect your computer and all of the information stored on it. Safety, after all, is the key.
--
(c) Copyright www.cheap-laptops-guide.net All rights reserved.
You may use this article in its entirety if the links and resource box stay intact.
For more interesting articles on laptops, batteries, accessories, and laptop reviews, go to http://www.cheap-laptops-guide.net
How to Start Video Blogging?
Video blogging is the next generation of posting ideas and products over the internet. Everybody knows about text blogging. Now they use videos for a better way of expression. This form of communication may entail a lot of resources, but it is all worth it. If pictures say a thousand words, video blogging exceeds that by far.
A video blog requires larger disk spaces on websites, a faster server, and a whole new set of programs to support it. Video blogs can be fed through RSS. This is technology of syndicating your website to other RSS aggregators.
Video blogging works with people on the internet expressing their selves. Now if you put this on a business prospective, you are up to a lot of benefits. Think of it as a powerful tool in making showing your prospective customers your line of products or your services. It’s just like showing a commercial all for free. And if you video blog through RSS, then most probably you are getting your target market.
People like to see what they are going to buy. Some would like to see proof and be sure that they are getting their money’s worth before shelving their dimes on it. All of us know the influence of a thirty second commercial. The effect of video blogging is similar to that. You show your product, people watch it. If they like it, they buy it. If you present it good enough, they’ll buy the product even if they don’t need it.
Now on the web, things are pretty much static, unlike in television in which all are moving. If you post something that is mobile, it would most likely catch attention. Now imaging your product parading in all it’s royalty through video blog. You’ll get phone call orders in no time.
If your business is just starting up, you can create a video blog right at your own home. All you need is your web camera, microphone, video software, and lights. For as long as you know how to use your camera, then you can create a video blog.
Invest in a good web camera. The higher its resolution is the better the output. And you like to present your goods in the optimum way so get the best one possible. Make a short story, or just capture your goods in one go. Just make sure you are getting the best profile for each. Get those creativity juices flowing.
Lights are important in a production. Make sure you illuminate entirely the area you are going to use to create video blog. The brighter the area, the crispier the images will be. You can also use lighting effects for added appeal to the presentation.
Should you require sounds for your video blog, you need a microphone. Record you voice as a voice over for promoting the product and its benefit to consumers. Sounds are as important as videos on a video blog. It is advisable to make your sound effects as enticing as the video.
Your video editing software can be any program. You need this to finalize your work. You can add sounds, delete some bad angles, or insert some still pictures in there too. Some programs are user-friendly and can be used even with zero knowledge on video editing. Even simple video editing programs should do the trick. Select your background carefully too. The light affects the presentation so make sure that the background and the light complements each other.
Video blogging is a great tool but it also has it downside. It may slow down the computer so other may steer clear of it. Download time may also be time consuming especially if customer is still on a dial-up connection.
But don’t let those stop you. Let video blogging be an alternative for you, though it is best to still keep the text and pictures present in your presentation to accommodate all possible viewers of your site.
Nowadays, the more creative you are in presenting your product to the market, they more you are likely to succeed. Video blogging offers an interactive way of selling. You involve the customers. You instill in them the advantage of your goods. And at times, those are enough to make a sale.
--
Kanicen Nichathavan
A video blog requires larger disk spaces on websites, a faster server, and a whole new set of programs to support it. Video blogs can be fed through RSS. This is technology of syndicating your website to other RSS aggregators.
Video blogging works with people on the internet expressing their selves. Now if you put this on a business prospective, you are up to a lot of benefits. Think of it as a powerful tool in making showing your prospective customers your line of products or your services. It’s just like showing a commercial all for free. And if you video blog through RSS, then most probably you are getting your target market.
People like to see what they are going to buy. Some would like to see proof and be sure that they are getting their money’s worth before shelving their dimes on it. All of us know the influence of a thirty second commercial. The effect of video blogging is similar to that. You show your product, people watch it. If they like it, they buy it. If you present it good enough, they’ll buy the product even if they don’t need it.
Now on the web, things are pretty much static, unlike in television in which all are moving. If you post something that is mobile, it would most likely catch attention. Now imaging your product parading in all it’s royalty through video blog. You’ll get phone call orders in no time.
If your business is just starting up, you can create a video blog right at your own home. All you need is your web camera, microphone, video software, and lights. For as long as you know how to use your camera, then you can create a video blog.
Invest in a good web camera. The higher its resolution is the better the output. And you like to present your goods in the optimum way so get the best one possible. Make a short story, or just capture your goods in one go. Just make sure you are getting the best profile for each. Get those creativity juices flowing.
Lights are important in a production. Make sure you illuminate entirely the area you are going to use to create video blog. The brighter the area, the crispier the images will be. You can also use lighting effects for added appeal to the presentation.
Should you require sounds for your video blog, you need a microphone. Record you voice as a voice over for promoting the product and its benefit to consumers. Sounds are as important as videos on a video blog. It is advisable to make your sound effects as enticing as the video.
Your video editing software can be any program. You need this to finalize your work. You can add sounds, delete some bad angles, or insert some still pictures in there too. Some programs are user-friendly and can be used even with zero knowledge on video editing. Even simple video editing programs should do the trick. Select your background carefully too. The light affects the presentation so make sure that the background and the light complements each other.
Video blogging is a great tool but it also has it downside. It may slow down the computer so other may steer clear of it. Download time may also be time consuming especially if customer is still on a dial-up connection.
But don’t let those stop you. Let video blogging be an alternative for you, though it is best to still keep the text and pictures present in your presentation to accommodate all possible viewers of your site.
Nowadays, the more creative you are in presenting your product to the market, they more you are likely to succeed. Video blogging offers an interactive way of selling. You involve the customers. You instill in them the advantage of your goods. And at times, those are enough to make a sale.
--
Kanicen Nichathavan
How to Find a Good Baby Sitter
Hiring baby sitters for your youngster can be a frightening prospect. There are hundreds of stories of caretakers who have neglected or worse yet abused the children in their care. Selecting a baby sitter does not have to be a challenging task however, and can be very safe, provided you consider a few key steps before hiring someone.
First and foremost, consider asking family members if they will consider baby sitting for short spells to give you and your partner some much needed relief in the early days or weeks after birth. Rest assured your newborn is likely safe with grandma, who has had several years experience raising children.
If you know many people with children, ask them if they have hired baby sitters in the past with any success. Better yet, see if you can begin a co-op with other parents, where you watch their kids one night in exchange for their services another.
No matter where you find someone, it is important that you leave your baby sitters with a checklist of vital information. This should include the following:
Another great source for baby sitters is your local community center or YMCA. Consider joining one or two baby play groups. This will provide you some much needed relief, socialization and a chance to meet other parents/potential baby sitters. Many community centers also offer baby sitting services. For a small fee trained care providers will watch your little one for an hour or two while you work out.
Where to Look for Babysitters
First and foremost, consider asking family members if they will consider baby sitting for short spells to give you and your partner some much needed relief in the early days or weeks after birth. Rest assured your newborn is likely safe with grandma, who has had several years experience raising children.
If you know many people with children, ask them if they have hired baby sitters in the past with any success. Better yet, see if you can begin a co-op with other parents, where you watch their kids one night in exchange for their services another.
No matter where you find someone, it is important that you leave your baby sitters with a checklist of vital information. This should include the following:
- Your cell phone number
- The number of your neighbor, close friend or family member in case your baby sitter can't reach you
- Contact information for your local poison control center
- 911 information
- Your address, so the baby sitter can give that information to anyone in case of an emergency
- A list of any food allergies or drug allergies your baby may have
- Feeding instructions
- The name and telephone of the place where you'll be for the evening/day/hour
Another great source for baby sitters is your local community center or YMCA. Consider joining one or two baby play groups. This will provide you some much needed relief, socialization and a chance to meet other parents/potential baby sitters. Many community centers also offer baby sitting services. For a small fee trained care providers will watch your little one for an hour or two while you work out.
Where to Look for Babysitters
- Your network of friends and relatives with children: Other parents are a wonderful source of information about babysitting. Talk with them about their experiences with the sitter. What are his or her strengths or weaknesses? Often several families share a particular babysitter. Reliable babysitters may have friends or siblings who babysit.
- Neighborhood middle schools, high schools, and colleges: Often schools have newsletters or bulletin boards where jobs can be posted. Colleges usually have student placement services that match students up with potential employers. Colleges that specialize in early childhood education are a particularly good place to find students genuinely interested in children. As a special bonus they may have some background in child development.
- Your local senior center: Sometimes retired citizens are looking for part-time work. You could post a notice.
- Advertising in a community or school newspaper: The advantage of this is that you will reach a wide pool of people. The disadvantage is that you will have no control over the number and range of people applying for the job. Certainly if you advertise in a newspaper, or through a notice on a bulletin board, it is essential to meet a babysitter and carefully check all references before you hire her.
VoIP Small Business Solution
Many small businesses tend to lag behind their larger counterparts in their use of new technology. Those that do may be doomed, not only to remain small and fail to realize the growth that their initial potential may have promised, but also to lag behind their smaller competitors. In fact a VoIP small business solution can not only save small businesses money, but also significantly increase their communications efficiency.
It is a proven fact that technology can contribute a great deal to growth, irrespective of the size of the company involved, and even a single VoIP network can give a small business a competitive edge.
Not only can a small business VoIP solution dramatically reduce the size of a phone bill to the company concerned, it can also help to reduce the phone bills of their customers. A VoIP subscriber can select any area code it wants to use, so that if the majority of their customers operate from New York, the business can offer these customers calls at the local rate, even if that business is located in Los Angeles.
In fact this type of small business solution to communication costs can allow them to offer toll free numbers to their more important customers, a service hitherto only economically feasible to larger companies. How's that for a competitive edge? In many businesses image is everything and this VoIP small business solution to competing with the big boys is a massive incentive to adopting this new technology.
This is not all that a VoIP small business solution offers, however. There is also the advantage that the provision of VoIP telephones to sales personnel allows them to communicate with head office, and every other company employee issued with a VoIP handset, free of charge irrespective of distance.
Because the VoIP small business solution to telecommunications, like all other VoIP applications, involves communication via the internet, such communication can be made using software and hardware suitable for IP use such as PC, laptop, palm computers, PDAs, Bluetooth and any other technology suitable for packetized internet transfer and reception. By use of VoIP small business solution technology, small businesses can at last compete with networked corporate companies in speed and flexibility of communication.
Conference calls integrating other web-based voice and video presentation technologies can be arranged at the click of a button, and customers can be impressed with corporate technology at small business prices.
A VoIP small business solution is available for any medium to small company structure, and simple networked systems can easily be incorporated due to the intrinsic internet and web-related technologies involved. This makes facilities available to small businesses which previously had been the domain only of the large corporations that could afford them.
With a customized VoIP small business solution, companies of any size can tick off communication as one more step towards not only competing with large corporations, but getting ahead of their peers with respect to communications efficiency, image and speed of response to requests and inquiries.
After all, if you can communicate with a colleague in Japan quicker and at lower cost than your competitor can with Boston, what chance does he have? A VoIP small business solution designed specifically for you can achieve this as standard – it is not an expensive option!
Peter Nisbet is an industrial chemist with a great interest in internet file transmission and reception systems and runs many websites including http://www.data-voip-solutions.com where many aspects of VoIP services and systems are discussed.
It is a proven fact that technology can contribute a great deal to growth, irrespective of the size of the company involved, and even a single VoIP network can give a small business a competitive edge.
Not only can a small business VoIP solution dramatically reduce the size of a phone bill to the company concerned, it can also help to reduce the phone bills of their customers. A VoIP subscriber can select any area code it wants to use, so that if the majority of their customers operate from New York, the business can offer these customers calls at the local rate, even if that business is located in Los Angeles.
In fact this type of small business solution to communication costs can allow them to offer toll free numbers to their more important customers, a service hitherto only economically feasible to larger companies. How's that for a competitive edge? In many businesses image is everything and this VoIP small business solution to competing with the big boys is a massive incentive to adopting this new technology.
This is not all that a VoIP small business solution offers, however. There is also the advantage that the provision of VoIP telephones to sales personnel allows them to communicate with head office, and every other company employee issued with a VoIP handset, free of charge irrespective of distance.
Because the VoIP small business solution to telecommunications, like all other VoIP applications, involves communication via the internet, such communication can be made using software and hardware suitable for IP use such as PC, laptop, palm computers, PDAs, Bluetooth and any other technology suitable for packetized internet transfer and reception. By use of VoIP small business solution technology, small businesses can at last compete with networked corporate companies in speed and flexibility of communication.
Conference calls integrating other web-based voice and video presentation technologies can be arranged at the click of a button, and customers can be impressed with corporate technology at small business prices.
A VoIP small business solution is available for any medium to small company structure, and simple networked systems can easily be incorporated due to the intrinsic internet and web-related technologies involved. This makes facilities available to small businesses which previously had been the domain only of the large corporations that could afford them.
With a customized VoIP small business solution, companies of any size can tick off communication as one more step towards not only competing with large corporations, but getting ahead of their peers with respect to communications efficiency, image and speed of response to requests and inquiries.
After all, if you can communicate with a colleague in Japan quicker and at lower cost than your competitor can with Boston, what chance does he have? A VoIP small business solution designed specifically for you can achieve this as standard – it is not an expensive option!
Peter Nisbet is an industrial chemist with a great interest in internet file transmission and reception systems and runs many websites including http://www.data-voip-solutions.com where many aspects of VoIP services and systems are discussed.
What Is A VoIP Phone
In spite of the growing popularity of IP telephony, there are still many people who do not know what a VoIP phone is. What is the difference between a VoIP phone and an ordinary phone?
As far as you are concerned, probably not a lot. You can still use your own land-line phone if need be, though in it's simplest form there is no VoIP phone handset as such. Just a microphone and speakers will do. All you need is some software which is supplied by the provider.
You can use your normal land-line phone. Just like digital TV requires a box, either set-top or included in the set, VoIP needs a box which you can either buy yourself, or get from your VoIP provider. Once you connect your phone to the box and the box to your internet connection, you have your VoIP phone system using your own phone. Due to the connection speeds involved you have to have broadband or another high-speed internet connection.
Your telephone conversation passes through the internet in packets in the same way as any other file does. As you speak, your analogue voice signals digitized by the VoIP software into binary form, and the digital stream broken up into small packets which are sent through the internet. These packets each take their own fastest route through the internet, from computer to computer, till they reach their destination. This is the way that all files are sent through IP.
The problem with a streamed signal, such as a VoIP phone conversation, and a packet system, is that the packets do not always arrive in the correct order. This is due to the relative amount of internet traffic each packet comes up against, and the fact that they can each take different routes. Also, some packets are lost, or 'dropped'.
Modern software is becoming increasingly better at arranging packets in the correct order (often through slight time delays which allow them to be rearranged) and covering up 'dropped' packets. VoIP phone conversations are therefore more audible now than they were in the early days of VoIP phone systems.
As I said, you can use your computer microphone and speakers to make and receive conversations, but you can also get a dedicated VoIP phone if you prefer. It's all a matter of choice and does not significantly affect the services you can have.
Some of the services supplied free with VoIP phone systems are:
* Caller ID
* Call waiting
* Call forwarding
* Voice mail
* Conference calls
* Call transfer
* Group pick-up
Once you have your box, any calls you make to another VoIP are free–anywhere. For calls to non-VoIP phones there is a charge, but this is generally lower than normal land-line charges.
Your phone number relates to the adapter, so you can take this with you and use it on any computer with fast internet connection. You can also buy a VoIP phone to go with your laptop and make telephone calls anywhere at any time; just as you can with a mobile, but at a fraction of the cost, and usually free to any other IP phone. This is an excellent inexpensive solution for businesses with a network of offices – all calls between them will be free throughout the world.
Another cool feature is virtual phone numbers. You can get local area numbers allocated to your regular phone number, so that if your family live in LA and you are in New York they can ring your LA local number with their land line and speak to you in New York at local rates.
A VoIP phone is now an attractive option for anyone, both as a cheap alternative to a mobile phone and as a complete replacement for a land-line.
--
Peter Nisbet is an industrial chemist with a great interest in internet file transmission and reception systems and runs many websites. Find more information on VoIP communications on http://www.data-voip-solutions.com where many aspects of VoIP phone services and systems are discussed.
As far as you are concerned, probably not a lot. You can still use your own land-line phone if need be, though in it's simplest form there is no VoIP phone handset as such. Just a microphone and speakers will do. All you need is some software which is supplied by the provider.
You can use your normal land-line phone. Just like digital TV requires a box, either set-top or included in the set, VoIP needs a box which you can either buy yourself, or get from your VoIP provider. Once you connect your phone to the box and the box to your internet connection, you have your VoIP phone system using your own phone. Due to the connection speeds involved you have to have broadband or another high-speed internet connection.
Your telephone conversation passes through the internet in packets in the same way as any other file does. As you speak, your analogue voice signals digitized by the VoIP software into binary form, and the digital stream broken up into small packets which are sent through the internet. These packets each take their own fastest route through the internet, from computer to computer, till they reach their destination. This is the way that all files are sent through IP.
The problem with a streamed signal, such as a VoIP phone conversation, and a packet system, is that the packets do not always arrive in the correct order. This is due to the relative amount of internet traffic each packet comes up against, and the fact that they can each take different routes. Also, some packets are lost, or 'dropped'.
Modern software is becoming increasingly better at arranging packets in the correct order (often through slight time delays which allow them to be rearranged) and covering up 'dropped' packets. VoIP phone conversations are therefore more audible now than they were in the early days of VoIP phone systems.
As I said, you can use your computer microphone and speakers to make and receive conversations, but you can also get a dedicated VoIP phone if you prefer. It's all a matter of choice and does not significantly affect the services you can have.
Some of the services supplied free with VoIP phone systems are:
* Caller ID
* Call waiting
* Call forwarding
* Voice mail
* Conference calls
* Call transfer
* Group pick-up
Once you have your box, any calls you make to another VoIP are free–anywhere. For calls to non-VoIP phones there is a charge, but this is generally lower than normal land-line charges.
Your phone number relates to the adapter, so you can take this with you and use it on any computer with fast internet connection. You can also buy a VoIP phone to go with your laptop and make telephone calls anywhere at any time; just as you can with a mobile, but at a fraction of the cost, and usually free to any other IP phone. This is an excellent inexpensive solution for businesses with a network of offices – all calls between them will be free throughout the world.
Another cool feature is virtual phone numbers. You can get local area numbers allocated to your regular phone number, so that if your family live in LA and you are in New York they can ring your LA local number with their land line and speak to you in New York at local rates.
A VoIP phone is now an attractive option for anyone, both as a cheap alternative to a mobile phone and as a complete replacement for a land-line.
--
Peter Nisbet is an industrial chemist with a great interest in internet file transmission and reception systems and runs many websites. Find more information on VoIP communications on http://www.data-voip-solutions.com where many aspects of VoIP phone services and systems are discussed.
What Is VoIP?
Calling Cards and Prepaid Phone Cards
Many have heard of the VoIP phone service, but are unsure what the term VoIP stand for. VoIP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol. “Great, but what does that mean and how does it affect me?” I can hear you say. I though the same when I first heard the term.
In simple terms what the VoIP service does is to convert an analogue audio signal into a digital audio signal that can be transferred over the internet. In order to understand how this works and why it is necessary, you first need to understand how the internet transfers files. In order for a file to be transferred over the internet from one computer to another, the signal has to be cut down into small pieces, called ‘packets’. This can only be done if the information being cut up is in binary format, i.e. in the form of a stream of 1s and 0, such as 11000010. very basically, such a stream of binary digits can be cut into small packets such as 1100 and 0010 , sent over the internet, then put back into order when received to read 11000010. As I said, this is a simple example, purely to give a rough idea of how a VoIP phone service sends the data throughout the internet. In practice the VoIP data streams are very much larger as are the packets.
Since the VoIP information has to be in binary form, the signal, of course, has to be a digital one. The digital signal is ‘packetized’ then the packets sent over the internet. The way this is done is to send the signals from one computer to another until it reaches the destination computer, rather like cell phone signals are sent from one antenna to another till they reach the one nearest to you, then from there to your mobile phone receiver.
In fact the packets will take the quickest route through the internet which can sometimes cause problems in that they may arrive at the receiving end in a different order to that in which they were sent. Some may even be lost, or ‘dropped’, leading to a less than perfect signal. The VoIP receiver must therefore be equipped with the means to put them back in the right order and compensate for ‘dropped’ packets.
The digital information is then converted back to an analogue signal so that it can be detected by the human ear. Normal digital phones can work this way, but the VoIP service uses the internet rather than conventional telephone system.
It is easy to see the potential benefits of this type of telephone system. It should be completely free of charge, other than the cost of the internet connection, since there are no wires or dedicated transmission and reception equipment required. The voice signals are sent as easily as you would send email. In fact VoIP services can completely change the way in which we make phone calls; as revolutionary as the change to mobile cell phones, and many phone companies are wakening up to this and are now selling complete VoIP phone systems for residential users and global corporate companies.
How do you make a phone call using a VoIP service? There are a number of ways:
1. The easiest way is from one computer to another. All you need is the software required to convert, packetize, transmit and receive the signal, a microphone and speakers. Once connected your only cost is the normal payment to your internet provider such as AOL or whichever you use. There is no regular payment for the VoIP service itself other than the initial software.
2. You can use an analogue telephone adapter (ATA). You plug your normal telephone into the ATA, also called a ‘Gateway’, then connect the ATA to your internet connection. When make a phone call, the ATA changes the analogue voice signal into a digital one, packetizes it and you can then send it on its way along the fastest route each packet can find to the destination computer.
3. The third way is use an IP phone which looks just like a normal handset. They contain all the software necessary to make a call and plug directly into an RJ 45 Ethernet connector on your computer. This type of VoIP service is popular with medium to large companies operating VoIP networks.
One thing you will need for an efficient VoIP service is a fast internet connection such as cable or broadband. An old modem connection won’t be much good for VoIP. You can also take your VoIP phone with you, much as you do with your mobile. With most VoIP service providers, however, you can get free calls and the phone is, in effect, your home telephone with your home telephone number. It’s just like carrying your home phone around with you.
Many companies operate a VoIP service on their internal networks, and calls between users on the network are free. Thus the Hong Kong office could call the London office completely free of charge.
FEATURES
The features available with VoIP services generally come free with the system and include useful features such as call waiting: you will be informed that another caller is waiting for you to finish the call you are on, conference calling, caller ID by number and name, call transfer: you can transfer calls to another phone or even to your mobile, repeat dialing, auto dialing, etc. Many of these are normally chargeable with ordinary phone services, but are generally free with the VoIP service.
These are just a few of the many different services available with VoIP phone systems. If you intend to purchase one for yourself or your company you should make a list of what services you require, which are essential and which are ‘nice to have’ then call in an expert to make the recommendation. You may be able to use some of your existing hardware if you are currently operating a digital phone system, as most medium to large company telephone systems are these days. This doesn’t apply to residential users who just need an interface between their phone and internet connection as already described.
I have often been asked if the person you are calling has to have a VoIP service. The answer is no, but if you are calling from an ordinary phone to VoIP or using a VoIP service to call an ordinary phone, call charges will normally apply whereas FROM VoIP service TO VoIP service, they normally do not.
--
Peter Nisbet is an industrial chemist with a great interest in internet file transmission and reception systems and runs many websites including http://www.data-voip-solutions.com where many aspects of VoIP services and systems are discussed.
Canada phone cards and UK phone cards
Many have heard of the VoIP phone service, but are unsure what the term VoIP stand for. VoIP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol. “Great, but what does that mean and how does it affect me?” I can hear you say. I though the same when I first heard the term.
In simple terms what the VoIP service does is to convert an analogue audio signal into a digital audio signal that can be transferred over the internet. In order to understand how this works and why it is necessary, you first need to understand how the internet transfers files. In order for a file to be transferred over the internet from one computer to another, the signal has to be cut down into small pieces, called ‘packets’. This can only be done if the information being cut up is in binary format, i.e. in the form of a stream of 1s and 0, such as 11000010. very basically, such a stream of binary digits can be cut into small packets such as 1100 and 0010 , sent over the internet, then put back into order when received to read 11000010. As I said, this is a simple example, purely to give a rough idea of how a VoIP phone service sends the data throughout the internet. In practice the VoIP data streams are very much larger as are the packets.
Since the VoIP information has to be in binary form, the signal, of course, has to be a digital one. The digital signal is ‘packetized’ then the packets sent over the internet. The way this is done is to send the signals from one computer to another until it reaches the destination computer, rather like cell phone signals are sent from one antenna to another till they reach the one nearest to you, then from there to your mobile phone receiver.
In fact the packets will take the quickest route through the internet which can sometimes cause problems in that they may arrive at the receiving end in a different order to that in which they were sent. Some may even be lost, or ‘dropped’, leading to a less than perfect signal. The VoIP receiver must therefore be equipped with the means to put them back in the right order and compensate for ‘dropped’ packets.
The digital information is then converted back to an analogue signal so that it can be detected by the human ear. Normal digital phones can work this way, but the VoIP service uses the internet rather than conventional telephone system.
It is easy to see the potential benefits of this type of telephone system. It should be completely free of charge, other than the cost of the internet connection, since there are no wires or dedicated transmission and reception equipment required. The voice signals are sent as easily as you would send email. In fact VoIP services can completely change the way in which we make phone calls; as revolutionary as the change to mobile cell phones, and many phone companies are wakening up to this and are now selling complete VoIP phone systems for residential users and global corporate companies.
How do you make a phone call using a VoIP service? There are a number of ways:
1. The easiest way is from one computer to another. All you need is the software required to convert, packetize, transmit and receive the signal, a microphone and speakers. Once connected your only cost is the normal payment to your internet provider such as AOL or whichever you use. There is no regular payment for the VoIP service itself other than the initial software.
2. You can use an analogue telephone adapter (ATA). You plug your normal telephone into the ATA, also called a ‘Gateway’, then connect the ATA to your internet connection. When make a phone call, the ATA changes the analogue voice signal into a digital one, packetizes it and you can then send it on its way along the fastest route each packet can find to the destination computer.
3. The third way is use an IP phone which looks just like a normal handset. They contain all the software necessary to make a call and plug directly into an RJ 45 Ethernet connector on your computer. This type of VoIP service is popular with medium to large companies operating VoIP networks.
One thing you will need for an efficient VoIP service is a fast internet connection such as cable or broadband. An old modem connection won’t be much good for VoIP. You can also take your VoIP phone with you, much as you do with your mobile. With most VoIP service providers, however, you can get free calls and the phone is, in effect, your home telephone with your home telephone number. It’s just like carrying your home phone around with you.
Many companies operate a VoIP service on their internal networks, and calls between users on the network are free. Thus the Hong Kong office could call the London office completely free of charge.
FEATURES
The features available with VoIP services generally come free with the system and include useful features such as call waiting: you will be informed that another caller is waiting for you to finish the call you are on, conference calling, caller ID by number and name, call transfer: you can transfer calls to another phone or even to your mobile, repeat dialing, auto dialing, etc. Many of these are normally chargeable with ordinary phone services, but are generally free with the VoIP service.
These are just a few of the many different services available with VoIP phone systems. If you intend to purchase one for yourself or your company you should make a list of what services you require, which are essential and which are ‘nice to have’ then call in an expert to make the recommendation. You may be able to use some of your existing hardware if you are currently operating a digital phone system, as most medium to large company telephone systems are these days. This doesn’t apply to residential users who just need an interface between their phone and internet connection as already described.
I have often been asked if the person you are calling has to have a VoIP service. The answer is no, but if you are calling from an ordinary phone to VoIP or using a VoIP service to call an ordinary phone, call charges will normally apply whereas FROM VoIP service TO VoIP service, they normally do not.
--
Peter Nisbet is an industrial chemist with a great interest in internet file transmission and reception systems and runs many websites including http://www.data-voip-solutions.com where many aspects of VoIP services and systems are discussed.
Canada phone cards and UK phone cards
Are You Working Too Hard At Saving Money?
Copyright © 2006-2007 Darlene Arechederra
You work hard for your money. And chances are, you work even harder to "save" some of that money. But what happens when a year later you're not any closer to achieving your savings goal?
That's exactly what happened to Heather. See if you can relate to her experience during rush hour on a sweltering, humid evening not too long ago...
...Heather dragged her tired body from the passenger seat of the tow truck, relieved when her heels hit the surface of her driveway. A few minutes more and she could soak up the air conditioning inside and worry about how to get to work tomorrow.
Heather handed over her credit card information, hoping the driver would be quick about it. She'd dearly love to step away from these diesel fumes. The humidity alone made it difficult to breathe, and she was exhausted. What a day it had been!
But, at least she was finally home - three hours and $65 later. How could she have known the transmission would call it quits right in the middle of rush hour? Her mechanic had been warning her for months now. She'd hoped it would hold out until she had money for the repair work. But it certainly hadn't worked out that way.
As it stood now, Heather had no money for a transmission, whether used or new. She couldn't afford new car payments, either. And, she'd been using her credit card more and more lately.
She'd certainly worked hard to save money over the past 12 months. She'd brought her lunch to work each and every day. She'd cut out all long-distance calling, as well as reduced her overall spending. She'd found more ways to save, absorbing every article and newsletter she could get her hands on. By her estimate, she had saved close to $3,000 just in the past year.
All that Work -- for Nothing?
But, where in the world was the $3000 Heather had worked so hard to save? It wasn't in her checkbook today, when she truly needed it. And she knew without looking that it wasn't in her savings account.
Unfortunately, the "Money Sponge" had been visiting Heather's checkbook while she went about the business of living. This meant that, while she was so busy working hard to save more money, her money was quietly and steadily being absorbed by the Money Sponge.
Heather's $3000 wasn't taken out of circulation, put into a savings account, or otherwise tucked away. It was left high and dry, totally defenseless in her checkbook. Bite by bite, the Money Sponge absorbed it, and there is now no evidence that Heather saved that $3000.
She'd needed that money urgently today, but it simply wasn't there. It slowly got spent on other things. She had no idea what those things were, but tonight she's feeling that she's no better off than a year ago.
All that work for nothing!
The True Secret to Getting Ahead
Though she was discouraged, Heather learned a valuable lesson that day. She must put up "all" money she saves. If she doesn't, she'll continue to work hard at "saving" yet never really get ahead.
If the money will not be there when she needs it, why is Heather working so hard to save it? And, how long will she stay motivated if she never sees the 'fruits' of her labor?
Heather learned another great lesson as well. She discovered that, if she doesn't begin putting up the "smaller" amounts of money she's saved, chances are she'll never put up any "larger" amounts. That day simply won't arrive. Small truly is better than nothing.
Now, the Money Sponge is sitting there quietly, comfortably settled in for the years ahead. But Heather will win this battle, hands down.
How about you? Has the Money Sponge been visiting you lately? Why not cut off its supply by deciding exactly "how" you'll tuck away that little bit of money, even if only $5 at a time.
You work too hard for your money, and you use a lot of energy to avoid spending it. Why not take it out of circulation - and celebrate each time you move a bit closer to your goal!
You work hard for your money. And chances are, you work even harder to "save" some of that money. But what happens when a year later you're not any closer to achieving your savings goal?
That's exactly what happened to Heather. See if you can relate to her experience during rush hour on a sweltering, humid evening not too long ago...
...Heather dragged her tired body from the passenger seat of the tow truck, relieved when her heels hit the surface of her driveway. A few minutes more and she could soak up the air conditioning inside and worry about how to get to work tomorrow.
Heather handed over her credit card information, hoping the driver would be quick about it. She'd dearly love to step away from these diesel fumes. The humidity alone made it difficult to breathe, and she was exhausted. What a day it had been!
But, at least she was finally home - three hours and $65 later. How could she have known the transmission would call it quits right in the middle of rush hour? Her mechanic had been warning her for months now. She'd hoped it would hold out until she had money for the repair work. But it certainly hadn't worked out that way.
As it stood now, Heather had no money for a transmission, whether used or new. She couldn't afford new car payments, either. And, she'd been using her credit card more and more lately.
She'd certainly worked hard to save money over the past 12 months. She'd brought her lunch to work each and every day. She'd cut out all long-distance calling, as well as reduced her overall spending. She'd found more ways to save, absorbing every article and newsletter she could get her hands on. By her estimate, she had saved close to $3,000 just in the past year.
All that Work -- for Nothing?
But, where in the world was the $3000 Heather had worked so hard to save? It wasn't in her checkbook today, when she truly needed it. And she knew without looking that it wasn't in her savings account.
Unfortunately, the "Money Sponge" had been visiting Heather's checkbook while she went about the business of living. This meant that, while she was so busy working hard to save more money, her money was quietly and steadily being absorbed by the Money Sponge.
Heather's $3000 wasn't taken out of circulation, put into a savings account, or otherwise tucked away. It was left high and dry, totally defenseless in her checkbook. Bite by bite, the Money Sponge absorbed it, and there is now no evidence that Heather saved that $3000.
She'd needed that money urgently today, but it simply wasn't there. It slowly got spent on other things. She had no idea what those things were, but tonight she's feeling that she's no better off than a year ago.
All that work for nothing!
The True Secret to Getting Ahead
Though she was discouraged, Heather learned a valuable lesson that day. She must put up "all" money she saves. If she doesn't, she'll continue to work hard at "saving" yet never really get ahead.
If the money will not be there when she needs it, why is Heather working so hard to save it? And, how long will she stay motivated if she never sees the 'fruits' of her labor?
Heather learned another great lesson as well. She discovered that, if she doesn't begin putting up the "smaller" amounts of money she's saved, chances are she'll never put up any "larger" amounts. That day simply won't arrive. Small truly is better than nothing.
Now, the Money Sponge is sitting there quietly, comfortably settled in for the years ahead. But Heather will win this battle, hands down.
How about you? Has the Money Sponge been visiting you lately? Why not cut off its supply by deciding exactly "how" you'll tuck away that little bit of money, even if only $5 at a time.
You work too hard for your money, and you use a lot of energy to avoid spending it. Why not take it out of circulation - and celebrate each time you move a bit closer to your goal!
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