Tuesday

Advantages And Disadvantages With Promotional Pens

Promotional gifts are now taking the place of business cards for many business owners, especially promotional pens. Promotional pens help promote business much better than simple business cards do because they are often used, and viewed by more people than business cards are. The following paragraphs will discuss some of the advantages, as well as disadvantages, associated with using promotional pens in lieu of business cards.
 
As mentioned, one of the advantages associated with giving away promotional pens is the tremendous amount of people who will potentially view your advertisement. Business cards are most often put away in wallets and purses, while promotional printed pens are often used, as well as passed along. The amount of potential business you can attract with promotional pens far surpasses that associated with the use of business cards.
 
Another benefit associated with the use of promotional pens is the wide variety of styles available for purchase. From inexpensive plastic pens to elegantly constructed promotional pens, there is surely a style to fit the advertising needs of nearly any business or company. Fun styles of promotional pens are available, as well. For example, medical facilities may wish to purchase promotional pens that come in the shape of a certain medical tool. Most types of "theme" promotional pens can most likely be located for purchase.
 
The wide price range of promotional pens can also be considered an advantage. The price of promotional pens can range from very inexpensive to costly. This advantage allows all businesses, including those companies with the lowest advertising budget, to get the best advertisement for their money by purchasing promotional pens. Even the least expensive promotional pens can be more beneficial advertising tools than simple business cards can be.
 
Finally, a great benefit promotional pens provide is that they are useful. Everyone can find a use for a pen. Whether it is used in a checkbook, or placed in a briefcase for business use, people can use promotional pens. When you give your employees something they can use, it gives them a sense of warmth ... feelings that you really care. Wouldn't everyone rather take their business to someone who cares? Not only will you be able to advertise your business with the actual promotional pens, you will also be gently encouraging the recipients to also help you advertise, by spreading your business information via word of mouth. There is no compliment better than a recommendation.
 
The only disadvantage associated with using promotional pens as an advertising tool comes with purchasing the least expensive style pens. If you purchase promotional pens of the lowest quality, it is not likely they will actually write for a long period of time. Once the pen doesn't write anymore, it is very possible the recipient will throw it away. Promotional pens are not productive advertising tools when they are in the garbage can. To avoid this disadvantage, be sure you are purchasing pens of good quality.
 
For additional information on promotional pens, promotional items and business marketing products why not check out the market leading suppliers online today. Top promotional gift suppliers online can provide a fast and efficient service and more often than not can provide highly competitive quotations unlike traditional offline business gift companies.

New Pen On the Block - Contour Max

One of the most popular promotional pens on the market at the moment is the contour pen. It looks good and won't break the bank, so it's a great give away for targeting those potential customers.

Now there's a new pen available based on the same design as the contour pen but with a neat twist - whilst there's the usual ballpoint pen down one end, at the other is a highlighter! We think this is a great feature as it's always handy to have a highlighter nearby to make those important points stand out.

The pen is called the Contour Max, and is only a fraction more expensive then the standard contour pen, so if you want a great looking pen to hand out and make a positive impact then this pen is a great choice. It's available in a range of colours which match the highlighter colour including blue, red, yellow and green.

How to select a computer motherboard

What is a computer motherboard or a ‘mobo’ anyway? It is the primary circuit board of your computer. It effectively means that it is one of the most important part amongst all the other devices present in your computer. And combined with the CPU (Central processing unit), it is the costliest as well.

So, if you are planning to get a computer assembled and would like to choose each device, how does the motherboard part come into it? That’s because all other parts depend on the motherboard for operation and compatibility with the motherboard is a must for the sound operation of your computer.
Before we get to selecting a motherboard, let’s get to know it a bit. A computer motherboard broadly consists of the following parts:
1. Processor: This is the part where the computer does its calculations. It is generally hidden behind the heat sink and the cooling fan.

2. Main memory: This is added to the computer motherboard in the slots available (DDRAM slots in the picture).

3. Other Components:·
ATX (Advanced Technology Extended) connector or, rather, the power plug-in for the motherboard·
PCI Slots – These slots are available for adding various components to the motherboard, such as sound cards, Ethernet Card (for LAN), etc·
AGP(Advanced Graphics Port) – For video adapters·
BIOS (Basic Input and Output) – The part responsible for initializing the vital components of the computer when it is turned on – (CMOS battery responsible for the BIOS is shown in the figure.)

Now let’s get to the question of actually selecting a computer motherboard. What features do you want in it?

1. Which processor are you planning to use with it – Check with your vendor whether the motherboard is compatible with the type of processor you want to use with it.

2. FSB (Front Side Bus) or Bus Speed – Check the FSB of the computer. It is the speed at which your computer communicates with the processor as well as with the PCI and the hard drives, although at a slower pace. If the speed of your hard disk is higher than the bus speed, you run the risk of underutilizing your hard disk.

3. Type of chipset – Check the type of motherboard chipset as the motherboard is basically dependent on it for almost all operations.

4. Memory Support – Which type of memory you need – SDRAM, DDRAM or DDR2. Most of the modern motherboards come with a DDR compatibility as it is cheaper and faster.However, check for the number of slots provided, so that you can upgrade the memory later.

5. Does it have an AGP Slot? (Find the AGP in the picture show at the end.) - This is necessary if you plan to use a video card for enhanced graphics performance.

6. How many PCI slots does it have? More number of PCI slots means more flexibility to add components such as sound cards, Ethernet cards etc. Go for a motherboard which has at least three slots.

7. Does it have an inbuilt sound or graphics card? – That means lesser driver conflicts and hence, better performance at lower cost if you are not the game-crazy type.Remember that choosing the motherboard determines the possibilities of up-gradation later. So keep that in mind.

Thursday

History Of Computers

 
The history of computing hardware is the record of the constant drive to make computer hardware faster, cheaper, and store more data.Before the development of the general-purpose computer, most calculations were done by humans. Tools to help humans calculate are generally called calculators. Calculators continue to develop, but computers add the critical element of conditional response, allowing automation of both numerical calculation and in general, automation of many symbol-manipulation tasks. Computer hasundergone profound changes every decade since the 1940s.Computing hardware has become a platform for uses other than computation, such as automation, communication, control, entertainment, and education. Each field in turn has imposed its own requirements on the hardware, which has evolved in response to those requirements.Aside from written numerals, the first aids to computation were purely mechanical devices that required the operator to set up the initial values of an elementary arithmetic operation, then propel the device through manual manipulations to obtain the result. An example would be a slide rule where numbers are represented by points on a logarithmic scale and computation is performed by setting a cursor and aligning sliding scales. Numbers could be represented in a continuous "analog" form, where a length or other physical property was proportional to the number. Or, numbers could be represented in the form of digits, automatically manipulated by a mechanism. Although this approach required more complex mechanisms, it made for greater precision of results.Both analog and digital mechanical techniques to be developed, producing many practical computing machines. Electrical methods rapidly improved the speed and precision of calculating machines, at first by motive power for mechanical calculating devices, and later directly as the medium for representation of numbers. Numbers could be represented by voltages or currents and manipulated by linear electronic amplifiers. Or, numbers could be represented as discrete binary or decimal digits, and electrically-controlled switches and combinatorial circuits could perform mathematical operations.The invention of electronic amplifiers made calculating machines much faster than mechanical or electromechanical predecessors. Vacuum tube amplifiers gave way to discrete transistors, and then rapidly to monolithic integrated circuits. By defeating the Tyranny of numbers, integrated circuits made high-speed and low-cost digital computers a widespread commodity.This article covers major developments in the history of computing hardware, and attempts to put them in context. For a detailed timeline of events, see the computing timeline article. The history of computing article treats methods intended for pen and paper, with or without the aid of tables. Since all computers rely on digital storage, and tend to be limited by the size and speed of memory, the history of computer data. 

Access Your PC From The Road

Have you ever sat in front of your computer and wished you could show someone else what appeared on your screen?

Maybe you were experiencing a problem, or couldn't figure out how to make something work, but you knew if someone else could see what was happening on your screen, they could help you fix the problem immediately.

Ever had a phone conversation with someone about a particular business topic, but you just couldn't "connect" with your ideas because it was too hard to explain over the phone?

Now, visualize jumping on the phone with that same person and literally sharing your computer's desktop to collaborate, discuss, and create virtually anything together, even if you are separated by thousands of miles.

Though this may sound like an episode of Star Trek, remote computer sharing is actually a daily business reality.

Imagine you need to take a trip and you either don't want to or can't take your computer.

The thought of emails piling up for days makes you crazy and you also need to monitor some things on your pc.

Instead of trying to lug your laptop (or fit your desktop into your suitcase), you can use "remote desktop" software that allows you to access your computer through the Internet from any other computer in the world.

One of the most common remote desktop services is GoToMyPC.com, which provides a safe and secure way for you to go down to the local internet café, log on, and access your office or home computer just like sitting at your own desk.

Now, before you panic and think anyone can access your computer, let me explain security.

First, you log in to the GoToMyPC.com website with a username and password.

Once logged in, you then click a link to log onto your PC, which will then ask you for another password.

GoToMyPC.com has even thought of a solution for those of you worried about people looking over your shoulder as you enter your passwords on a public computer or if the computer you use might carry a keystroke logger.

Before leaving home, you can program in a series of up to 99 passwords that only work one time.

This means even if someone watches you log into your computer or records your keystrokes, the password you used won't work again.

If a would-be thief tries to access your computer too many times, GoToMyPC.com will shut down all access attempts to your PC.

The benefits of remotely accessing your PC from the road are numerous, but the bottom line is that it enables you to use your computer from the road like you never left home.

For example: while traveling to a conference this weekend, my wife (and business partner) accessed our office computer from my laptop and, instead of the usual pile of 4,000 emails that would normally await after 5 days away, we just picked up this morning like we'd never been gone.

The same company that offers GoToMyPC.com also offers a service called GoToMeeting.com which allows you to remotely host a meeting where multiple users can share and collaborate on a single computer desktop.

This service makes it super simple to provide online training, do software demos, and even make complete sales presentations.

I personally use both of these services and find them easy, reliable and well worth the price.

Saturday

The Many Uses Of Diamonds

As the old adage goes, diamonds are a girl's best friend. Any woman you might ask would simply say that they like to have a diamond in their possession. Perhaps the high value given to such stone can be credited to its timeless beauty and appeal. It is also considered as the best decoration that can be mounted in any jewelry.

For many years diamonds have been consistently used to create the most precious jewelries. However, it has been identified that there is a significant increase in the use of these gems within the past decades. Other than being a representation of fame and power, the use of diamond is not limited to jewelry making. They also function as cutting tools, a means to transmit sounds, various optical applications, and as a special coating for airplane cockpit windows, which officially makes it a multi-million dollar industry.

While it is true that these precious gems have differing uses, it cannot be denied that they are primarily utilized as decorative pieces to make any jewelry more elegant and expensive. Many people are now fond of buying jewelries that have diamonds in them because they are good investments. The investment usefulness of these jewelries are associated with their increasing worth in the market. Similarly, they are also important heirloom pieces that can be passed on from one family member to the other.

Investment worth aside, these gemstones are also timeless keepsakes during important occasions. For instance, diamond encrusted rings are popular engagement gifts as they are not only exquisite but also represents the sincerity of the person who gave such gift. Considering that an engagement is one of the most important traditions, many men prefer giving bands that would represent their true emotions. Nevertheless, because diamond encrusted bands are physically durable, they are the most favored choice to be given during engagement ceremonies.

Before buying a diamond encrusted ring, it is imperative to know that what you are getting is the real ones and not a fake. For unknowing buyers, a diamond can be mistaken with other stones such as cubic zirconiums and other similar looking stones. With these in mind, it is always advisable to purchase such precious stones in reputable diamond stores to avoid the fake ones. It is also worth knowing that the value of a diamond can be identified based from the so called 4Cs or color, clarity, cut and carat.

So, before cashing in with that diamond ring, doing a little research can significantly affect what you should be purchasing. There are wide selections of diamond bands in the market; as such it pays to know everything about the product you are interested in. It is best to have the authentic one because it will represent your vow of love and permanence. Therefore, it is important to have something authentic so that every time you look and your spouse look at it, both of you will be reminded of that undying love you have sworn to.

Many people now prefer buying diamonds because they are good investments, as their value increases over time. It is also common to see such stones in jewelries, usually in rings, because they basically make any object valuable. A diamond ring, for instance, has become a popular engagement piece as it represents a relationship's longevity and everlasting love. Likewise, diamond jewelries have also been used as heirlooms to maintain the value of close family ties from generation to generation. 

Tuesday

The Benefits of Private Tours of Rome



In any regular Rome city tours tourist are taken to famous hotspots with a group of strangers in bout bus.This prevents to quench the thirst of those tourists who look forward to be a part of accurate atmosphere of Rome.In these tours the guides are professional no doubt, but may not be able to answer many details that tourist enquire.In private guided tours of Rome the tour guide is someone who is extremely passionate of his or her job.Thus, they answer to tourist queries without any difficulty or hesitation.These guides know Rome, Italy like the palm of their hands. Not only this, they are extremely educated and knowledgeable about the local sites of Rome and Italy.Thus, other than regular tourist spot of Rome, the tourist can enjoy the local flavour including popular restaurants, shops etc.

In any popular tourist spots, fraudsters always target tourist, who are new to the area. As generally, they don't tend to be aware of the roads and other surrounding places, these miscreants misguide the tourist to traps and cause damages sometimes irreplaceable ones.With private tours of Rome one can easily avoid these kinds of traps and stay secured. Through these guided tours of Rome tourist can easily avoid crowded areas, traffic congestion and enjoy Rome city tours with their complete peace of mind.

Another benefit of private tours of Rome is, tourist can choose their own itinerary and select the tours that they want to enjoy.In a private tour tourist can say goodbye to standing in long queue while visiting extraordinary faces of Rome like Underground Rome, Ancient Rome, Christian Rome,Jewish Rome and the list continues. They can also head for visit to Ostia or Tivoli Garden.

Tourist can enjoy the freedom to pick various sites that they wish to include in their memorable Rome tours.A private tour guide will help tourist to design a custom Rome city tours to ensure that Rome tours remain memorable and exciting one.Remember to include the tour of Vatican City.Vatican City is living history that reflects the cultural and religious aspect of the Eternal City.Rome is an eternal city and if you want to enjoy the true spirit of Rome while experiencing its history, culture and romance opt for private tours of Rome.