Printer Cartridge Recycling Business

Writen by Randy Wilson

This is the time to get into Printer Cartridge Recycling. Offices and homes all over the world have printers attached to their computers. Thousands of sheets of paper and countless printer cartridges get used everyday. The demand for print cartridge refills or remanufactured printer cartridges is rising.

Even though our society relies on email and instant messaging quite a bit, there is still a great need for the printed word. Many people find it difficult to edit documents by reading them on a screen. There are memos that often need to be sent other than electronically. Training materials and class materials still need to be printed for use.

Because of the high cost of new cartridges, both for inkjet cartridges and toner cartridges, remanufactured cartridges have become increasingly popular. There has been speculation in the past over the quality of remanufactured or refilled cartridges, but with the newer technologies these concerns have slipped into the past. This gives you the perfect opportunity to make money with a Printer Cartridge Recycling Business.

Print cartridges and toner cartridges in the last few years have undergone as many changes as the printers and copiers that they work in. The designs for these cartridges are more refill friendly, and geared more toward printer cartridge recycling efforts. The quality of these remanufactured cartridges is often as good as a brand new cartridge and the cost is dramatically lowered.

There are several ways in which you can operate in the Printer Cartridge Recycling Business Opportunity field. The first is to collect and remanufacture the cartridges yourself. You can then resell these to the local public or online. Another way in which you can earn money with a Printer Cartridge Recycling Business is to collect the cartridges and send them in to a company that handles only the refilling of the cartridges. Reselling cartridges is just as easy, and there is no need for you to refill the cartridges on your own. Several companies will refill the cartridges and sell them to you for resale. There are even franchise operations that will set you up with everything needed for this type of business.

© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

Randy has dozens of home based business articles at Businesses you can run from Home such as Home Based Medical Billing Business.

Facing Dvd Software Dilemma Its Brainlessly Simple

Writen by David Deprice

1. Pocket DVD Wizard
http://www.deprice.com/pocketdvdwizard.htm

The Pocket DVD Wizard allows you to make backup copies of your personal DVDs, Mpeg, Avi and DivX® video and then play them on your Windows Mobile™ Pocket PC or Portable Media Center. Imagine the possibilities! You can now record your favourite TV program with your DVD recorder and transfer it to your Pocket PC, then watch it later in the office, or on the beach!

2. dvdSanta
http://www.deprice.com/dvdsanta2.htm

dvdSanta is an All-in-One software that lets you copy, create, convert and burn your DVD movies. It can copy 9GB double layer DVD movies into a 4.7GB DVD-R disc, can turn your photos into DVD movies with Hollywood style motion effects, can convert other video formats (avi, wmv, vob, asf, DivX, Mpeg,...) into DVD video, can transfer miniDV camcorder tapes directly to DVD video.

3. DVD Region+CSS Free
http://www.deprice.com/dvdregioncssfree.htm

DVD Region+CSS Free enables you to watch and copy any region-coded/CSS-encrypted DVD movies on any DVD drive! It fully supports region-protected (RPC2) DVD drives, and does not require any firmware modifications. It will even work if you have used up your region counter and can no longer change the DVD drive's region.

4. WinAVI Video Converter
http://www.deprice.com/winavivc.htm

WinAVI Video Converter is a nice tool for converting video clips to an assortment of formats. The attractive, modern interface features large, clearly labeled icons, so you won't have to dig through the menus very often. You can convert a variety of file types to WMV, AVI, MPEG, and RM. Other notable pluses include a built-in DVD-burning utility, a batch-conversion tool, and a preview pane.

5. DVDFab Express
http://www.deprice.com/dvdfabexpress.htm

DVDFab Express is simply the easiest way to copy a DVD movie. Just insert the movie and a blank DVD then press Start. Your entire movie - including menus, trailers and special features - is copied to a single DVD with just one click, and everything happens automatically.

David D. Deprice posts his honest, no BS, tell it like it is DVD software reviews at http://www.deprice.com/multimedia.htm

Which Notebook Computer Has Your Name On It

Writen by Titus Hoskins

Notebook Computers Are Sexy!

Granted, the notebook computer may just be the sexiest accessory this side of a Baywatch Extra! But are they worth the extra money? Should your next PC be a notebook or laptop computer?

What are the pros and cons of owning a notebook computer? More importantly, which notebook is best for you?

There's no denying it -- notebook computers are sexy! Slim, svelte and lightweight; they always come across as looking sexy, the ultimate in high fashion accessories.

Maybe sexy isn't the most appropriate word -- we are talking about chips, hard drives and bits of metal. But you have to admit; they do look good on just about anybody!

However; don't let the good looks fool you! And don't get blinded by all that sleek metal and flashy designs.

The notebook is one little workhorse whose time may just have come. Growing in popularity as prices decline, it's definitely worth considering when you make your next PC purchase.

All kidding aside, finding the right notebook that has your name on it can be a daunting task!

Basically, you have to narrow it down to a few simple steps. Then consider all your options before you make your decision.

First, ask yourself -- what types of tasks, jobs, do you want the computer to perform? Do you want it for traveling, business, or for use in the home?

Do you want it for simple tasks like email, web browsing or to use as a word processor? Do you want it for gaming, web authoring, heavy graphic work, dvd or MP3 downloading?

Next, consider all these options and find the notebook that best suits your needs. Remember, it's your needs that have to be fulfilled. Don't let a pushy salesperson talk you into buying something you will never need or use.

At the same time, make sure you buy a notebook that has all the features that will complete all the tasks you throw at it. In other words, make sure it can do the job!

Keep that question in the back of your head as you read the rest of this article. Especially, keep it in mind, as you browse thru all these sleek models and makes of notebooks. Don't be dazzled by all that sexiness!

Keep your eyes on the cursor!

Keep asking yourself -- what does my new notebook computer need in order for it to get the job done?

Lets take a closer look at all the options.

First, like anything sexy; notebooks come in all shapes and sizes.

SMALL: How small can they be?

They can be as tiny as well -- the small traditional paper notebooks -- with 10-inch displays. There is even a sub category known as Tablet PCs; these are very small tablets where you enter the data using a stylus. Common in certain fields, like health care or real estate.

Up a step from there -- are the 'Ultraportables'. You can easily take these anywhere as they fit nicely in a handbag or carry on bag. These are used by fliers and travelers, they are light and small with 12 inch screens without internal CD or DVD drives. They don't match the performance of other larger notebooks.

LARGE: How large can they be?

They can be as big as 6 or 7 pounds or more. Over an inch thick and come with 15 or 17-inch displays these are often referred to as 'Desktop Replacements'

And just as their name states -- these can replace your old desktop computer. For most purposes, these notebooks can perform all the tasks of a regular pc, have large screens, big keyboards, combo drives and very large hard drives. But you have the handy option of moving these from room to room for wireless networking, or even for traveling.

MID-SIZE

In between these two groups; we have the business class notebooks. These are often referred to as 'Thin-and-lights' -- they offer the best all around convenience of performance, portability and the different features.

Mostly preferred by the business travelers. They have 14-inch screens, CD-RW/DVD drives, wireless networking, because they are so versatile, these 'do-it-all' notebooks or laptops are becoming really popular.

Basic Rundown

That's a basic overview or rundown on the different types of notebooks. But you have to compare and contrast the different features in a little more detail if you want to figure out the best notebook that's suited for your needs.

Since there are so many types and varieties of notebooks; not to mention so many technical requirements... buying a notebook can sometimes be confusing. And for some people downright worrisome!

Will the notebook you choose get the job done? Will it be able to do the applications, or tasks you want it to perform?

Ease your Burden -- Make a Checklist!

If you don't want to be disappointed, here's a quick 'CheckList' of the features you want to check before you buy your notebook computer.

* Processor: The heart of your notebook or computer. It does the processing and applications. Most people prefer Intel Pentium Processors; the higher the number the faster it will process! Go with Pentium 4 if you can. Intel Celeron is another choice.

* Speed: This is how fast your computer can process data and perform your tasks. The faster the better! Latest models get up to a blazing 3.6 GHz.

Tip: You might also want to check the rotational speed of your notebook's hard disk as it can affect performance a 5,400rpm notebook disk is much faster than a 4,200rpm model. How fast the disk spins, will also determine the performance level of your notebook.

* Hard Drive: Check if it has a fixed drive; some units have drives you can swap. As for size; around 20GB for most notebook drives. You'll need only a 20GB or 30GB for most tasks on your notebook. If you handle large graphics or large amount of files (dvd, M3Ps,etc.) you need more -- 50 to 60GB or higher.

Also, keep in mind, that you also have the external drive(s) option for storing and media-burning.

* Memory: How much do you need?

RAM (random-access memory). This is what the computer uses to run applications and data on your operating system. It's generally agreed that you need at least 256MB for Windows XP and Mac OS X. You will only need 128MB for other operating systems in Windows or Mac.

* CD-RW Drive: You will need a CD-ROM for installing. And a CD-RW drive for burning your own CDs if that's one of the tasks you want your notebook to do.

Keep in mind another option -- many notebooks can access or use external drives for data storage, cd burning, etc.

* LCD Displays: Most have LCD screens; this is different from your desktop CRT (cathode-ray tube) monitor but most people are famaliar with this type of displays -- it's commonly found in digital camera and video recorders.

* Screen Size: You have to consider what size LCD display you want. If you're going to be viewing a lot of pictures or movies on your notebook -- a large 15 or 17 inch would be better suited for your needs.

Usually, LCD screens range in size from 12 inches to 17 inches (diagonal). Viewing is usually set at 1,024x768 resolution. Quality is almost standard in all these notebooks. But check them out at your dealers if picture quality is your main reason for buying a notebook.

Note-- Fujitsu LifeBook P ultraportable series has the smallest displays 10.6 inches. The Apple PowerBook has one of the largest at 17-inches.

* Modems: Most if not all notebooks have 56Kbps-modems and Ethernet connections. As well as connections (ports) for printers, VGA for external monitor and there should be one or more USB ports for keyboards, drives, MP3's and digital cameras.

* Antennas: Most notebooks have built-in antennas for wireless networking and portability. But check before you buy!

* Portability: Might sound like a strange question to ask about notebooks. Not really, most notebooks are very portable, easy to carry -- what they were designed for. However; larger notebooks like the 'desktop replacemets' with 17 inch screens and weighing over 7 pounds might not be the best choice for the heavy traveler. For example the new HP Pavilion zd8000 weights a whopping 12 lbs!

* Accessories: Lastly, you should look at some accessories that you might need with your notebook computer. Many come with a Docking station or port replicator -- somewhere to store and access your computer. Check on the functions of each before you buy.

You might consider buying an extra battery; especially if you're buying your laptop mainly for traveling and in the field work.

Laptop bag is another accessory you should definitely consider buying. Again, notebooks might seem lightweight and small but if you have lug it around all day and you're going to wish you had bought that carrying bag.

Now Assess Your Computer Needs?

Finally, we come to the main question that determines which notebook is right for you. (If money is no barrier!)

WHAT DO YOU NEED THE COMPUTER FOR? WHAT JOB OR TASKS DO YOU WANT THE COMPUTER TO PERFORM?

If you want something small to carry on a plane, or if you travel a lot, then go with an utralight -- often called ultraportables -- these are the lightest and smallest notebooks, about the size of spiral-bound notebook and weighing less than four pounds.

If you're a student and need something light weight but also a little sturdy with a large hard drive (hold MP3s) you might want to check out the 'thin and light' notebooks.

If you want to replace your main desktop with something more portable -- go with a 'mainstream' or 'desktop replacements'.

If you want something you can use at home, work and traveling around then you need 'thin and light.' If you want an 'all-around' 'all-in-one' 'do-it-all' notebook ... then buy a notebook of this type.

Because it's so flexible, and covers most of your computing needs; this is the one that's becoming the most popular.

That's it - JUDGMENT TIME!

You have considered most of the facts about buying a notebook computer. Now weight your options. Think about the tasks you will be doing with your notebook. Look at the checklist and check out the specs. Is everything covered. Will the one you choose -- have the features to do the job?

Keep that question in your mind. It's the most important.

If you're considered all these points; buying the notebook with your name on it will be just a little bit easier.

In no time at all, you may be walking around with one of those sleek, svelte -- dare we say sexy -- accessories tucked under your arm.

Titus Hoskins

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For An Illustrated Version of This Article Click Here: Buying Notebooks Online Guide.

Copyright © 2005 Titus Hoskins of bizwaremagic.com.
This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.

Visit http://www.bizwaremagic.com for more simple solutions to your online marketing tasks.

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What To Look For When Buying A Computer

Writen by Alan LeStourgeon

Computers are so affordable today that the average family may have 4 to 6, or more computers in their home. And with the way new features are added on an almost weekly basis, it isn't long before someone in the family has a seriously outdated system.

So now it's more important than ever to know what to look for when purchasing a new desktop computer or laptop for you or a member of your family.

Of course, one of the first considerations is what kind of computer are you going to buy, a Mac or a PC. Apple or Mac computers were traditionally used in the graphics industry, so many graphics professionals swear by them. However, many prefer the wide availability and ease of use of the PC that uses the Windows operating system. Both are good tools to help you perform various computing tasks and only you can determine your specific needs.

A second consideration is what you are going to use the computer for. If you just want a computer to surf the internet and listen to music, a basic model will do. But if you want to use your machine to edit large photos, use 3d software, high end graphics software or play high end games, a computer with lots of memory, a fast processor, upgraded video card and a large hard drive is a must.

Your monitor is also an important factor in putting together a computer that will suit your needs. Flat panel monitors are the norm today and you would be hard pressed to find a system that offers only the old style CRT monitor. The cost of a flat panel monitor has come down from several thousand dollars less than 3 years ago to only a few hundred dollars today. Getting the largest monitor you are comfortable with and setting your monitor to its highest resolution is something I highly recommend. After working in the graphics industry for several years, I feel it is important to have as much "screen real estate" as possible. When you are working with several software applications at the same time having a small monitor just doesn't cut it.

Don't forget software when counting the cost of a new computer. All new computers come with various packages for office productivity, Internet applications, music, graphics, media and other functions. It is important to remember though, these software packages are usually very basic and may not fill all your needs. Top of the line photo editing and graphics software can cost as much or more than your computer itself. Sometimes you can get special deals on professional software packages at the time you purchase your computer. It is usually a smart choice to buy these packages if they suit your needs because they will be priced at a discount when bundled with your system. Waiting to buy software after you've made your computer purchase could end up costing you several hundred dollars.

Lastly, it is important to decide whether you want a brand name computer or want a custom made or whitebox system. Brand name computers such as Dell, HP and Toshiba have the advantages of being well known and reliable, giving you the extra security of knowing that more than likely, you won't have any problems with your machine. And if you do, you will usually be able to get it fixed without having to worry about one of these companies going out of business. On the other hand, if you are more comfortable with working on your own system, then a whitebox custom system may be for you. You can save lots of money and if anything goes wrong, you can just rip your computer apart and fix it yourself.

There are several more details to learn when buying a computer and you can spend many hours just learning about specific components or software packages for your machine. Hopefully though these tips will help you get started finding the new computer you need for yourself or a family member.

Alan LeStourgeon runs the Discount Computers and Deals web site where you can find eBay auctions on name brand systems such as Dell Desktops and external hard drives.

Cheap Ink Cartridges

Writen by Damian Sofsian

Cheap ink cartridges, although really easy to find, may not be high-quality. A number of stores are popping up online offering very cheap ink cartridges. These cheap ink cartridges, so they say, are of high quality and are branded. The difference between these cheap ink cartridge compared and others being sold is that these cartridges may contain large crystal-like materials that could ruin the print head of the user's printer.

Being able to save on any purchase is very important to consumers. The ink cartridges that are sold online are cheap because, unlike the actual, physical store, online vendors do not have extra expenses, such as overhead. Any savings they get are then passed on to the consumers.

Although this may be the point of some of these online shops, one cannot really be certain that what they are purchasing will be worth it in the long run. Some of these cheap ink cartridges sold are created and recycled cheaply. Materials used cannot be said to be 100% functioning. Although they do work, the end quality is a bit questionable. These cheap ink cartridges can work properly for some time, but repeated usage and replacement with another cheap ink cartridge can be disastrous to the printer. If you really cannot avoid buying cheap ink cartridges, at least use them alternately with original equipment manufacturer, or OEM, ink cartridges.

It is always better to invest in something a little more expensive because all the savings comes during and after the use of that certain product. Be very careful about what you are trying to purchase, especially in the case of ink cartridges. Ask questions, and if the manufacturer cannot answer your questions, go to another store until you are satisfied and find what you are looking for.

Ink Cartridges provides detailed information on Ink Cartridges, Discount Ink Cartridges, Printer Ink Cartridges, Cheap Ink Cartridges and more. Ink Cartridges is affiliated with Printer Ink.

Artificial Archiving Temporary Storage For Ai Learning Systems

Writen by Lance Winslow

Artificial Intelligent systems will need additional storage capabilities besides merely random access memory. These temporary storage systems will not be written to the permanent hard drive but rather saved for a time when the artificially intelligent robotic android is not in use and does not need its full computing speed or capabilities. Let's call this a time of defragging or "sleeping" time for the system.

During this sleeping time the artificial intelligent system will work thru its decision matrix choices of the previous period of use and then pick and chose the best decisions made and the data sets from all the sensors used to make that decision and commit that to main memory and dump the rest of the data to trash.

Why is this necessary? Well, easy you see all those sensors will collect an awful lot of data perhaps up to 100 Gigabytes or more per day. All that data is not need only the best of all that data would be desired and only the paths which brought the artificially intelligent robotic android to the best choices should be kept, the rest must be discarded, while the good data would be stored into a system such as an XML spreadsheet which would be updated to assist in the decision matrix for those particular activities or tasks.

It is important to keep the decision matrix data clean and crisp and simple. This will help in speed of processing and less potential problems with data corruption and fewer mishaps in the future or "PRIDE" Poor Robotic Intelligent Decision Errors. Please consider all this in 2006.

Lance Winslow

Biostar Combo Motherboards

Writen by Hattingh Willem

I recently decided to upgrade my Pentium III 800 MHz machine, which at the time was being used as a gentoo server. I am and most likely will always be a very big fan of Abit and Asus motherboards. Simply because their robust features, scalability and just all out performance. However at the time I did not feel like spending more than $200 to upgrade this old server that hardly runs anything anymore except as an archive for older files which I don't use anymore either. So I opted out to go a different path. I strolled about a computer store and came about a Biostar P4M800-M7A Motherboard combo.
Now being in the computer industry for about 15 years, biostar unfortunately in the early years had quite a few too many problems for me and I completely left them out. However I finally decided to give it a shot. The motherboard comes bundled with an Intel Celeron D Processor, which is pre-mounted on the motherboard. I walked over 3 feet picked up a good cpu cooler. Then walked 5 more feet and picked up a stick of 512MB DDR ram. And a new ATX Power supply. Motherboard was $80, Ram was $45 CPU Cooler $25, and the new power supply $40. All out I spent just a little less than $200 for a practically new machine.

Very skeptical I now head home to install this new hardware. Very easy installation as with most. Installed the CPU cooler with the heat transfer gel it was supplied. Mounted the motherboard in the case and installed the power supply. Then installed the RAM and all the cables. I was now just about done. I started the machine up went through the basic CMOS setup and configured everything as it should be. At this time I was using all motherboard based resources. Sound is a 16 bit full duplex AC'97 Rev 2.3 compatible six- channel audio system. I set that up and also ran the cat 5 cable to the motherboard. Now with past experience I normally never use motherboard based networking due to so many issues and problems that come about when doing so. However it was a test run so I figured it would be worth it to see how things run.

Went to my online store ordered a new copy of Windows XP Professional, and used my current stock copy of Windows XP Pro to install it on the new hardware. Everything went smooth and easy. Now my type of testing is not quite the same as that of most by using utilities to test the machines. I rather use a real environment test. For this I decided to use Dark Age of Camelot - Darkness Rising expansion. Why would I do this you might ask? Well if you log 2 accounts into Camelot by alt tabbing it creates a small memory leak. The better motherboards that I have tested run about 8 hours alt tabbed on 1 gig of ram without crashing or major lag etc. Where as machines with 512MB take about 2 to 3 hours to fail. Installed Camelot and noticed that the onboard screen card was not at all sufficient, which by any means I should have expected. So I installed a Radeon 9600 Card into the machine for the test 256 MB DDR version. It should be more than sufficient to run this. Keeping in mind that this machine is still only a Celeron with 512MB ram. My Pentium 4 3.4 Gig HT rig sometimes has problems playing 2 accounts Alt Tabbed.

Drivers installed and I log in to the first account, once in game everything looked great, it was smooth no problems what so ever. I then ran the second copy of camelot and logged in. Things became a bit choppy but nothing that I didn't expect. I left the machine on and started the timer. Here is some information for you on the background networking of MMORPG games. These games are pretty network intensive and unless your network card runs well you will go linkdead often. Wether you have a fiber connection or a DSL line it does not matter. I started doing laundry and inbetween had the characters run around through heavily populated areas. To check on the memory leak as well as to prevent from the accounts logging out automatically due to leaving them unattended. After about 4 hours of testing the machine was still up and running, suprized by this I started running the characters around more and testing frame rates etc. I could notice a bit of graphics and video lag, this was not at all bad however since I have seen much worse in much shorter times on higher level machines. 2 Hours 19 minutes later the machine crashed while going through 2 zones at the same time.

This now has completely surpassed my expectations of my new machine which I paid less than 200 dollars for. Before the video card install that is.

Bottom line for this article is : If you can't afford to spend the big bucks to get the biggest and the best, then the Biostar Combo Motherboards might be what you need. So far I now own 2 of these combo motherboards, I had been so impressed with it that 1 was not enough!

The Motherboard Model and Information follows below :

Biostar P4M800-M7 A
VIA P4M800/VT8237R+ Socket 775
Micro ATX
FSB 800
DDR 400
Video
6 CH Audio
8 USB 2.0
Lan
3 PCI
ATA 133
2DDR (2 gig max)
2 SATA/RAID
AGP 8X

If I had to give this motherboard a score I'd give it 9 out of 10 for price versus performance.

So far I have been unable to find any more of these motherboards however you can find some of the similar combo motherboards from Biostar from my web store at Biostar Motherboard section

WJ Hattingh http://www.nitecon.com

Ram Random Access Memory

Writen by Logan Rokwild

The word 'memory' is commonly used in computer parlance to refer to RAM. When you start an application, say a game, your computer stores some of the data required to make it work in the RAM so that it can be easily and speedily accessed. There are several forms of memory in the computer (for example the hard drive, is also a form of memory). RAM, however, is of foremost importance, since it is the first place where the data is directed to when an application is started. Only after passing through RAM is any data stored in any other storage device.

We can compare the function of RAM with a real life situation in order to understand it better. If you are giving a lecture before a large audience, chances are, you will commit important portions of it to memory so that you may remember or access it as a when required. If you were to search in a book or other research source each time you wanted to make a key point, it would take too long and you would your lecture would come to a halt each time, until the information was found. Similarly, each time a command is entered on the computer, the CPU processes it and instructs the hard drive to load it into the memory. This enables it to get to it more quickly when required. RAM keeps all the information just before the computer needs to use it.

Computers are able to process information uninterrupted as long as all the information needed is available to it in the RAM. If the RAM is not enough to store the information, the computer will search for it in an alternative storage device such as a hard disk or floppy, transfer it to RAM and then continue processing. The more such interruptions, the slower the computer becomes. Hence, as a general rule, more RAM means faster computing and processing.

Not so long ago, the maximum memory a computer needed was 1 or 2MB (megabytes). Today at least 64MB RAM is required to run even the most basic applications. Ideally 256MB is needed for most applications. And if the user is using a lot of graphics, music or gaming applications, then 512MB RAM is essential.

In short, the mantra for memory is more is great; less is bad.

Logan writes about various topics. This article is free to re-print as long as nothing is changed, the bio remains, all hyper links remain intacked and the rel="nofollow" tag isnt added to any links. Thank-You Please visit http://your-personal-pc.info for mro einfo.

Testing A Transformer How To Accurately Test A Transformer

Writen by Jestine Yong

There is two types of transformers in the market- linear transformer and switch mode power transformer. The transformers design is different. Sometimes it is just referred as ac transformer. Linear transformer mostly used in radio, project kits, VCD and etc while switch mode transformer can be found in Monitor, Tv, Fax and so on.

A transformer consists of two or more coils wound on the same core. For power transformers, the core material is usually iron. For a radio-frequency transformer, the core material is usually ferrite or air. The basic property of a transformer is to change AC voltage. A transformer cannot change direct current voltage. A step down transformer has a lower AC output voltage at its secondary winding than the AC input voltage to its primary winding. Conversely, a step up transformer has a higher secondary than primary voltage. The transformer laminations or coating of shellac, enamel or varnish is to insulate adjacent turns from shorts between winding. I will not go too details about how transformer work and transformer calculation as you can read more details from most electrical and electronic transformers books.

How to test transformers: Transformer failures are relatively rare in most electronic equipment, compared with other components. If too much current goes through a coil or winding, the winding heats up and can either open up completely, or the insulation between turns of wire can break down, causing the coil to be partly or completely shorted.

Just like a coil, you can check continuity of any primary or secondary transformer winding. The actual value of DC resistance you read is rather meaningless, but at least you will know whether a winding is open. Checking linear transformer is quite straight forward. Apply the ac voltage to the primary winding and expect output voltage at the secondary side. No or low output voltage means the transformer winding has open or shorted winding. Look for any evidence of overheating, such as darkened or blackened areas or a burnt smell.

About how to test a power transformer-it is a little bit complicated. You cannot apply ac voltage to the equipment and expect the desire output at the secondary side without connect to load otherwise over voltage will happen (because you have removed all the secondary load) and will blow the power section which consist of power fet, pwm ic and etc. Swith mode power supply are designed to run with load while linear transformer can be test without load.

The best way to test a switch mode power transformer is first remove it from the board. Check only the primary winding as secondary winding failures are exceedingly rare. How do we know which one is the primary winding? Trace from the big filter cap the positive pin to see where the circuit goes. It will go to one of the pin of the transformer. Then look for the power fet middle pin which is the Drain and it will lead to another pin of the transformer. This two pins is the primary winding of the transformer. Checking the resistance of the primary winding only can reveal whether it is open but it cannot check if it has developed a shorted winding. Only by using a ringer test you will know if it shorted or not. A shorted turn in the primary winding can cause the power section to blow.

The cheapest ringer tester that i came across is Dick Smith LOPT METER or flyback tester. Just connect the probes to the primary winding and the result are instantly seen from the Led bar graph. 4-8 bar represent a good winding, 1-2 bar represent partial short and if the led goes off means there is a heavy short in the winding. Besides checking the transformer it can be use to check B+ COIL, horizontal yoke coil and flyback primary winding and ballast (choke).

The expensive ringer tester is from sencore equipment. Sencore LC102 and LC103C besides checking capacitor it also have the capability to check all kind of winding. Whether it is a low voltage transformer, high voltage transformer, current transformer, pulse transformer, electric transformer, custom transformer this equipment will be able to check and test it.

If you do not wish to invest on this tester you may use a light bulb to check it. Remove one of the primary winding pin and connect a 60 watt light bulb. One end to the circuit while the other to the transformer pin. If the bulb light and didn't goes off suspect a shorted winding and if the light goes off, the winding is ok.

Transformer repair is not easy and it require a good skill to do it. Most of the transformer repairer preferred to rewind bigger winding such as fan, car alternator and starter. Swith mode power transformer is a little bit difficult to rewind because of the small size and low price.

Jestine Yong is a electronic repairer and a writer. For more information about electronic repair please visit his website at http://www.noahtec.com/electronic-repair-articles.htm

A Summary Of The Cdrom Disk Formats Available

Writen by Gary Hendricks

The more you look into how computers are built, the more specifications you find. That's because manufacturers need precise definitions of what to expect to build products that work with each other. A large pile of standards exists just for CD-ROM alone.

Here are some of the more important:

• Red Book — The Red Book defines the physical format of audio CDs. This is also called CD-Digital Audio, or CD-DA.
• Yellow Book — The Yellow Book defines the physical format for data CDs, so its purpose is similar to that of the Red Book. It's possible to mix audio and data on the same CD.
• Green Book — The Green Book defines the physical format for CDInteractive, or CD-I, a format used in a game player from Philips. However, having a CD-I compatible drive doesn't mean you can do anything with a CD-I disk on your PC. In general, you can't without some added hardware and software in the computer.
• Orange Book — The Orange Book defines the physical format for recordable CDs. There are two kinds — magneto-optical and write-once. The CD-R is a write-once device. (Magneto-optical drives have remained expensive and are not widespread.)
• CD-ROM/XA — This stands for CD-ROM/eXtended Architecture and is a combination of Yellow Book and Green Book. CD-ROM/XA has generally superseded the Yellow Book.
• CD Plus — Also called CD Extra, this is a specific combination of audio and data on the CD.
• ISO 9660 — Once called the High Sierra format, ISO 9660 defines the file and directory layouts on a CD. Extensions such as Joliet and Romeo have been defined to handle Windows 95 and NT long file names. Some of the other standards you'll see referenced include single and multi-session Kodak Photo CD and Video CD.

The only time you'll really need to worry about any CD standards is when new ones emerge because the product you're looking at may or may not support the newer standard. Otherwise, the drive and software manufacturers tend to support them all to avoid being at a competitive disadvantage.

Conclusion

I do hope this article has given you some insight into the different CD-ROM formats available out there. It will be useful to remember the above tips the next time you're having CD-ROM format problems.

Gary Hendricks runs a hobby site on building computers. Visit his website at http://www.build-your-own-computers.com for tips and tricks on assembling a PC, as well as buying good computer components.

How To Keep Your Computer Running At Full Speed

Writen by Gregg Hall

Have you noticed your computer processing a little slower than normal? Maybe you can't get your e-mail as quickly as you used to. Or maybe you just want to put your foot through the monitor screen because it keeps freezing anyway and you're not getting anything done. Save your loafers. In actuality, you might need a little memory boost. Every computer relies on RAM, random access memory. RAM resides on your computer hard drive, so to boost your RAM, you first need to take a look at your hard drive and then get to work cleaning up your computer.

Routinely checking and cleaning your RAM will keep your system running more smoothly. Just a few different checks will maximize your computer's performance while you sit back in your ergonomic chair and think about your next project instead of the frozen screen in front of you.

To make your RAM bigger and improve the speed of your computer, just increase your memory. You can do this a couple of ways. Defrag your computer to rid it of unneeded files. Doing this will make everyday processes like a word processing program or your accounting program boot up and run faster. You won't find yourself chewing your nails in anticipation for the next window to pop up.

Maybe you need to purchase another hard drive. You can install it easily and with little extra cost, and doing so will maximize your computer's speed. You'll find yourself blown away by the lighting quick speed of programs on your computer. Those of us that use our computers regularly will greatly profit from more memory. Two hard drives really will make a difference.

The wimpiest hard drives usually come with the computer; so if you're still using your factory hard drive, buy another one. To install a new hard drive, you only need a screwdriver. You can find the right hard drive by asking a technician at your local computer hardware store. They should point you in the right direction. Then just follow the instructions in the package.

Another hard drive might not only save you the frustration that a slow computer causes, but it will save you the headache of lost files. It gives you another places to save your files, a virtual additional filing cabinet. This saves you stress in the end and allows you to sleep better at night and work better in the day.

As you work with your hard drive, spend time cleaning out your files as well Delete what you don't need and then back up what you do want to keep. There's nothing worse than finding yourself in the middle of an assignment with a blank screen and the hum of a dying hard drive in your ears. So do what you must to keep your computer in tip top shape and ready for your next task.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as personal computer accessories at http://www.personalcomputersplusmore.com

Cd Dvd Copiers

Writen by Kent Pinkerton

CD DVD copiers or CD DVD duplicators copy DVDs from an original master CD. Copies are made onto previously empty DVDs, called blanks. DVD copiers can be PC attached, or they may be standalone.

PC attached DVD copiers can be connected to a computer. This helps in customizing the DVD such as providing a title, author's name, date, etc. Graphic programs can also be used to enhance the visuals and to create special effects. DVD copiers have a hard disc or a memory card of their own, which makes it much possible to copy the CD even when the master CD is unavailable. The hard disc has a higher memory capacity-as much as 160 GB.

DVD copiers can be manual or operated. In manual DVD copiers, an operator is necessary to physically open the shutter of the copier machine and keep loading and unloading the DVDs as they are copied. They have low speeds and their output per hour is less.

Standalone DVD copiers are automated. They are operated by a robotic arm, which loads and unloads DVDs. They are designed in a tower format. One standalone copier is actually a combination of several unitary DVD copiers-as many as one to 16. Industrial DVD copiers can have as many as 60 individual copier units. The number of copiers indicates how many DVDs can be copied at a time. Their copying speeds are generally 16 times for DVDs. For copying CDs, the speed can be as high as 48 times.

Some DVD copiers need a cooling period after each run. This reduces the quantity of the output. However, newer DVD duplicators are working on reducing, or even eliminating, the cooling period so that the process can be continuous.

The quality of a copied DVD depends on the quality of the copier itself. If the copier is of a poor quality, then the copied DVD may have a grainy, washed effect and also garbled sounds. Good quality DVD copiers can give an almost perfect replica of the original.

Automated DVD copiers can cost from $1000 to $4000, depending on how many individual copiers they contain. They are mostly designed in black, white or gray and are designed in a tower format.

CD Copiers provides detailed information about CD copiers, CD DVD copiers, CD copier software, CD copier downloads and more. CD Copiers is the sister site of DVR Cards.

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Refurbished Fujitsu Laptops

Writen by Max Bellamy

Refurbished Fujitsu laptops combine high performance and quality standards. Refurbished Fujitsu laptops are the Fujitsu branded laptops, refurbished by the company itself. Fujitsu is the fourth largest manufacturer of computer peripherals with a large market share. Company refurbished items enjoy a good reputation among customers.

The sold Fujitsu laptops with complaints are usually returned to the company. The Fujitsu Company will modify the product by resolving the problem. They will also incorporate into it all new facilities which are included in a brand new laptop of the same series. The company then resells the laptop through their remarketing division under the name refurbished. Hence, refurbished laptops will help to avail all the facilities of a new computer at a lower price.

Refurbished Fujitsu laptops assure good performance since the laptops are restructured by experts of the manufacturing firm itself. Fujitsu also has the advantage of technical excellence over other competitors in the market. They ensure the reliability of the refurbished laptops through a rigorous testing process before marketing. You can select the refurbished laptop according to your purpose and mode of use. Fujitsu also offers customization of the system configuration in refurbished laptops according to customer preferences. Refurbished Fujitsu laptops are available in the series such as AMILO X Series, Fujitsu B2630, Lifebook Laptop, Fujitsu Stylistic 3500 x Laptop, Fujitsu Stylistic 3400 s etc.

Refurbished Fujitsu laptops are available from leading computer retailers. Specialized shops dealing in refurbished laptops also provide many offers apart from the huge price discounts. The 5% price discounts is available with most of the purchases. Online auctions of refurbished laptops are ideal occasions to secure one of these products. Fujitsu provides a warranty of six months. The retailers offer extended warranty for more duration.

Refurbished Laptops provides detailed information on Refurbished Laptops, Cheap Refurbished Laptops, Dell Refurbished Laptops, IBM Refurbished Laptops and more. Refurbished Laptops is affiliated with Used Cheap Laptops.

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Computer Repair Or Junk When Should You Give Up On That Old Computer

Writen by Joe Duchesne

Computers last only so long. Sooner or later you'll either have to do some computer repair on that old computer of yours or simply decide to abandon it. In this article I'll give you tips to help you decide when you need to send your computer out to pasture.

How much will the computer repair cost you? What kind of repair you need to have performed on your computer and the relative cost of that repair can help you make the choice to walk away from fixing that computer. Most computer repair shops will offer you a free estimate before they perform the repair. Smaller computer shops are more likely to offer free estimates that larger shops. If the computer shop you usually go to won't give you a free estimate, consider finding one that will.

Most software repair problems will cost you under $100 and won't usually be a reason to ditch your computer. Keep in mind that a newer computer in and of itself, won't stop you from getting a virus, or some nasty spyware and such. You still need to have anti-virus software installed and up to date. One exception to this advice though is if your computer is running an older operating system because it won't / can't run the latest patched operating system out there. In that case, buying a new computer would in fact help you avoid software related problems in the future.

Sometimes, it isn't the one repair that is expensive but the need for multiple repairs over a short period of time. I have an old Thinkpad 600X that is over seven years old. At first, I reasoned that I only needed a few repairs (which I was able to do myself). I replaced the battery, I added new memory and I replaced my keyboard. All of this cost me about $200. Now my hard drive has developed some problems and I'm looking at another $100 or so to replace it. Last Thanksgiving, I would have been able to get purchase a brand new laptop for as little as $400. This new laptop had many features lacking in my old computer laptop like a DVD player, more memory, a larger LCD screen and more. Sometimes, it makes more sense to purchase a new computer than to keep repairing an old one.

At the end of the day, only you can decide whether that computer repair makes sense or whether you need to look at buying a new computer. Many different factors can come into play but ultimately, it's about getting things done with a computer whether your old one or a new one.

Joe Duchesne is the webmaster of GreatComputerInfo.com offering computer repair related information for the do it yourselfer.

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