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2006 Chevrolet Corvette: GM's Fastest and Most Powerful Car with Superior Aftermarket Parts at Partstrain

The 2006 Chevrolet Corvette has a chassis, which is all aluminum, hydro formed in similar dies to those used to build the standard steel C6 frame. Magnesium and carbon fiber parts are also used to help contain the total curb weight to less than 3150 pounds.



The front grille is larger, and an additional small scoop in front of the hood gulps cool intake air. Barely visible from a distance, 1-centimeter-wide black strips follow the wheel arches, oriented at a right angle to the fender. The carbon fiber front fenders are flared to accommodate 275/35ZR18 tires and the rear quarter panels are widened 1.5 inches to clear massive 325/30ZR19s. It has a 427.6-cubic-inch small-block LS7 engine, good for 500 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 475 pound-feet of torque at 4800 rpm. Titanium connecting rods, intake valves, and valve springs permit 7000-rpm revving, for this, the ultimate small-block.



An all-new LS7 7.0-liter V-8 (the displacement works out to 427 cubic inches) is said to churn out 500 horsepower. It will also be fitted with wider tires and larger Brembo brakes. Body modifications include a high-rise hood, deep side skirts and cooling ducts ahead of the rear wheels.



The engine is an aluminum block designed for stiffness and a special camshaft design for better engine breathing. The aluminum block, cylinder heads, camshaft and induction systems are revised for better breathing at a high rpm. A positive crankcase ventilation system improves oil control during racetrack and acceleration maneuvers, a Z06 titanium exhaust system, mufflers and tailpipes have less mass and more strength than its aluminum or magnesium counterparts. Producing 405-horsepower at 6000 rpm and capable of zero-to-60 in less than four seconds.



The car's larger-displacement engine and light weight are claimed to deliver 0-to-60-mph acceleration times of less than 4 seconds, a 12-second quarter-mile and a top speed of more than 190 mph on the track. Just as the base engine grew to 6.0 liters and became the LS2, the Z06 power plant has grown to 7.0 liters and becomes the LS7 V-8. It's rated for 500 hp at 6,200 rpm and 475 pounds-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm



Red brake calipers employ six pistons apiece up front, four pistons per side in the rear and 20 individual brake pads, which Chevrolet says deliver more even wear. The ventilated, cross-drilled brake rotors measure 14 inches in front and 13.4 inches in the rear. ABS is standard.



The new Chevy Corvette has all performance systems including engine, transmission, chassis, tires and suspension. Standard Active Handling works in conjunction with Traction Control and ABS on select 03 and 2005 2006 Chevrolet Corvettes, making maximum use of available traction to assist the driver, when needed, in keeping the car in line with steering input.



Simply click on http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/GMC and have a look at its extensive stock of dependable, long lasting Chevrolet replacement parts, performance parts, body parts etc. It could be the start of great savings for you while preserving the performance of the car that exudes performance and comfort.

About the Author

Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.



Written by: Jenny McLane

18 Tips for the Christmas Traveler to Sleep Like a Baby

Christmas is almost here, with all the wonder and flurry that it represents. Traveling to other destinations to celebrate can be both exciting and tiring, too, if not adequately prepared. These 18 sound suggestions will encourage you to have restful travel and rejuvenating sleep.



Sleep... the all-important elixir of life!



Though the average adult typically needs eight hours of sleep each night studies show that our hectic North American lifestyle is contributing to sleep deprivation. Many people are shortening the amount of time they allot for sleep to accommodate their busy lives, even at the risk of their health and safety.



Sleep is a vital function... not a luxury to be frivolous with!



All humans need two types of sleep; Non-Rapid Eye Movement sleep (non-REM sleep) and Rapid Eye Movement sleep (REM sleep). Our deepest physical rejuvenation comes during NREM sleep, when our bodies and brain slow down the most, occuring in the first third of our sleep period. Our mental and physiological rejuvenation occurs during REM sleep, a time of fast eye movements, very active brainwave patterns and dreaming. This period is longer and occurs during the second half of our sleep cycle. Without this quality sleep, a deficit grows and we suffer the consequences.



You may already have had experience with how challenging sleep can be for travellers, many averaging only six hours of sleep a night. Changing time zones disrupts our internal body clock, interrupts our familiar food and exercise patterns, resulting in disturbed sleep and deprivation.



When travelling to a different time zone, our internal (circadian) clock needs time to adjust. Jet lag is created because our internal systems need time to adjust, the sleep and wake cycle adjusts at one rate, while temperature rhythm changes at a different pace. Due to time zone changes, you may be wide awake on "home time" while the place you visit is sound asleep, and visa versa. I will always remember looking over at my husband sound asleep beside me as we toured Paris... daytime there, but nighttime back at home!



18 Tips to relax and sleep like a baby when you're away from home include;



1. Take familiar, feel good home items that encourage you to feel "home away from home" such as your pillow, family photos, candles, aroma therapy bath products, etc.



2. Supplement your reduced sleep with short naps (even on Christmas Day) because a little sleep is better than none.



3. Ask for a room away from noisier areas (elevators, ventilation systems, stairwells and lounges).



4. If travelling for only a few days, it may be more beneficial to keep your internal body clock on your own 'home time' than to try and adjust. This includes sleep times as well as meal times, because even your stomach has to adjust during travel.



5. Be smart around the use of stimulants, such as coffee to keep awake. Time your consumption to when you need a lift, but not close to needing to unwind. Though many people like to have a few drinks to "unwind," alcohol consumed within 3-4 hours of bedtime can actually disrupt sleep quality. Instead, drink camomile tea or steamed milk for their relaxing, sleepy effects.



6. Avoid eating a big meal before you want to sleep or your body will get busy digesting, rather than slow down to replenish! If you really must, eat smartly and sparingly, choosing foods that will not produce stimulating effects.



7. Plan gentle evening activities that will induce sleep (so avoid TV news, etc).



8. Though exercise close to bedtime is thought to tire you out it can stimulate you awake instead. A restful session of progressive relaxation stretches or yoga poses, however, will do the job of mellowing your mind and body for sleep.



9. If you're tempted to take a pharmaceutical to induce sleep, talk to your family doctor first and know possible side effects. As an alternate, Valerian is a natural remedy to promote drowsiness.



10. Spray your pillow with aroma therapy lavender mist infused for its relaxing effect.



11. Languish in a soothing bath infused with lavender... sigh.



12. Set your environment to maximize sleep... close the draperies, set the temperature to cool rather than warm, place the "Do Not Disturb" sign on the doorknob and hold all phone calls.



13. Wear snuggly, loose-fitting cotton socks to bed... this definitely helps me sleep better!



14. Wear an eye mask for extra darkness.



15. Travel with a portable CD or digital player and listen to nature music or a relaxation meditation to unwind!



16. Earplugs are a blessing to mask unfamiliar sounds... and snoring, too!



17. This might sound funny but, if a busy mind keeps you awake interrupt it as though you are boss and say, "No, this is not the time to sort things out, this is my time to sleep and replenish! I'll sort those details out tomorrow when I am rested and able to think clearly." Stand your ground... it might take a little practice!



18. If you toss and turn for more than 20-30 minutes get up, read or listen to your relaxation CD until you feel drowsy, then try again.



There you have it, a long list of ideas to implement while you travel to induce quality relaxation and deep sleep. I put my own tips to good use recently... you can too.



Happy travels! May you have a lovely Christmas... and sleep like a baby, too!



















About the author:



Carolyn J. Clarke - with husband Richard, we can support you to have a fulfilling life and relationships, first with yourself and with others. We are the creators of the Inner Fitness® (Canada) series of guided meditation CDs. http://www.youcanrelaxnow.com



Written by: Carolyn J. Clarke

A Fresh Start for Family Finances in 2005

While 40% to 50% of us make New Year’s resolutions on January 1—a ritual that has existed since ancient times—approximately 60% to 80% of us have already broken them by the end of February, according to researchers.



It’s still not too late, however, to reset the trajectory on your family’s finances, experts note.



1. Build a Budget

If you haven’t already done so, create a realistic budget.



Approximately 85% of your income should be set aside for necessities like housing, food, health care and clothing, according to the professionals at VISA USA.



This leaves 15% for entertainment—and something many consumers completely neglect: savings.



2. Distinguish “Needs” from “Wants”

Make sure you have a clear understanding of what you need in life versus what you want in life.



You need to pay for the antibiotics when the doctor diagnoses a respiratory infection. You don’t need to buy the latest movie released on DVD to aid in your recovery.



You need to pay the rent or mortgage. You don’t need to buy the lovely accent pillows that beckon to you from the interior design boutique.



Always separate the needs from the wants—particularly if money is tight.



3. Monitor Your Spending

To see what you really spend each month, keep a running log of all purchases—no matter how small—for a full month. This will give you a visual display of where your money goes after you deposit your paycheck.



You may find that the $3 cup of coffee that starts each day adds up to $90 a month—a pocketbook pincher that may prompt you to buy a pound of coffee beans at the local market and grind them yourself. That $90 blossoms into $1,080 in savings at the end of a year.



4. Create an Emergency Fund

Life is full of surprises—both positive and negative. If you happen to lose your job or suffer an illness that temporarily sidelines you, you will need cash reserves to support you during the rough months.



“In most cases, consumers who find themselves dealing with a financial hardship are unprepared and have not saved for unexpected situations,” says Diane Giarratano, director of education for Novadebt, a U.S. financial management service agency, with multiple locations, that provides credit counseling, budgeting and financial education.



5. Educate Yourself

When you attended high school or college, you studied history, mathematics, language and science, but there was probably no course in basic money management.



If you need help in meeting a financial goal—whether it’s buying a home or reducing your debt—take advantage of community resources.



“Consumers should feel free to contact a good credit-counseling agency to obtain free advice with regard to establishing a budget or to learn how to handle unexpected hardships,” Giarratano says.



6. Don’t Become a Victim

Identity theft has become an international epidemic, so be extremely cautious when giving out your credit card or personal identifying information. Monitor your credit card bills carefully for unauthorized charges, and immediately report suspicious activity to the issuing company.



“Identity theft is often an inside job,” warns Robert L. Siciliano, a personal security expert with Boston, Massachusetts-based SafetyMinute Seminars and author of “The Safety Minute.”



“Lower-level help desk workers and frontline call center employees often have access to all our personal information in their databases,” he says. “What are you doing to protect yourself? If you’re not paying attention, you could be a victim, too.”



And when a disaster strikes, such as the recent killer tsunamis in South Asia and East Africa, be wary of scammers from fake charities before reaching for your checkbook. Unfortunately, there will always be unscrupulous individuals who seize such opportunities to profit from others’ misfortune.



“Avoid using your credit card to make contributions,” advises James Walsh, author of “You Can’t Cheat An Honest Man: How Ponzi Schemes and Pyramid Frauds Work…and Why They’re More Common Than Ever.”



“Even though this can be a convenient way to proceed, many crooks are looking for credit card numbers,” Walsh says. “They will press strongly for ‘immediate support.’ Don’t rush.”



Instead, initiate the call yourself, and select a reputable charity.



“Go with recognized names,” Walsh says. “No organization is perfect; even the best-meaning groups occasionally misallocate money or fall victim to abusive employees. But larger charitable groups—like the Red Cross, the United Way and Catholic Charities—have the mechanisms in place to audit their people and performance.”



Charitable contributions are tax-deductible, so keep good records of all donations—including small cash gifts.



---------

Fox Symes assists all Australians discover the truth about their debts and how they can rapidly reduce them. There are methods available to the Australian public and you can discover how to use these to assist you in reducing your debt with a free phone consultation from Fox Symes. Visit http://www.foxsymes.com.au or contact them directly on 1300 361 204.

About the Author

Rob Sallay



Written by: Rob Sallay

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5 Critical Steps to Protecting Your Computer on the Internet

Spyware, viruses and worms... oh my!



If you are connected to the internet, you need to make sure you get your computer set up properly if you want to avoid problems down the road.



With all the viruses, spyware and other threats on the internet today, no computer should be set up without the proper protection.



And that protection needs to be in place as soon after you hook up your new machine as possible.



The following five steps will make your computer a much harder target for threats. You still won't be completely immune to problems, but 99% of the time the threat will pass you by, looking for the easy mark.



1. Running a Personal Firewall



A personal firewall is software that basically makes your computer invisible to hackers, worms and other threats that can infect your computer over the internet.



Setting up a firewall is the absolute first thing you should do if you're going to connect to the internet. Without a firewall, your computer could get infected in as little as one minute after connecting.



If you have a brand new computer running Windows XP Service Pack 2, there is a firewall built into Windows. It will already have been turned on when you first set up your computer.



If you're running an older version of Windows, even an earlier version of Windows XP, there is no firewall automatically set up for you. In this case there are two possibilities:



- Your computer came pre-loaded with a firewall such as Norton Internet Security or McAfee Internet Security

- You have no firewall installed and should download one ASAP.



If you don't have any personal firewall software installed, you should do so right away. Zone Alarm is a very good firewall program that has a version that you can download and install for free.



You can download the free version of Zone Alarm from http://www.computer-help-squad.com/zonealarm



2. Turn on Windows Updates



Again, if you're running Windows XP Service Pack 2 this is already set up, but otherwise you should turn on Windows Updates. Microsoft releases updates for security problems and other bugs in Windows on a regular basis.



These updates will keep your computer running better, and they often fix security issues that could compromise your information or privacy.



If you are running Windows XP Service Pack 2, you can double-check that automatic updates are turned on by clicking Start, then click Control Panel, then double-click Security Center. The window that opens will tell you if automatic updates are turned on, and lets you turn them on if they're not.



To turn on automatic updates in earlier versions of Windows XP, click on the Start menu, click Control Panel and then double-click on System. On the "Automatic Updates" tab, click the option to "Automatically download the updates and install them on the schedule I specify."



To turn them on in Windows 2000, click on Start, click Control Panel and then double-click on Automatic Updates. Again, click the option to "automatically download the updates and install them on the schedule I specify."



Now when Microsoft releases updates, they will be downloaded for you automatically and Windows will tell you when they are ready to be installed.



3. Install & Update Antivirus Software



Most new computers come with antivirus software these days. You might have Norton, McAfee, PC-Cillin or another brand. No matter what program you have, you will need to update it when you get connected to the internet.



It doesn't matter how new your computer is - there will be new viruses, and new updates for the antivirus software, since it was loaded.



The exact process is different for each brand of antivirus program, but most of them will have an icon in the bottom right corner of your desktop, beside the time. The icon might be a picture of a shield (McAfee), a stethoscope (Norton) or something else.



In most cases, if you point to the icon for your antivirus and click the right mouse button, a menu will pop up with an update option. It could be simply called update or could be something like Live Update or Download Latest Updates. If you click on the update option (with the left button this time) it will install the newest updates for you.



If you're not sure which icon is for your antivirus software, just point to each one for a few seconds and a little title should pop up telling you what it is.



4. Install Anti-Spyware Software



Spyware - and other things known as adware and malware - is becoming as big a problem as viruses. Spyware programs can cause a lot of problems with your computer, not to mention they can track your personal information and you never know where it's being sent.



Some new computers might includes antispyware software, but most of them don't yet. There are quite a few anti-spyware programs available, some free and some not. The one I recommend is from Microsoft and is one of the free ones.



One of the reasons I like it is because it always runs in the background and will automatically catch a lot of spyware before it gets on your computer.



Many of the other programs don't catch it until you run a scan. Not only does this allow things to get on your computer, it also means you have to actually remember to run a scan.



You can download the free Microsoft Antispyware from http://www.computer-help-squad.com/antispyware



5. Set up a Free Email Account



This last item is not as critical as the first four, but I would highly recommend you set up an email account with one of the free services like Hotmail or Gmail.



Once you're on the internet, you'll find a lot of useful information that you want that requires you to provide an email address. In some cases, these people will end up sending you a bunch of spam.



If you use a free email account to sign up for anything that you don't know for sure you can trust, it's not going to fill your main email with a bunch of junk.



This goes for anything really, not just online information. If you're entering a contest or signing up for anything offline and you don't know where your information could end up being used, I would suggest using your free email address.



If worse comes to worse, and your free email address gets inundated with spam, you can always just set up a new one and let the old one expire.



Some of the better free email services are www.hotmail.com, www.gmail.com and www.yahoomail.com.



If you've had your computer for a while and never done any of these things, you should still take these steps to get it set up properly. It will definitely save you a lot of time - and possibly money - as you use your system.

About the Author

John Lenaghan offers easy-to-understand advice at the Computer Help Squad website. Find out more about these 5 steps - sign up for our newsletter and receive your free 5-part guide at http://www.computer-help-squad.com/5steps



Written by: John Lenaghan

< HOMEPAGE

Finance Tips

Here are some useful finance tips to get you started on the right path to your finance success. Knowing how to secure your financial well-being is one of the most important things you'll ever need in life. You don't have to be a genius to do it. You just need to know a few basics, form a plan, and be ready to stick to it. No matter how much or little money you have, the important thing is to educate yourself about your opportunities.



There is no guarantee that you'll make money from investments you make. But if you get the facts about saving and investing and follow through with an intelligent plan, you should be able to gain financial security over the years and enjoy the benefits of managing your money.



No one is born knowing how to save or to invest. Every successful investor starts with the basics. A few people may stumble into financial security - a wealthy relative may die, or a business may take off. For most people however, the only way to attain financial security is to save and invest over a long period of time. Time after time, people of even modest means who begin the journey reach financial security and all that it promises: buying a home, educational opportunities for their children, and a comfortable retirement. If they can do it, so can you.



Your "savings" are usually put into the safest places or products that allow you access to your money at any time such as a savings accounts. But there's a price to pay for security and ready availability. Your money earns less interest as it works for you.



Most smart investors put enough money in a savings product to cover an emergency, like sudden unemployment. Some make sure they have up to six months of their income in savings so that they know it will absolutely be there for them when they need it.



But how "safe" is a savings account if you leave all your money there for a long time, and the interest it earns doesn't keep up with inflation? Let's say you save a pound when it can buy a loaf of bread. But years later when you withdraw that pound plus the interest you earned, it might only be able to buy half a loaf. That is why many people put some of their money in savings, but look to investing so they can earn more over long periods of time, say three years or longer.



You may prefer to invest your money in order to achieve a higher return compared to savings but you should be aware that when you "invest," you have a greater chance of losing your money than when you "save." You could lose your "principal," which is the amount you've invested. That's true even if you purchase your investments through a bank. But when you invest, you also have the opportunity to earn more money than when you save.



All investments involve taking on risk. It's important that you go into any investment in stocks, bonds or mutual funds with a full understanding that you could lose some or all of your money in any one investment.

10 Tips to Improve Your Shopping Cart

Whether you call it a shopping cart, a basket or a bag, the process of completing a purchase on your site has to be as simple and pleasant as you can make it. And you MUST offer the assurances your customers need to reduce their security concerns.



1. Let customers know where they are in the process. Number the steps in the checkout process, and clearly label the task for every step. Allow shoppers to review what they did in previous steps and return to the current step if they do go back.



2. Include a link to the product detail page. Shoppers may want to make sure they selected the right item before they

complete their purchase. They shouldn’t have to navigate using their “BACK” button.



3. Add pictures in the shopping cart.

Including a thumbnail image of the product within the shopping cart has been shown to increase the conversion rate by as much as 10 percent.



4. Make the next step obvious.

Include prominent "Next Step" buttons on every checkout page. Be sure that the button you want shoppers to click on is the most obvious item on the page.



5. Make changes easy.

It should be simple for shoppers to change the quantity or delete items from their shopping cart.



6. Keep it friendly.

If information is missing or incorrect, provide an error message that helps the shopper understand the problem and how to correct it. But never blame him for making a mistake.



7. Reassure your customers.

Shoppers’ concerns increase during the checkout process. If they have a problem with the checkout or feel uncomfortable

using their credit card online, display your toll-free phone number so they can still complete their purchase. Link to

warranties, shipping costs, and return policies.



A clear summary of your privacy practices also reassures shoppers. Nobody reads or understands those endless legal policies, so if you need a legal document, link to it from the summary.



8. Don’t ask for information that’s not necessary. Make the checkout process as brief as possible. If you do request

non-essential information make sure that required fields are clearly marked and placed at the top of the page.



9. Include third-party reinforcement.

Truste, Verisign, Better Business Bureau and credit card logos help customers feel more secure, as do “real” testimonials.



10. Use an exit survey.

If a shopper abandons the checkout process, offer an incentive to complete an exit survey. She may tell you why

she didn't complete her purchase— very valuable information!

About the Author

Barry Harrison is the author of "REDiTIPS"

eMarketing Newsletter and a partner in Resolve Digital,

Web Strategies for the Real World.



Visit his site at http://www.resolvedigital.com or

mailto:barry@resolvedigital.com





Written by: Barry Harrison

10 PROVEN TIPS TO SURVIVE A COMPUTER CRASH

10 PROVEN TIPS TO SURVIVE A COMPUTER CRASH

By Eve Abbott, excerpted from her new book, How to Do Space Age Work with a Stone Age Brain TM



COMPUTER CRASH

Do these words strike fear into you? If not, maybe they should! A computer crash is at best time consuming and expensive, and at worst a genuine business disaster. Here are things you can do now to prevent a crash and/or insure a smooth recovery whether you use your computer at work or for your personal life-or both, like me!



The first rule in minimizing computer disasters is backup. The second rule in easier data recovery is BackUp. The third rule in computer organizing is BACKUP. I am astounded at the number of people (in large and small businesses) who do not back up their work regularly. Without good backups, you risk losing everything if your hard drive goes belly-up.



Start by setting all of your programs to save automatically after 2 minutes. This will protect your work against temporary freeze-ups and unplanned shutdowns.



Second, plug your computer, monitor, and other electronic equipment into a UPS Battery Backup unit to protect it from power surges and outages. A unit like this one will give you 5 minutes to save your work and shut down your computer normally if the power goes out.



Then-BACK UP! (If you're not sure what the best way to back up is, keep reading.)



I bought a brand new Hewlett Packard Pavilion XP system and began to back up weekly. Seven months later, I returned from making a cup of tea to hear my computer going click-click-click loudly. My hard drive had just crashed for no reason at all. As is often the case, I lost everything on it.



I felt confident because I had my data backed up by copying my entire working C-drive onto a CD-but even with backups, and even if your computer is still under warranty, let's get realistic about how much time and money a crash can end up costing you.



It took four days for me to get the special shipping box HP sent me to return the computer. They replaced the hard drive, and it was returned within 10 business days at no charge for repair and shipping. This still adds up to three weeks without my computer.



First, I rented a laptop and spent hours installing the programs I normally use. Laptop rental cost me $250.00 for one month, with a $500 refundable deposit. I could have rented a desktop system for a little less per month, but I would have had to wait a week to get the computer. It was great to have the laptop to use until my repaired computer arrived. But, I had to go through the same restoration process again when it was returned with a new hard drive. More time lost and more frustration, too.



Second, I spent hours importing my data from backup CDs. I still lost almost a week's worth of data (Quicken entries, Word documents, calendar and contact information) because that's how long I go between backups.



Third, I spent hours recreating the custom settings on my software. Fourth, I had to install some smaller programs that I'd forgotten I would need.



THE DAMAGE:

Sometimes data can be recovered from a dead drive, depending on what has caused the crash. Professional data recovery services charge from $500 to $1500 to get your data back, and you have to pay whether or not they recover anything.



You can find more information about data recovery services at http://www.drlabs.com/pricing.html and http://www.dtidata.com/data_recovery.asp.



I paid $1,000.00 in computer consultant fees to get the laptop set up, and my computer taken apart and set up again to get it running A-OK. That's apart from data recovery costs, which my backups saved me from having to pay.



The grand total: $1,250.00 and 7 days in lost time.

Pretty expensive considering that I had all my current data backed up onto CDs.



BACKUP OPTIONS



There are many ways to back up information. Diskette, CD, Zip drive, External hard drive and Web (on-line). I will not discuss tape drive backups simply because tape media is unreliable and awkward compared to newer technologies. If you have more than one computer, you can back up from one to another via network drives-but that only protects you in the event that disaster strikes one machine at a time.



There are four questions you need to ask yourself regarding your back-ups:



1) How critical is your data? (My business and life are on my hard drive = critical)

2) Do you add or process high volumes of information?

3) In what time frame do you add enough to make it a real loss? (day, week, per project)

4) Do you work with very large files of any type?

The more information you process or add to your computer hard drive, the more often you need to back up. For high volume or crucial files you need to backup daily.



Diskette:

There is the small file backup onto diskette. For example, you just entered a lot of Quicken data and you don't want to take a chance on losing it but you don't want to do a full back up, or you have a single Word file, just pop it on a diskette. Remember to label any and all backup media with contents and date.



ZIP drives and disks:

ZIP drives and disks can work well for back ups of larger projects. I had a client who was an author and she kept one ZIP disk for each of her books, which contained every file related to the book - not just the text. If you are satisfied using a ZIP drive and disks for your data storage - don't change to another media. Note: many more people have CDs than zips, so if you need to share data you may need to switch to CDs.



CD:

In the same way you archive paper every year after taxes (along with a backup of your accounting program and data), consider backing up entire projects onto CD when you're finished. This keeps the data available and safe, without cluttering your hard drive. You can file a project closeout CD with the matching archived paper files. Or keep a variety of backups in a CD organizer (date labeled) divided up into Projects, Backups and Programs.



The backup CDs I use are 'data only' to safeguard important information in case a problem develops in between system backups. If you are going to archive (e.g., taxes) and may not access the backup for a long time - go with CDs. CDs are more stable, and you are less likely to run into trouble with irretrievable data. Always use premium brand-name CDs (or other media). Discount media is more likely to fail.



Disk 'Cloning':

For $70 or less, you can back up your entire drive (operating system, programs and data) using "disk cloning" software (Norton Ghost, Paragon Drive Backup, or PowerQuest Drive Image. You can store this "image" of your drive on removable media like CDs and ZIP disks, on tape, or on an external hard drive.



You'll still have to spend a lot of time doing the backups and most people will end up with a set of at least 10 CDs for each backup, since the copy of your drive will take up about 50% of the storage space as your drive itself. (That's not the size of your whole drive, just the part you have filled up.)



You can get more information about disk cloning software at:

http://www.powerquest.com/driveimage/

http://www.symantec.com/sabu/ghost/ghost_personal/

http://www.acronis.com/products/trueimage/

http://www.drive-backup.com/



Web:

There are on-line services (e.g., www.connected.com) which will automatically back up your computer (either totally or just the changed files). This backup and restore option is limited only by the speed of your connection to the internet. Some people leave their computer on all night to do the backups. The reverse process will be more complicated, because you cannot restore directly from the web. Many information technology and graphics professionals use web services because of the massive files they process each day.



Your backup files are stored on their server. This is good because it is off-site in case of disaster recovery. Unfortunately, your data is only as secure as the server it is on. I don't use this option, because I don't think there is any function on the internet that is as secure as doing it myself and keeping control over all the data at all times. If you don't use massive files, you don't need it.



External Hard Drive (XHD):

I chose this option after my crash disaster because I can recreate my entire system without the wasted time of restoring my operating system and settings, downloading programs and data from backups, and resetting application customizations, etc.



An external hard drive ($200) with 'disk cloning' software lets you put your entire drive onto your backups. If you don't use the ghosting software you can only put programs, and data backups onto the external hard drive, not the operating system itself. The ghosting software will enable you to make a 'boot disk' just for restoring from the external hard drive to your main computer.



This option will allow you to completely restore your computer, if necessary (with no hard drive damage). Or, install a new hard drive on your computer and then restore immediately.



Just plug the external hard drive into the computer and start the backup, which verifies the data. Then, you unplug the external hard drive. This takes about fifteen minutes total for my backups. After backing up, I store the XHD in the trunk of my car (in a laptop case for protection). Even if the house burns down I still have my entire computer capability just outside in my car.



First, put an XHD ghost of just your operating system and programs with all the custom settings. Second, do a ghost of your entire system (operating system, programs and data). Third, do regular working drive data backups. Make sure any programs you ever use are in the second XHD backup, and/or in your working hard drive for your 'regular maintenance' backups.



I can get a new computer, copy everything I need and get to work. One possible downside to this; if you have to 'recover' on a new computer with a new system (different configuration and drivers), you will have trouble using the restored system until you reload the correct drivers and eliminate the 'old' ones.



Backup, BackUp, BACKUP!

So, how can you combine these different backup choices to work in your particular situation?

Take the simplest method that will safeguard your information. If all you need is a diskette file box for backups - great!



I use the XHD once a week for a programs and data backup. In between I use diskettes or CDs, depending on the size of the files and how long I want to maintain them. There is enough room on my XHD to put 4 total system-program-data backups of my entire XP system into it. Once, you've done an operating system backup, unless you change your configurations or programs, you don't need to do it again. For regular maintenance, do your working 'data' drive.



If you do nothing, you are guaranteed to have a disaster sooner or later. Choose what works best for you and set a reminder to BACKUP as often as you need to stay sane when it does happen.



For more time saving tips go to http://www.organize.com

Copyright 2005 Eve Abbott. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Copyright, Eve Abbott All Rights Reserved. The Organizer Extraordinaire's new book "How to Do Space Age Work with a Stone Age Brain" TM is available online at http://www.organize.com Sign up for more time-saving tips. Enjoy free brain quizzes to help you work at your personal best! Eve’s guide is the first book to offer easy, online assessments that will help you make your own personal organizing solutions match your individual work style.



Written by: Eve Abbott, the Organizer Extraordinaire

20 Tips to cheaper car insurance.

Car insurance premiums rise year after year,Although your car insurance premium largely depends on your Car, Age and discount there are a few steps you can take to help stop the rise or even reduce your premium.

1. Buy from the internet.

Most companies offer a discount for online applications as this is automated process and costs them a lot less to process your application, you can usually see discounts of 5%-10%.Click here to get a instant online insurance quote

2. Shop around.

All insurance companies use different formulas to calculate your insurance premium by adding or detracting money after each question the ask you.By shopping around you could find big savings on your insurance premium.

3. Buy extra products.

Most insurance companies also do other insurance products ie"Building's and content's insurance".Most insurance companies will give extra discounts for purchasing more than one product,by doing this you could save a fair amount on all your insurance premiums.

4. Pay your insurance premium in one go.

By paying your insurance premium in full you can avoid paying costly interest charges that would be added if you paid your insurance premium by instalments.Some insurance companies may charge as much as 15% APR on instalments.You may even receive a discount for paying in full.If you can not afford to pay in full check out what rate a small loan would be you may still save some money.Fill out a online loan application

5. Increase your voluntary excess.

Your excess is the amount paid by you in the event of a claim,by increasing this your insurance company should reduce your premium.

6. Lower your annual mileage.

Lowering your annual mileage can reduce your premium,most insurance companies will quote you for around 12,000 miles a year.Try and work out how many mile's you will do if it's likely to be less you may get a discount.Be honest about this as your insurance company may ask to see old MOT'S and service history to verify your mileage in the event of a accident.

7. Have a Alarm,Immobiliser or Tracker fitted.

Theft of and from your vehicle play a major role in the calculation of your insurance premium.Having a alarm or immobiliser fitted will give you a small discount to your premium and having a tracker fitted could make you quite a saving.

8. Take the advanced driving test.

Passing your advanced driving test will show your insurance company that you have extra skill when driving and are less likely to be involved in a accident.

9. Don't inflate the value of your car.

Adding extra value to your car when you apply for your insurance quote will do nothing for you apart from increase you premium.In the event your car is stolen or written off you will only be paid the market value of your car at the time of your accident.

10.Look after your credit rating.

Insurance companies are now looking at your credit score as part of the calculation for your insurance premium.Maintaining a good credit rating could avoid unnecessary additions to your premium.

11. Insure your car Third Party Only.

Third party only is the minimum cover you are required to have by law it's also the cheapest.If your vehicle is of a low value then you could consider this type of cover.You need to remember that with this type of cover if you was to have a accident that any damage to your vehicle would not be covered for repair.

12. Keep a clean licence

Insurance companies take driving convictions very seriously and can dramatically increase your car insurance premium,by maintaining a clean licence proves to the insurance you are a safe and careful driver.

13. Remove any unnecessary drivers.

If you have a young driver on your insurance policy that no longer use's the vehicle you should remove them as this will reduce your premium.

14. Young driver's add a older driver.

Some insurance companies will reduce young drivers premiums if they have a older named driver on the insurance.

15. Build up your no-claims discount

One of the biggest factors affecting your car insurance premium is the number of years no-claim's discount.You could receive up to 75% discount for around 5 years of no claims.The more years you can stay claim free the safer driver your insurance company will see you as.

16. Protect your no-claims discount.

Although this will increase your insurance premium if you have a lot of years of no-claims you may want to protect this as a small claim may increase your premium by up to 75%.

17. Buy a lower insurance group car.

A very important factor to your insurance premium is what car you drive.Most insurance companies adopt the Association Of British Insurance Group Rating.This rates vehicle's from 1 - 20 generally speaking the higher the group the higher the premium.By buying a car with a lower group rating can lower your premium especially for young or inexperienced drivers.

18. Join a car club.

If your vehicle is a classic or specialist consider joining a club related to your car most clubs offer insurance schemes which have very good premium rates.

19. Put your spouse as a named driver.

Some insurance companies offer discounts when you add a spouse as a named driver as opposed to unmarried couples,they see marriage as a sign of stability and associate stability with safe driving and there for give you a discount.

20. Take pass plus.

If you are a new driver consider taking your pass plus.some insurance companies could give you as much as a 25% discount and when you have just passed your test and have no no-claims this could make a considerable saving.

About the Author

Article by www.thevirtualgarage.co.uk The free autotrader uk alternative



Written by: Kev Higgins

11 Tips For Traveling With ME/CFS or FM

Traveling long distances with ME/CFS or FM - most of us avoid it at all costs! It's just too much for our bodies to handle!

I had the very same opinion because I was (and still am) largely housebound due to Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome (also known as ME/CFS). But as a result, I had forfeited seeing my beloved family (who live abroad) for four long years. So recently, I decided to 'bite the bullet' and go. Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome or not.

I had a lovely time there, but the voyage there and back raised quite a few issues for me as a sufferer of Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome.

When it comes to ME/CFS no one sufferer has the same experience as the next. For a start, you may suffer from this condition less or more severely than I do. You probably also experience a different mix of symptoms. But there are a few things you can bear in mind if you do plan on making a long trip:

1) Rest adequately beforehand.

This might mean not exerting yourself mentally or physically for a number of days or even weeks beforehand - easier said than done, I know. But bear in mind that resting is a BIG priority PRE-trip.

2) Plan your trip.

Leave LOTS of time in-between train, bus or plane times so that you don't have to rush. **Over-estimate** the amount of time it will take you. That way, if you get there early you can just sit and rest instead of rushing and stressing, which will only make you feel more weak and ill.

3) Get help.

If you're making a long trip then it's advisable that you ask someone (like a relative or friend) to accompany you there and back. Ideally this would be someone who understands your condition and how it affects you. If you have trouble walking (or if this wears you out too much usually) then consider asking someone from the train or plane company to meet you with a wheelchair. Most large commercial companies seem to offer this service, but you usually have to tell them in advance. You might also consider using a walking stick. Anything to help you get there in one piece, right?

4) Don't rush.

Pack slowly. Don't leave it until the last minute! I had an open suitcase in my bedroom in which I put things as I thought of them. I also made a check list for the morning of the trip, so that I didn't forget the things that I needed to pack after using them that morning (like toothbrush, toothpaste, tablets etc).

5) Pack light!

If you're going on a short trip, then maybe you can get away with not packing any luggage at all?

----- SIDE NOTE ----- If you're traveling to a different time zone, consider taking some ear plugs and a light-blocking sleep mask with you, just in case you need to sleep during the day. ----- SIDE NOTE -----

6) Don't forget to pack your medicines, vitamins, and supplements!

Don't make the mistake of not packing enough. Count out how many tablets you'll need just to make sure.

7) Warn the people you're going to be staying with about your needs.

This may be your family, friends or the hotel manager. Let them know about your sleeping habits and your dietary needs. Is there anything you *can't* eat or drink? Caffeine or dairy, for example? Should they get some special food or drink in like say, soya milk?

8) Bring a book on ME/CFS with you just in case the people you stay with are interested in your condition.

If you have ME/CFS then I really recommend Lynn Michell's book 'Shattered', because it really explains what it's like to live with the condition. AND it packs a punch - just in case you face any skepticism while you're there! No need to start explaining yourself - just hand them the book. ;)

---------- SIDE NOTE ----------

To read a complete review about Lynn Michell's book, visit:

http://www.sleepydust.net/CHRONIC-FATIGUE-SYNDROME-AND-TREATMENT-book-LM-shattered.html

---------- SIDE NOTE ----------

9) Sensory overload.

When you suffer from ME/CFS, visual and aural stimuli can be too overwhelming for your brain to process adequately. This is especially true when you're traveling...

... the noise of the train, bus or plane, the chatting people, the fast moving countryside outside, the throng of other travelers...

All of this can play havoc with your brain and can end up making you feel even *more* exhausted, and your brain even *more* foggy!

There's not much you can do about this. But say you're on a train for example - if the fast moving countryside is making you feel dizzy, then try to avoid looking out the window. Close your eyes if you have to, or wear a sleep mask. If you find that you're getting dizzy and tired when you're in a busy corridor full of commuters in the subway for example, stop and face the wall for a few seconds to regroup and regain your clarity and balance.

10) Wear some magnetic insoles.

I had made it a point to see my Nutritionist/ Kinesiologist before I left for my trip abroad. She tested me with all the supplements I took daily, and found that the 'Pure Synergy' superfood powder really raised my vital force (see point 11 below).

But perhaps even more astounding was the magnetic insoles she gave me - they raised my vital force so much that at first, it literally felt like I was standing on a power pod! I could even feel a subtle tingling sensation in my legs!

I wore my magnetic insoles on the trip and I have to say that I *did* feel more energized! It's a very subtle feeling and after an hour or so of using them the tingling went away. You may or may not have the same sensations when you first try them - depending on how severe your ME/CFS is and how susceptible you are to external forces. But they're well worth a try. I now make it a point to wear my magnetic insoles whenever I have to venture outside and now that I know how much they help me, I most certainly wouldn't be without them.

---------- SIDE NOTE ----------

You can check out my full review of wearing magnetic insoles here:

http://www.sleepydust.net/ME-CFS.html#magnetic

---------- SIDE NOTE ----------

11) Perhaps most importantly, pack some nourishing food and supplements specifically for your voyage.

It's important to eat small amounts regularly especially when you travel. It's not a good idea to eat sugary foods or anything containing caffeine (including coffee, tea, sweets or chocolate) because although that may pep you up for the first few minutes, they are likely to make you feel a lot worse in the long term.

I took a few of Dr Gillian McKeith's 'Living Food Energy Bars' with me - I always keep a spare one in my handbag for emergencies anyway. Nuts are also a great idea when you're traveling (if you're not allergic to them that is).

I also took some of that amazing 'Pure Synergy' superfood powder, and mixed it in with some cooled herbal tea in a small bottle. No sugar. No caffeine.

It was my energy pep-up drink - and I swigged it all the way back on my voyage. It did the trick.

---------- SIDE NOTE ----------

You can read my in-depth review of Pure Synergy here:

http://www.sleepydust.net/ME-CFS.html#pure

---------- SIDE NOTE ----------

So there you go - eleven things that will help to make any long trip less stressful and exhausting. Bon voyage!

Copyright, Claire Williams, 2003-2005. All Rights Reserved.

-------

** Publication Guidelines **

The article above may be freely reproduced provided that:

(1) you only mail to a 100% opt-in list; (2) ALL links are LIVE hyperlinks (3) the article is published in its entirety including the title, copyright notice, & the author's bio & resource box (which must be placed directly below the article).

-----

Claire Williams is editor of sleepydust.net and has suffered from Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome since 1995.

She created sleepydust.net to help ME / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia sufferers deal with their condition - from handling their money worries, to recovering from their illness...

About the Author

Claire Williams is editor of sleepydust.net and has suffered from Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome since 1995.

She created sleepydust.net to help ME / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia sufferers deal with their condition - from handling their money worries, to recovering from their illness...



Written by: Claire Williams

A College Loan Will Finance Your Education!

A college loan has given people all over the United States a chance to further their education, even if they are not making a lot of money. Education loans can be a big help in paying for college. You'll find these loans offer a low interest rate and a generous repayment period. Of course, student loans must be repaid, usually with interest, although some education loans have provisions for cancellation if the borrower performs a program-related service. If you are looking for a loan, be aware that there are many different types of loans. Try to find the student loan that fits you the best. For example, there is a loan called the Federal Stafford Loan. The Federal Stafford Loan is the most widely used loan in the student education loan program. Federal guidelines limit the maximum interest rate to no more than 8.25% and outline repayment terms of up to 10 years. Remember that if you ever need help or are falling behind on payments, consider a consolidate student loan.

Tips on getting a deferment for your College Loan.

If for some reason you are unable to meet your monthly payments, consider a college loan deferment. A deferment is a suspension of payments for special reasons. Usually, those who borrowed their first Stafford Loans after July 1, 1993, are eligible to defer payments if are enrolled in at least half-time at an eligible school, unemployed, in a graduate fellowship program, in a rehabilitation training program for people with disabilities, or suffering economic hardship. A college education is expensive, but with the right student loan you will be attending class without financial worry in no time!

Mike Yeager

Publisher

http://www.a1-loans-4u.com/

Written by: Mike Yeager