Tough On Computer Virus Threats, Easy On You

By: Lisa Carey
AVG Free offers one of the most popular free, dependable security solutions available to home users. It is available for immediate download and installation and provides home users with a high level of virus detection capability.

Grisoft, now known as AVG, has been providing personal computer protection since 1991. AVG employs some of the world’s leading experts in software development, threat detection and prevention and risk analysis in its offices in around the world. Continued research and development is a priority and partnerships are formed with leading universities to provide them with a research and technological edge that has earned them over 70 million active users.

What features does AVG Free offer and what are the restrictions? The free version of antivirus software is only available to home personal computer users. Corporations and businesses will need to purchase any one of AVG’s other products. Specific features of this software are: automatic updates, real-time protection detecting and isolating viruses as files are opened and programs are run; a “virus vault” which holds the virus and keeps it from entering your computer until you can decide what to do with it. This software is intuitive and easy to use. It works in the background protecting your computer from antivirus threats allowing you to still work efficiently on your computer.

With a motto like theirs, “tough on threats, easy on you,” it is obvious this company knows that your home personal computer is an important part of your life. Unfortunately with the added benefits of technology, there are also added risks and threat to using this technology. This antivirus software is designed to protect home pc users from the risks with an effective, efficient and easy to use, shield of protection.

Maximum PC has reports, "It has all the essentials, including a resident memory scanner, an e-mail scanner, and scheduled hard disc scans. But what really amazes us is the frequency of the virus definitions and application updates available from (AVG) GRISOFT."

As part of its international reputation, it this software company has been awarded several industry awards including PC Pro's Software of the Year Award in 2007 and PC Authority's Highly Commended Award Best Software Award.

If the free version of AVG Antivirus is not enough protection, you may want to consider one of their other two free personal computer security products. AVG also offers Anti-Spyware Free and Root Kit Free for immediate download and protection. Their Internet Security software service is available for $54.99 for a one year subscription, and includes antivirus, antispyware, anti root kit protections, protects against phishing, firewalls, email and chat protection as well as web shields against fraudulent or malicious websites.

Free web support is available once you have downloaded any free AVG software. Resources available include online documentation, FAQ, and Forum postings and discussions.

With over 70 million active users, you can feel more secure using AVG Free and other AVG products to protect personal home computer from threats. With free downloads of antivirus, spyware and root-kit protection as well award winning service and technical support, you may wish to look closer at this up and coming antivirus software company for personal computer security that is easy to use and best of all to many, free.

How To Convert Psd Files To Valid Coded Layouts

By: Daniel Millions

Photoshop is one of the leading graphics editing software packages, so it's no wonder that it is being used for complex web design projects. The creation of Adobe ImageReady has also made the process increasingly easier for web designers to design and slice a layout into a valid coded layout. But what exactly is required to take a Photoshop image and turn it into the next best thing in coded layouts?

Options in PSD to HTML Operations

In general there are three options when coding a layout from Photoshop: outsourcing the work, slicing it in Adobe ImageReady, and then simply coding from sight.

Outsourcing a PSD to HTML job can be expensive, but it gets the job done. Most companies promise a turnaround time of a couple of days, which is about what it would take the average computer user to do so. Companies that perform PSD to HTML jobs also offer browser compatibility, resolution compatibility, and XHTML valid layouts: something the average web designer doesn't always know how to do.

Slicing the layout in ImageReady is another option for web designers. This is generally seen as the easiest way to go about coding a layout by one's self. ImageReady allows designers to output sliced portions of PSD files into tables or CSS elements depending on the settings. The code and CSS is then output for the web designer to tweak and optimize. Do not expect ImageReady to create a perfectly sliced and optimized layout there is almost always extended work even after the resulting slice.

Next, we have the option of simply coding by sight. This involves looking at the PSD file in Photoshop as a source, and then coding the CSS and HTML from scratch. This method gives more options and flexibility in coding, and also allows for much more optimization. This method almost always takes longer than the other two methods, and is generally only preferred by professionals who know what they are doing.

PSD To WordPress and Joomla Operations

If you are creating a layout for WordPress or Joomla, then there is much more work to be done. If you are new to the WordPress or Joomla scene, it his highly recommended that this work be outsourced.

WordPress and Joomla layouts often require specific knowledge of the content management system, and even demands knowledge of PHP code in many areas. Because of this, most beginning web designers steer clear of WordPress and Joomla layouts, and instead outsource the work to web design companies.

WordPress and Joomla layouts tend to cost more, on average, to produce sine there is so much more work involved in the coding process. Be prepared to pay as much as twice the price for a normal CSS or HTML layout.

Final Thoughts on The PSD to HTML Process

Web designers have several options in designing and coding layouts via Photoshop. Learning to do so can make web designers a pretty penny but even outsourcing coding services can wind up making web designers a nice profit on their designs.

Keep in mind that WordPress and Joomla templates can usually be sold for higher prices, but they cost more time or money to create. In the end a web designer should weigh the benefits and shortcomings of outsourcing the work, while keeping profits and costs in mind.

Ausra Solar Heat And Power Information

By: Christopher Smith

With the price of a barrel of oil hitting all time highs, and no relief at the gas pump in sight, its no surprise that alternative energy is quickly becoming a popular topic. One of the more popular sources of alternative energy is the sun. By harnessing the power of the sun’s rays, we may be able to do without oil. While solar power solutions have been around for decades, its only in the last few years that homeowners have started to take a serious look at using solar power to heat their homes, and as a source of clean electricity.

It's difficult to stand out in the competitive solar energy market, but Ausra, an Australian-American company, seems to be successful at setting itself apart from the competition.

The California-based Ausra got its name from an ancient Indo-European goddess of the dawn. It is a solar thermal technology company that produces electricity from sunlight with fewer issues compared to the traditional methods, and could even lower the expenses of generating utility-scale power.

In order to generate electricity, solar thermal power plants harness heat from the sun. Ausra utilizes quite inexpensive 40-foot-long flat plate mirrors known as Fresnel reflectors to focus the sun's rays directly on the water pipes and thus boiling the water to run the steam turbines, which will then generate electricity.

Generally, most solar power plants use structures with curved mirrors to focus sunlight onto tubes of oil. The heat from the oil is used to make steam, and then drive the turbine, which generates electricity.

Ausra Solar Heat and Power uses a system that can reduce the cost of electricity that is powered by solar energy, and that can compete with traditionally generated electricity. Its Fresnel lens reflectors are different from the curved mirrors of the conventional trough design, as the Fresnel lens appears to be flat.

Rather than first heating the oil to generate heat, Ausra heats water directly in order to generate steam. However, the system can be less effective at converting solar energy into electricity compared to the trough systems.

Ausra was founded by David Mills in 2002 as Solar Heat and Power in Australia. Mills started the technology at Sydney University in the early 1990's with Graham Morrison, who helped him develop it from 1995 until the year 2001.

In 2004, Ausra Solar Heat and Power then built a one-megawatt pilot project for the Macquarie Generation in New South Wales. The company then moved to the United States in February and is expecting to finish a second 38-megawatt capacity power plant in 2009. Another of the company's projects involved a 180-megawatt power plant in the United States and a 6.5-megawatt power plant in Portugal, which has begun its construction.

Given the importance of securing our future, solar power as a heat and energy source is fast becoming a popular option for many homeowners. While the price is still high, it will pay for itself before long. No more waging wars for oil in other countries. No more paying high rates to heat your home. Instead, solar power may be the option that we've been waiting for.

What Is CCTV?

By: Nahshon Roberts

CCTV stands for closed circuit television. It is a system where the circuit is closed and all the elements are linked. This is different from broadcast T.V. where tuners pick up the signals from the airwaves. For purposes of this article, linked means connected by wiring, microwave, infrared, etc.

What's It Used For?

The most obvious and common use for CCTV is for security. This type of installation is used in a variety of locations such as stores, banks, and government buildings. However, there are so many other uses. It can be used for monitoring traffic. It is used in sports stadiums to focus on the audience. It can be hidden in trains and buses to detect vandalism. It can be used to monitor animals in a zoo. It can even be used to reproduce infrared vision. The applications are almost limitless.

What's In It?

It all starts with the camera. This creates the picture that is transmitted to the control area. Most CCTV cameras are not fitted with lenses. They must be obtained separately and screwed on. There is a standard screw thread although there are different mounts. Not all lenses have focus adjustment. Most have iris adjustment. Some wide angle lenses do not have a focus ring. There is a BNC jack for connecting the video cable. In the case of line powered cameras, this coaxial cable also provides power. The monitor is what receives the signal that the camera creates. A CCTV monitor is similar to a television set but it does not have tuning circuits.

Simple CCTV systems consist of a camera connected to a monitor with coaxial cable. This cable also carries the power needed for the camera. This is called a line powered camera. The Pye Observation System was such a system and was popular during the early days of CCTV. It was affordable and could be set up with a minimum of difficulty. The next big step in the technology was allowing for four cameras to be connected to the monitor simultaneously. The view could be programmed to cycle through the available cameras or go to a particular camera chosen by the user.

Record For Posterity

Another big advance was when footage could be recorded and stored. The footage would be played back according to the viewing cycle the user chose. Once the footage is recorded, it cannot be changed to go to a different camera. The next step would be cameras that were able move and swivel. Simple platforms that move on a horizontal plane are called scanners. If a platform moves on both vertical and horizontal units it is called a pan, tilt unit.

The concept of CCTV is simple enough to understand. It is the application of such technology that still holds many undiscovered gems. Such a simple concept can be tapped for its limitless potential. And for the end user, it can serve as a great tool to accomplish many different things. In the end, that is the most important thing.

Understanding CCTV

By: Nahshon Roberts

CCTV stands for closed circuit television. It is a surveillance technology used for monitoring locations and activities. CCTV systems usually have a dedicated link between cameras and monitors. The use of such systems has grown and become more prevalent in recent times. Tremendous amounts are being invested in CCTV as a leading tool in the fight against crime and terror.

Home Security

This growth is destined to extend into the homes of private citizens. In a time of growing domestic violence, the installation of CCTV can be a big help. The collection of videotape evidence greatly helps any court case. The technology is also used in hospitals for keeping tabs on health professionals who are suspected of abusing their patients.

That is the great thing about CCTV. Its capabilities are constantly being extended. Though their main purpose is to detect and prevent crime, CCTV systems have now been pressed into service to monitor littering, traffic violations, and loitering. Even underage smoking and drinking have sometimes become the focus of some CCTV systems. Other innovations are also being discovered. CCTV systems can help in the observation of body language. This in turn can yield information about drug or alcohol usage in a subject. One can say that CCTV is an invaluable tool in keeping the public order.

That is probably why it is becoming an integral part of public policy as well. Law enforcement personnel as well as politicians are endorsing it as a cost-effective way to enhance security methods. Its impact on the law enforcement is greater than that of any other technology initiative in recent years.

CCTV also has great public acceptance. There may be some people who oppose it but the general public seems to agree that the technology makes them feel safer. It has become a symbol of security and feeling better about the world at large. Critics of CCTV are often seen as rabid radicals.

Technology Behind The Lens

A modern CCTV system consists of cameras with pan, tilt and zoom capabilities. These cameras are operated remotely from a central control room. A lot of other sophisticated technologies are integrated into these systems. These include night vision, computer assisted operations, motion detection and even face recognition. The camera casings are also usually bullet-proof and have automated defense mechanisms in case of someone trying to damage them.

The clarity of the images recorded by CCTV is often excellent. That is why CCTV footage is very valuable in a court case. These systems can spot a deck of cards from a hundred meters away. Most of these systems can work in very low light conditions and bring the images up to daylight level.

CCTV is not magic. It is merely the application of several technologies for a specific purpose. Generally that purpose is to enhance security for a particular area. Being so cost-effective, it is not a wonder that its acceptance level is very high among members of the general public. And one can only expect that acceptance to grow as time passes by.

Beginning Photography Tips, A Few Basic Tips For Taking Digital Photography

By: Mick Legg

My first tip for taking digital photography for anyone whether they are beginning, or have some degree of experience is “don’t be frightened of your camera”. Get used to handling your camera so that you feel comfortable with it. Make sure you know where all the controls are, and familiarise yourself with their functions. This is one of the basic beginning photography tips that often gets overlooked as it is such an obvious one.

Once you are comfortable handling your digital camera and have learnt how to use all the controls and functions, my next tip for taking digital photography is to take lots and lots of pictures. The beauty of digital photography is that you do not need to keep every picture that you take. You are not paying for a long processing sequence like you would be if you were using a camera that uses rolls of film, so you can be a lot more extravagant when it comes to taking pictures. Plus you may just take a prize winning photo purely by chance, and any photos you don’t want you can simply delete.

Another of the basic beginning photography tips that people often forget is to hold the camera steady. Again this may sound pretty obvious but it’s surprising just how many of us forget this simple little tip when we rush to get a good photo. It is important to actually practice holding the camera so that you automatically steady it for every picture that you take. How often have you seen the chance of a great picture only to rush it and ruin the shot? It’s far better to get one or two great pictures than dozens of blurred or poor quality ones.

My next tip is to always make sure that you have enough memory capacity on your digital camera. There is nothing worse than coming across something that would make a great picture only to find that you have no more room on your camera. Get into the habit of going through the photos stored on your camera on a regular basis, and deleting the ones you don’t want, and downloading and storing the ones you do want onto your computer, or have them printed off. Also buy a second card for your camera so that you always have a spare one with you just in case you need it.

Once you have got this far you should have loads of photos that you have taken, now is the time to study these and see if there is room for improvement. Maybe some of them are still coming out slightly blurred, so you will need to pay attention to your focusing. Remember that a digital camera has a tendency to take a little longer to focus when compared to a camera that uses roll film.

Maybe you are not happy with the lighting on some of your pictures, so try practising using the flash. The flash on a camera is not only designed to be used when taking photos indoors, it is also great for getting good sharp pictures outside as well, especially if the subject is in shade or if the natural light is low, like in the late evening.

I suppose that one of the most important beginning photography tips that I can give you is to “get out there and have some fun with your camera”. Take loads of photos and practice as you go. Use your camera as often and as much as you can. My last little tip would to be to get hold of a good book on digital photography, this way you will get all the tips for taking digital photography and learn all the usual mistakes to avoid right from the start.

Beginning Photography Tips, Buying A Digital Camera

By: Mick Legg

The different variety of cameras that are in use these days, range from the normal manual camera, to the automatic camera and to the digital camera. And the best place to find all of these is in the range of Canon digital camera models which are available on the market today. .

Canon is constantly updating its products and you have a wide range of styles and features available when you go in for a Canon digital camera. These features can be found in many different digital cameras like that of the Canon Digital SD550, the Canon Digital PowerShot S2, and others of its ilk.

The features to be found on the different canon digital cameras can range from a larger than average LCD display, to stereo sound recording, to low image noise resolution and others. To see what the various features are for the different camera models you might have to compare them as you go when you shop around.

For instance you will find that the Canon digital camera PowerShot S2 has a 5 Mega pixel CCD, and a new Night Display which allows your LCD and EVH to become brighter in low light. You will also find movie options in this Canon digital camera like mic level, and a wind filter which you will not find on the earlier models.

With the Canon digital camera SD500 features like a continuous shooting mode can be found, as well as a redeye reduction option which has been designed into the camera via a built-in illuminator. This Canon digital camera also has a 1.8 low temperature LCD, a Flash Exposure Lock function to help you in your photography.

Some of the features to be found in these more expensive Canon digital cameras can also be found in the less expensive digital compact cameras. This diversity in features and models is also reflected in the price of the many Canon Digital cameras as they can start from about $100 and go upwards.

The actual price of the cameras should be looked into at the time you are thinking of buying your camera, as the prices will be subject to fluctuation and advances in technology.

When you’re looking at the range of Canon digital cameras besides finding out what are the various functions and features you might also want to find out what accessories are part of the camera, and which ones you’ll have to buy separately.

These accessories for the Canon digital cameras include things like a telephoto lens, a wide angle lens, a battery charger or kit, an A/C power adaptor, external flash, and a carrying case amongst other things.

As you can see from the number of options available to you, buying a camera isn’t what it used to be fifty years ago, there are a number of things that you will want to look into first before buying your camera. But with the Canon digital camera range the world can be at your fingertips as you can choose the perfect camera to suit you.

How To Assemble A Fiber Optic Connector - Fiber Optic Tutorial Series Five

By: Colin Yao

Since there are many different types of fiber connectors have been developed, we will talk about fiber connectors in fairly general terms.

Most popular connectors in use today have some common elements. Let's examine it below.

The most critical part, where the fiber is mounted, is the ferrule. Ferrule is a long, thin cylinder with the fiber mounted in the center hole. The center hole is sized to match fiber's cladding diameter which is usually 125um.

Fiber connector ferrules are made from several types of materials including ceramic(Zirconia), stainless steel and plastic.

The ferrule's job is to center and align the fiber and protects it from mechanical damage.The end of fiber is at the end of the ferrule, where the fiber end is polished smooth either flat or with a curvature.

The ferrule is mounted in the connector body and then the connector body is attached to the fiber optic cable structure. Finally, a strain-relief rubber boot protects the connector-cable juntion.

Unlike most electronic connectors, fiber optic connectors usually do not have the male-female polarity. Most fiber connectors are male only. Instead, fiber connectors mate to each other in fiber adapters, which are often called mating sleeves or coupling receptacles. Fiber optic adapters used to mate different connector types such as a FC connector to a SC connector are called hybrid adapters.

Although this approach requires the use of separate adapters, it otherwise reduces fiber connector inventory requirements since now you need to stock one type of connector only. Another advantage is that fiber adapters can be designed to mate one type of connector to another, which is a big plus compared to electronic connectors.

The fiber's plastic coating is stripped first before the fiber is inserted in the ferrule. The center hole through the ferrule is large enough to fit the fiber cladding (which is usually 125um after fiber coating stripped off) but tight enough to hold the fiber in a fixed position without any further moving.

Standard bore diameters are 126 +1/-0 um for single mode connectors and 127 +2/-0 um for multimode connectors. Because of fiber cladding diameter's variation from manufacturing, some fiber connector manufacturers also supply a range of ferrule bore sizes such as 124um, 125um, 126um and 127um.

Fiber optic epoxy or adhesive is injected into the ferrule hole before the fiber is pushed in to hold the fiber in place. The epoxy or adhesive is then cured with high temperature oven according to adhesive manufacturers' instruction. Finally the fiber end is polished to a smooth face on polishing films.

The ferrule is then slipped inside another hollow cylinder before it is mounted in the connector body. The connector body includes one or more pieces that are assembled to hold the cable and fiber in place. Connector body is made of metal or plastic.

The ferrule end protrudes beyond the connector body so it can slip into the mating sleeves (fiber adapters). A stain-relief rubber boot is finally slipped over the cable end of the connector to protect the cable-connector junction point.

In fiber optic cross connect boxes or fiber patch panels, an array of connector adpaters are mounted inside, ready for you to plug an input fiber cable in one side and an output cable in the other. Fiber connector adapters are also mounted in wall outlets, just like standard phone jack.

How To Tell The Difference Between Small Form-Factor Fiber Connectors

By: Colin Yao

Several types of small form-factor fiber connectors have been developed in recent years to fill the demand for fiber optic devices that can fit into tight spaces and allow denser packing of connections. These connectors include LC, MU, MT-RJ and VF-45, to name a few.

Most of these small form-factor connectors use push-latch locking mechanism just like the standard old SC connector. This mechanism has the advantage of easily adapt to duplex connectors such as duplex LC, duplex MU, etc.

Some of the small form-factor connectors use 1.25mm fiber ferrule while others are based on smaller versions of MT type ferrules. Now let's examine them in more details below.

:: MTRJ connector

MTRJ connector is derived from the MT connector design with a miniature two-fiber ferrule and an overall size about the same as a standard telephone jack (an RJ45 connector). Two pins are used for fiber alignment while the two fibers are between these two pins.

MTRJ connector is used for intrabuilding communication systems such as interior telephone wiring, and can fit into the same slot in a wall plate as the socket for an RJ45 telephone jack. MTRJ connectors are designed as plugs and jacks, like RJ45 telephone connectors.

:: LC connector

LC connector is a combined design with features from both RJ45 telephone connectors and the 2.5mm ferrule SC connectors. Its outside shape resembles a RJ45 telephone jack, while internally it is actually a miniature version of SC, with a 1.25mm ferrule holding the fiber instead of the 2.5mm ferrule as in SC connectors.

There is a connector very similar to LC, which is called LX.5. LX.5 looks very much like a LC connector, but it has a integral end cap that covers the ferrule when it is out of the mating adapter. When plugging it into the adapter, the end cap opens automatically.

:: MU connector

The MU connector is also a miniatured version of SC connector with a 1.25mm ferrule. But unlike LC connector, it has a push-pull snap-in latching mechanism instead the push-latch locking mechanism as in LC connectors.

There are also some other types of small form-factor connectors designed around the 1.25mm ferrules. They are pretty similar but differ in details such as latching mechanism and assembly procedures. Such an example is the Fiber-Jack connector which is built around a 2.5mm ferrule though.

:: VF-45 connector

3M designed its own VF-45 connector. Its special design is to insert the connector into the socket at a 45° angle instead of the straight face-to-face design in all other type of connectors. The 45° angle presses the pair of fibers into V grooves inside the plastic adapter. The pressure and 45° angle holds the fibers in place in the grooves.

The advantage of VF-45 connectors is that it doesn't need expensive ferrules, thus reducing fiber connector costs in a communication system.

:: Duplex connectors

Duplex version of small form-factor connectors are also available. Duplex connector has a pair of fibers and an internal key so they can be mated in only one orientation. This is necessary since most communication systems use separate fibers to carry signals in each direction. Attach the connector the wrong way and you have one transmitter sending signals to the other transmitter.

Defying Trends In Inflation For Consumer Electronics

By: Daniel Millions

Consumer electronics is an industry that has long been associated with inflated prices. The latest and greatest in digital cameras, camcorders, media players, and even spy gear will set anyone back a pretty penny.

But where there is a will, there is a way. And for consumers who aren't partial to pay the inflated costs other consumers do, there is indeed a way.

How To Obtain Affordable Consumer Electronics

Consumer electronics follow one simple trend: a high initials cost, followed by a recession, and ultimately a large drop in price. This trend exists not only because of competitors of electronics manufacturers, but because newer technology in general is, on average, better than what is previously on the market. Therefore, consumers will pay the inflated prices for the newer technology.

Theoretically, we could convince the entire world of consumers that holding off on buying new technology would bring a drop in price faster. But as this is unlikely to ever happen, all that one can usually do is patiently wait for the natural price drops as newer technology is unveiled.

Another alternative, if patience is a virtue that a consumer like you doesn't possess, is to simply buy used or refurbished consumer electronics. Used electronics theoretically have a less lifespan, so they are naturally cheaper. Refurbished electronics were broken at one time, but have been fixed- although a large discount is obtained because consumers are weary of the longevity of once-broken electronics.

Affordable Consumer Electronics via the Internet

Consumer electronics is one industry that has seen great benefit for consumers from the services of the Internet. Since there are thousands of competitors in the digital world, prices tend to be much more competitive than in the physical world.

This is not to say that great deals can't be had at local stores, however. Many of today's retailers have online counterparts- meaning that they already experience the tough competition present over the Internet. Moreover, physical locations tend to have sales and coupon offers that help reduce the price even further.

But what the Internet serves us as, primarily, is a medium to obtain price quotes from hundreds of online retailers at once. Through advanced searching algorithms, services such as Google's product named Froogle can find deals from all across the Internet. This includes both used and new results, so consumers can get the best deal for whatever their needs.

In addition to finding prices, the Internet has also become a staple for a means of finding online coupons. Like in the physical world, online consumer electronics stores tend to have coupon promotions to drag in sales. In the end, it's a matter of who has the lowest price and who has the best coupons- both in offline and online.

Final Thoughts on Affordable Consumer Electronics

Consumer electronics aren't as expensive as time goes on, but having the comforts of new technology can often push consumers to buy the latest electronics for inflated costs. If this is the case, making use of the Internet to find the best consumer electronics coupons and prices would be in the best interest of consumers.

Also do not forget to check the local retailer in your area, whom probably already has an online shop that it must keep in competition with competitor stores. And if all else fails, investing in a refurbished or used option can be a thrifty way to obtain consumer electronics at discount prices.

Hot Consumer Electronics To Keep You Cool

By: Daniel Millions

Today is a world that is vastly in tune to consumer electronics. Some of us of the Baby Boomer generation cannot seem to take in the entire consumer electronics field all that fast and change as quickly with the times.

We had better get ourselves in gear so that we are not left behind in the dust. At least we are going to want to be able to carry on an intelligent conversation with our children about mp3 players, digital cameras, CD players and subwoofers just to name a few on the list.

The technology of consumer electronics products is ever-changing. Don't think that you can buy a personal computer or a laptop one year and expect that these products will serve you for a lifetime. Actually, computers are designed to last about 5 years and then they are termed obsolete.

If something goes wrong with it and you have to send it to the shop to get it fixed, many times the repair price will be so astronomical that is would be better just to junk the whole system and get a new one if that is within your budget.

The computer is probably the biggest ticket item you will have to buy next to a car navigational system. Let's take a look at one of these to see what it's all about. Kenwood makes a DNX7100 navigation receiver that fits smoothly within you dashboard. This piece of electronic equipment will not only provide you with music and movies, but in case you get lost it will provide turn-by-turn directions from Kenwood's onboard navigation system. This electronics system is complete with a DivX compatible DVD players as well as a 6.95 touch screen which will be able to make your movies seem lifelike when you are parked.

You certainly don't have to worry about using the Kenwood KNS7100 as the interface allows you to scroll with ease. It just makes things awfully simple when you are on the go. As far as the navigation system goes, voice guidance includes the names of the streets so that you will be able to keep your eyes on the road. You can also purchase an XM tuner so that you can see what the traffic is doing and get weather updates.

It seems that the sky's the limit when you go to buy a navigational system for your car. You can get them either as simple or as sophisticated as you want. It all depends upon what kind of budget you have to work with.

The next piece of popular consumer electronics products is the mp3 player. You will find that most teenagers and young people simply can't do without their ipod or mp3 player. You can find them often obliviously walking around with earphone stuck in their ears and listening to their favorite song tracts. MP3 players provide convenience and control that no other early music formats could do. Some mp3 players have the capability of storing thousands of songs.

Just how does an mp3 player work? To put it simply, it is nothing more than a data-storage device which has an embedded software application. This allows the user to transfer mp3 files to his or her player. Utilities are also available for copying music from CDs, websites or the radio.

The user can also create custom lists of songs in a specific order that they would like to hear them. This is called a playlist. With the mp3 player, you are able to see the convergence of many technologies. All of these technologies together create a phenomenal consumer electronics product.

Today, there is no going back. We are stuck in the technological age like it or not. If possible, we oldsters should just try to be flexible and go with the flow in this consumer electronics age.