Smart iDirectory

25August2008

Vision Care

Posted by Megan under: Health.

Over one million Americans over the age of 40 face the threat of blindness or are currently blind. Another 2.4 million are visually impaired. These numbers are expected to double in the next 30 years.

22August2008

File Extensions List

Posted by DreamStyler under: Tips & Informations.

List of known file extensions. To quickly find the extension you are looking for, use the ‘Find’ function of your browser (usually selected with ctrl-F).

21August2008

Basic safety tips to protect you and your Cell (Mobile) phone

Posted by admin under: Health; News.

Protect your privacy

• Only give your mobile number out to people you know and can trust.
• Never reply to text messages from people you don’t know.
• Make sure you know how to block others from calling your phone

Respect others

Think about how a text message might be read, before you send it. Just like e-mail, text messages can be taken the wrong way. Think about the message you are sending and use emoticons to convey the meaning of your text, like lol (laughing out loud) and. Sending someone a text that could be taken the wrong way might upset them.

You should never give anyone else’s number out without asking them if it is OK first because you never know what they are going to use it for once they have it. If the person asking is genuine, they will not mind you saying “No” until you have checked it is OK.

You should never take pictures of anyone, with your phone, without their permission. Some people simply do not like having their photograph taken and it is a question of manners to ask permission first. Additionally, once you have an image on your phone you can distribute it and/or upload it to the Internet. Once you do that, it is anybody’s guess where that image might end up!

Use you common sense

Be careful if you meet someone in real life who you only “know” through text messaging. Even though text messaging is often the “next step” after online chatting, that does not mean that it is safer. You still do not really know who you are talking to/texting with and they might not be telling you the truth about themselves. With any face to face meeting, you should tell someone where you are going, take someone with you and arrange to meet in daylight in a public place (like the mall).

Don’t be a target. Wandering around with your phone in plain view can be dangerous. if you are not using it, put it in your pocket or your bag, out of sight and only use it in public when absolutely necessary. Cell phone theft is a common crime and often, the thieves will attack and injure (in some cases, even kill) the owner of a phone. Read More…

Article Source:  www.wiredsafety.org/safety/chat_safety/phone_safety/index.html

20August2008

10-minute guide for online beginners

Posted by admin under: News.

Protect your PC

If you use an Apple Mac, see Protect your Mac.  If you use a Linux or Unix-based computer, see Protect your Linux computer.  In either case, skip to section 6 below (secure your wireless network).

1. Upgrade your operating system

The newest version of any operating system is generally the safest.

• Microsoft Windows Vista is ideal but Windows XP with Service Pack 2 is good.
• Windows 2000 is okay.
• Windows 95, 98, ME or NT should be upgraded.

2. Get a firewall

A firewall protects you against bad hackers, some viruses and some spyware. It can also stop your computer being hijacked and used to infect other machines or send spam emails.

• In Windows XP, switch on Windows Firewall.
• If you use a broadband internet connection, consider getting a router that has a built-in firewall.
• For older operating systems, get a commercial firewall from a reputable company.

For more information see Use a firewall.

3. Use anti-virus software

Anti-virus software continually scans your computer for viruses. It also checks incoming email and web sites for viruses. It is not included in your operating system so you will need to get and install a copy.

Anti-virus companies include Symantec and McAfee.

• Make sure your anti-virus software is automatically updated to identify new threats as they emerge.
• Keep your subscription current. An out-of-date virus scanner is no use at all.
• Don’t open attachments in emails from people you don’t know.

For more information see Install anti-virus software.

4. Stay up-to-date

Because the bad guys discover new ways to attack computers on a regular basis you also need to update your computer’s operating system (the Windows software which makes it work). This helps stop worms attacking your computer but can also deliver other performance and security improvements.

• Go to Microsoft’s Windows Update site and install all the recommended patches.
• Keep anti-virus software and other applications up-to-date.

For more information see Get the latest Windows updates.

5. Prevent spyware

In most cases a firewall and anti-virus software will not prevent spyware. You need additional software to keep it at bay.

• Be careful about programs you download and install. Are you certain that they won’t harbour unwanted extra programs or advertisements?
• Don’t install software from an unknown or untrustworthy source.
• Be careful about which websites you visit. Are they trusted? Are they reputable?
• Get an anti-spyware program and keep it up to date. Products include: Microsoft Anti-spyware, Spyware Blaster, Spy Sweeper, Spybot Search and Destroy and AdAware.

For more information see Stop spyware.

6. Secure your wireless network

If you have a Wi-Fi (wireless) network, check the instructions that came with it and do the following:

• Switch on the built-in WPA or WEP encryption to prevent casual eavesdropping.
• Rename the network (the SSID) and switch off SSID broadcast so people can’t find your network too easily.
• Use MAC filtering to restrict access to trusted computers.

For more information see Secure wireless networks.

7. Filter out unwanted ’spam’ email

There are a number of tactics which can reduce the volume of spam you receive.

• Don’t click on anything in a spam email, even to “unsubscribe.”  If possible, don’t even open it.
• Use a throwaway email address for trivial online registrations.
• Consider using an email client with a built-in spam filter or buying an add-in spam filter program.
• Don’t fall for online hoaxes, check suspicious claims on Hoaxbusters.

For more information see Stop unwanted email.

8. Backups

Make a regular backup of your important data, store it in a different location and check that it is actually backing up the right data by doing a trial restore from time to time.

For more information see Make regular backups.

9. Physical security

• Security mark your computers and other valuables.
• Keep a note of all the serial numbers.
• Think about locks, window locks, alarms and so on to make your home safer.
• Don’t leave discarded computer boxes outside your home – it’s an advert to burglars.
• Use a security lock for laptops.
• Keep laptops in a nondescript but padded bag.

For more information see Don’t let thieves steal your computer.

Protect yourself, your family and your money

Online crime comes in many forms and the entire ‘Protect yourself’ section of this website covers the different threats in more detail.  However, key points are:

1. Avoid identity theft

• Never give anyone your user ID, PIN or password, even if they appear to be a representative of a trusted firm.
• Be particularly wary of emails that appear to come from banks, credit card or other trusted companies asking you to update your security information.
• Always type the web address of trusted websites into the browser yourself. Don’t click on links in emails.
• Don’t enter personal or financial information unless the web address starts with ‘https://’ and there is a small padlock in the frame of the web browser window (see Avoid fake websites).
• Use strong passwords (see Use strong passwords).

2. Avoid fraud

• If an email offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is (see Don’t fall for advance fee fraud and Don’t let conmen trick you).
• Don’t give out personal information unless you initiated the contact and you are sure you know who you’re dealing with (see Protect your privacy).
• Be wary of anything that tries to alter your dial-up internet access (see Avoid premium rate diallers).

3. Buy and sell online safely

• If buying from an online auction, ask the seller questions, check feedback on the seller from other users and consider paying via a reputable escrow service if the value of the sale justifies it (see Use online auctions safely and Shop online safely).

Use a trusted means of payment that will give you some recourse in the event of fraud (see Make payments online safely).

4. Protect your family

• For more information about keeping your children safe online see Protect your children.

Protect your business

For more information about protecting small businesses go straight to section 3 “Protect your business” on the main site.

Article Source:  http://www.getsafeonline.org/nqcontent.cfm?a_id=1179

19August2008

Why kids do what they do

Posted by emahorrin under: Kids and Teens.

Kids in middle school and beyond generally substitute the values of their peers for that of their parents.  They will still relate to their parents but, will be idealizing their peers at the same time.  Thus we have the strongest motivator for kids, peers.  Not only do they want to wear what peers wear, but go where they go, and, of course, do what they do.

Parents, on the other hand, have increasingly become two career families and are alienated from school meetings, relationships with other parents, and, in general, know less about their children’s activities than ever before.  Depending upon the maturity of the parent, they join the ranks of generations of parents throughout time, who are not comfortable talking to their children about “sensitive” issues.  They often deny, to themselves, that their children could possibly smoke, use drugs, have promiscuous sex, etc.  Adding to this, if a parent is emotionally needy, has difficulty maintaining close relationships with adults, they will easily substitute their child for a friend.  This is psychologically very harmful to children.

These children who grow up learning to take care of their parent, emotionally, will tend to be “caretakers” in all of their relationships.  Also, they lacked the parental support needed, so they become needy themselves!

19August2008

Learn about Video Hosting

Posted by admin under: Tips & Informations.

Video Hosting is a big business and sites as YouTube and MySpace are battling to be the best and biggest Video Hosting service on the Internet. As a visitor you have the possibility of discovering anything from a new music video to a video blog, or why not upload your own video? The following article will discuss this interesting topic.

What is Video Hosting?

Video Hosting is a web hosting service which allows its visitors to upload videos on a website/forum. Anyone visiting this webpage can have a look at all the uploaded videos and rate and comment on these, making it a very interactive forum. This is a very current issue and two extremely popular video hosting websites are YouTube and MySpace. Video hosting is perfect if you don’t want to spend any money on web hosting since most video hosts are free to join. Since millions of people visit video hosting sites like Youtube and MySpace on a daily basis it’s a great opportunity to get ones opinion across in a simple manner. These big sites make their money through advertising, enabling free registration for the vistors.

Who uses Video Hosting?

Nowadays it isn’t only private persons who see the benefits of video hosting. You can find evrything from the latest music videos to the Presidential debates at these forums. Every day thousands of videos are added by people all over the world and millions are watching.

Big Industry

As the popularity of Video Hosting grew, so did the big companies desire to be a part of the hype. Business genius Rupert Murdoch bought MySpace for the tidy sum of $580 million dollars and Google acquired YouTube for the colossal amount of 1.65 billion dollars. Good deal or not, it got noticed and the popularity of these forums are steadily increasing.

Social Network

These forums are not only made for single purpose of uploading videos. It’s also a way of creating a social network and express oneself. As a visitor, and member, you can find people sharing the same interest as you and become online friends. When creating your own page “within” the forum you’re able to customize and adjust it after your personality. Background, music, photos and of course videos can all be added. This is the new way of networking and it seems as it’s here to stay.

18August2008

A Guide to Female Hair Loss

Posted by admin under: Health.

Hair loss usually occurs because of hormonal factors. As a consequence, biological events like puberty, pregnancy and menopause that effect female hormone levels can also cause female hair loss. In the case of pregnancy, hair loss is simply a consequence of the stress the body undergoes during labor and should stop approximately 6 months after birth. Discontinuation of taking birth control pills can also cause temporary female hair loss.

These are just a few common myths associated with female hair loss. If you experience excessive hair loss, you should see a licensed dermatologist for a thorough diagnosis and treatment options.

17August2008

Explode Your Consulting Income

Posted by admin under: Business; News.

Who created accounting principles? Who sets and revises accounting standards? What if you don’t follow all the rules, do you go to jail? Is there an accounting police force that investigates and arrests violators? It would seem that there must be some regulatory force to make sure that providers of financial statements conform to the rules. There is, up to a point, and here is how it works:

Mainly, it’s all voluntary and it works pretty well. First, double-entry accounting originated in Italy in the 1400’s, so its been around awhile. Accounting principles have evolved over the years just as have accounting standards. The reason why the system works is that the business community could not function if there was not commonality and consistency in financial statement reporting. It would be chaos, much like if there were no driving rules of the road.

Therefore, in the United States, a body of experts known as the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB pronounced Fasbee) was established in 1973, which superseded another board called the Accounting Principles Board (APB). The FASB members go through a lengthy process of analyzing and reviewing problems in the accounting field that are brought to them. After much thought, they will make a pronouncement as to what they think the new or revised way of approaching the treatment of an accounting issue should be.

They are a non-governmental organization that has private financing. A big supporter of FASB is the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Many Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) belong to this prestigious organization and are obligated to abide by its guidelines and principles of behavior. Other countries no doubt have similar organizations that require high levels of accounting professional conduct.

FASB established an accounting code called “Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” or (GAAP). The assumption is that if a business financial statement is prepared according to GAAP, then the user of that financial statement could rely on or trust the information more readily than if not prepared according to GAAP. Those businesses that deviate from GAAP, and many smaller businesses do, cannot say that their statements are prepared under GAAP; in fact, they should inform the reader that they are not. However, let the buyer beware.

One governmental body that has a policing function is the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC). It is primarily concerned with public companies because their job is to protect investors from unscrupulous acts. Recently, the SEC has gotten into the act of establishing accounting standards. It has its hands full today.

Since most businesses use their financial statements to prepare their required income tax returns, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may audit those tax returns and review the financial statements upon which the tax returns are based. Not following the rules can get you in trouble with this governmental body.

You can see that in many ways compliance to the principles and standards is a mixture of voluntary and regulatory behavior. Currently, there is an effort underway to set international accounting standards due to the inexorable globalization process. This is a massive undertaking that will take years, but it is obviously necessary and inevitable.

by: John Day

15August2008

HOW TO STAY FOCUSSED AND BUILD YOUR BUSINESS

Posted by admin under: Business.

You have a detailed business plan, which showed the overall intent of your company. You presented the business plan to your bank before start-up and they submitted funding in the amount that you both deemed acceptable. The original business plan contained the basis of the procedures that will help you stay focussed while the company grows. Let’s examine some of these processes that you will use to give your business the focus it needs to grow and succeed.

1. A marketing plan. If sales are a part of your operation (and it seems that some form of selling is always a big part of every company), then, you will need to have your sales group focussed on a marketing plan. Short term and longer-term analysis should be a part of this planning and will likely contain an analysis of your competition, market potential and sales projections. Be careful not to fall into the trap of letting “the business take care of itself”, stay focussed at all times and be sure your managers are tuned into this market monitoring regularly, nothing is more defeating to the general manager/owner than to be told by a sales manager…I didn’t see that coming! YIKES!
2. Accounting procedures. If sales are important, then the need to stay focussed on receiving the proceeds from sales is equally important. Accounts payable, expenses and accounts receivable need to have fixed procedures in place to allow money to flow freely through the company coffers. Focussing on these procedures at regular weekly and monthly meetings will put the accounting and marketing groups on the same path. A rift between marketing and accounting is a common bureaucratic occurrence; so don’t be surprised if one point you hear from someone from sales state, “We make the money here, how come I have to live by their rules?” Getting these two operations to stay focussed on a bottom line results oriented approach is a regular part of an owner’s job description.

3. Human resources. If you have ever worked for a manager, who considered his employees as expenses rather than assets, then you will be familiar with the need for managers to stay focussed on human resources within the company. A manager who is fixated on staff reduction regardless of their accomplishments will create an atmosphere of fear. Certainly, no one wants to be grossly over-staffed, but a good owner/manager will focus on keeping adequate employee base numbers, and ensure continuing training, safety programs and top of the line employee benefits. It’s your campground, why not have “happy campers?”
4. Selling your business. This does not mean selling in the true literal sense. It means focusing on being sure your company image is one that is the envy of your competitors and is known in the business world as a first class operation. You can do this by having key managers attending industry conferences. Be clear and tell them that their focus at these seminars is to network, thoroughly gathering as much new information that they can. They should also ’sell’ other attendees on the importance and efficiency of their company in the industry. Upon their return, have follow-up meetings with these managers where they will report in detail on what they have learned. Managers attending conventions and seminars should take opportunities to enjoy themselves, nevertheless, they will be the “face” of your company, it’s wise be sure that they focus on making them business meetings, and not all “playtime.”

If planning, organizing, staffing, direction and control are five major factors in managing a company, staying focussed throughout the process, is paramount!

14August2008

Outside The Box

Posted by enmicorp under: News.

Thinking “outside the box” or as it is sometimes called, “coloring outside the lines” is a popular idea in the business world today. People and organizations are told to think outside the box or color outside the lines as a way to stimulate creativity when they need to solve problems like streamlining production, establishing a new product, or developing a new process. And it’s true that creativity and innovation often arise from unexpected and unconventional thinking.

What does this mean for our industry? Distributors and suppliers should apply themselves to mastering the basics before attempting to break the rules in the name of creativity. Don’t start outside the box. First, establish your ability to think within the box. Master the rules before you suggest breaking them. For example, before a distributorship presents a wild, innovative concept to a client for a campaign, it should first establish its expertise with campaigns and/or ideas that have a track record of yielding good ROI. Designers, artists, and copy writers should establish their mastery of basics before experimenting outside the box. For the most part the important stuff is inside the box.