How Skype Works

Skype is a software application that allows you to make free phone calls to more than 75 million people worldwide, and shockingly cheap calls to practically everywhere else on Earth! As a result of that, Skype has become the fastest growing service in the history of the Internet. Recently, the company was acquired by eBay, another step forward towards achieving the final goal of making Skype the world's largest communication company.

How Skype Works

Skype is easy to install and use. It allows its users to make crystal clear calls, regardless of their location, send instant messages, switch seamlessly between text and voice communication, make video calls, conference calls, transfer files, call landlines and cell phones for a fraction of the cost of a traditional call. Skype is truly making a revolution in the way we communicate.

Transfer Switch

How Skype Works

But how does it actually work? This article focuses on describing the Skype network and the technology behind it.

How Skype Works

How Skype Works

Skype is a type of peer-to-peer Voice-Over-IP client, based on the Kazaa file sharing program. The developers of Skype claim that it provides better voice quality than similar applications like MSN and Yahoo Messenger. It also encrypts calls end-to-end.

There are two types of machines in the Skype network - ordinary host (Skype Client) and Super Node (SN). An ordinary host is the computer of a regular user who has the application installed and connects to the network in order to communicate with other users. The Super Nodes are the end-point of ordinary hosts in the network. In other words, ordinary hosts connect to the Super Nodes. Any computer with a public IP and proper hardware configuration can be a SN. An ordinary host must connect to a super node and must register itself with the Skype login server for a successful login. The Skype login server is the only central unit in the whole network. It stores the usernames and respective passwords of all Skype users. Nslookups have shown that this server is located in Denmark. All Super Nodes connect to the login server in attempt to verify the username password of the client. It stores your Skype Name, your e-mail address, and an encrypted representation of your password.

If you are a regular Skype user, then your computer is considered an 'ordinary host' that connects to a Super Node. The Super Nodes are servers, located in different parts of the world. But your Skype client, must know to which SN it has to connect. Therefore, every Skype client (SC) maintains a local table that contains the IPs and corresponding ports of Super Nodes. This is called a host cache and it stored in the Windows Registry of the given SC. So basically, every time you load up Skype, it reads the date from the host cache, takes the first IP and port from there and tries to connect to this SN. If the connection fails for some reason (the SN is offline; it is no longer part of the network, etc) then it reads the next line from the table. In case it fails to connect to any of the IPs listed, the Skype returns a login error upon start-up. Hence, the host cache must contain at least one valid entry in order for the application to connect to the network and work properly. Valid entry means an IP address and port number of an online Super Node. The path to the table in the Windows Registry is HKEY_CURRENT_USER / SOFTWARE / SKYPE / PHONE / LIB / CONNECTION / HOSTCACHE. You can verify that on your computer by opening the Start menu, then click Run and enter 'regedit', without the dashes. Of course, the exact path could be different in the next versions of the application.

As a concept, Super Nodes were introduced in the third-generation P2P networks. They allow improved search performance, reduced file-transfer latency, network scalability, and the ability to resume interrupted downloads and simultaneously download segments of one file from multiple peers. Basically, they help ordinary hosts connect to each other and guide efficiently the encrypted network traffic.

Super Nodes are also responsible for the 'Global Indexing'. This technology enables you to search for other users in the network. The company guarantees that it will find a user if he has registered and has logged in during the last 72 hours.

A very interesting moment about the Skype network is that it 'self-modifiable'. If you have the application installed, your computer may turn into a Super Node, without you even knowing it, because those capabilities don't have a noticeable impact on a computer's performance. SNs basically store the addresses of up to several hundred Skype users, without carrying any voice, text or file-transfer data. In that manner, the more Skype users come online, the more supernodes become available to expand the capacity of the network.

Skype routes the traffic intelligently by choosing the optimum data transfer path. Since it uses either TCP or UDP protocol, it breaks the whole data stream into separate packets, which can take different paths to the end destination. The final arrangement is done at the receiving end.

As far as safety and privacy are concerned, Skype uses Advanced Encryption Standard, known as Rijndel, used also by the U.S. Government organizations to protect sensitive data. Skype uses 256-bit encryption.

The programmers of Skype have implemented wideband codecs which allows it to maintain a good sound quality at a bandwidth of 32kb/s and allow frequencies between 5-8,000Hz to pass trough.

Your list of contacts, the application stores in the Windows Registry. This is called the Buddy list and once again, it is digitally encrypted. So, the list is local for every machine, or in other words, it's not downloaded from the central server.

Let's briefly describe the tasks of the Skype client. First it connects to the network. It then listens on particular ports for incoming calls, refreshes the host cache table, uses wideband codecs, maintains the buddy list, encrypts messages and determines if there is a firewall or not.

The login process:

The login process is the most important one and it consists of several phases. As mentioned, SC must connect to a valid SN in order to authenticate the username and password with the Central Server.

Skype gets the fist IP from the host cache, sends it a UDP packet and waits for response. If there is no response after 5 seconds, it sends a TCP packet to the same IP. It tries to establish a TCP connection to the HC IP address and port 80 (HTTP port). If still unsuccessful, it tried to connect to IP address and port 443 (HTTPS port). If this does not work either, it reads the next address in the HC. If Skype is unable to connect to a SN, it will report a login failure.

The application comes with several build-in addresses of different nodes, called bootstrap super nodes.

If the connection attempt is successful, the client must authenticate the user name and password with the Skype login server, which holds all user names and passwords and makes sure they are unique across the whole network. When the application connects to an SN, it receives an up-to-date list of other active SNs, so it has the most current information.

The Media Transfer process:

The video/voice communication through Skype is established through UDP. The trick here is that quite often, one of the users is behind a firewall or a router, hence it doesn't have a real IP address. But if both Skype clients are on real IPs, then the media traffic flows directly between them over UDP. The size of the voice packet is 67 bytes, which is actually the size of UDP payload. One second conversation results in roughly 140 voice packets being exchanged both ways, or 3-16 kilobytes/s.

If one of the callee or both of them do not have a public IP, then they send voice traffic to another online Skype node over UDP or TCP. The developers of Skype have preferred to use UDP for voice transmission as much as possible.

An interesting fact is that even if both sides are not speaking, voice packets will still be flowing between them. The purpose of these so called 'silent packages' is to keep the connection alive.

Conclusion:

There are several factors responsible for the success of Skype. First of all, the voice quality is better compared to other applications. It works without a problem on computers with firewall. It is very easy to install and use. Skype's security is also a big advantage. Everything that is being transferred across the network is being encrypted to ensure privacy. As a result of that, even if hackers intercept the data being transferred, they won't be able to decode it.

The Skype application does not include any adware or spyware. But, there are cases when third parties have managed to add such functionalities (not only for Skype), so it's really important that you download it from the right place. Therefore, do it either from the official website, or from respected sites as http://www.freesecuredownloads.com/skype/index.html.

How Skype Works

Transfer Switch

Backup Sump Pump Review - What is Right For You?

What is a Backup Sump Pump?

Backup Sump Pump Review - What is Right For You?

Backup Sump Pump Review - What is Right For You?

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Backup Sump Pump Review - What is Right For You?

Backup Sump Pump Review - What is Right For You?

A backup sump pump is another pump that is installed to operate should the primary sump pump fail. Surprisingly enough there are many reasons a primary pump may fail including: electrical power ouTAGe, float or switch failure, broken impeller or drive shaft, clogged intake screen.

What Factors Should Be Reviewed?

There are eleven major factors to consider when comparing backup sump pumps: power source, charger strength, trigger, dependability, material used in construction, operational capability, diMensions, size of discharge, protection against solids or sludge, alarm notification, and manufacturer warranty.

1. Power Source

The backup system installed should be sourced by something other than electricity.

What are the different types of power sources used?

A Battery provides the power to enable a backup sump pump Plugged into it through the use of a wired housing case to perform the pumping cycle for the removal of the water from the pit. Twelve or twenty four volt battery power is used. The volTAGe and type of battery required varies by manufacturer. Water Pressure provides the power to keep a backup sump pump running. The water used must come from a municipal source and have a pressure between 40 and 100 PSI (pounds per square inch). A portable generator provides power through the conversion of gas or propane into energy. The pump must be Plugged into the generator. Automatic start standby generator provides the power when the sump pump is Plugged into it.
What are the advanTAGes and disadvantages of the different power sources?

Batteries require monitoring to make sure they are operational in the time of need. Most backup systems have an alarm that lets the owner know when a battery requires maintenance or replaceMent and is being used by the backup pump. Batteries are rechargeable. Water power requires no batteries and has no moving parts. Operation of watered power systems requires a PSI water pressure between 40 and 100 PSI (pounds per square inch). Private well water cannot be used and the municipal provided water must have reliable water pressure. It takes 1 gallon of municipal water to remove 2 gallons of sump pit water so can be costly to operate. Portable generator: The generator must be placed outside. It must be started manually. Most operate from propane tank. Automatic start standby generator: They are expensive to purchase and install (four to ten times more expensive than battery power) but are very reliable. This type of generator runs off of natural gas or propane tanks and can provide power to multiple household appliances during power failure.
2. Charger Strength

This term applies when batteries are used as the source of power.

The higher the charger strength the Faster the battery will be recharged after usage. Charger strength varies from.4 to 20.
3. Trigger

Each backup system has a trigger that activates the non electrical power source to begin operation.

What are the different triggers?

For battery powered backup sump pumps, when the water level raises the float, the battery is activated into operation. For water powered backup sump pumps, when the float raises, a valve allows pressured water to flow down to the pump. The flowing of the pressured water activates the backup system into operation. An automatic start standby generator is activated when the transfer switch senses a utility power interruption. A portable generator becomes operational when a human starts it.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of each trigger?

The transfer switch for the standby generator is the most reliable and quickest way to activate the operation of a backup system. The backup pump is operational as soon as the power goes out. Battery and water powered systems are not activated until the water rises to the height of the float. That means water has already collected in the pit.
4. Dependability

Batteries deplete and loose charge. Municipal water pressure is not constant. A drop below 40 PSI means the backup system is not operational. The float-switch mechanism, impeller or clogging of the backup sump pump Plugged into a battery or standby generator source of power could fail. The tether switch is not as dependable as the vertical switch. Dual vertical switches offer twice the reliability.
5. Materials Used in the Construction of Backup Sump Pumps

What are the different materials used?

Thermoplastic: Outer casing is made of a hard, durable plastic. Cast Iron and Stainless Steel: The outer casing and bolts are made of metal.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the different materials?

Plastic weighs less and is cheaper. Cast iron and stainless steel lasts a lifetime, weighs more and is constructed to handle heavy duty usage. This material is more expensive.
6. Operational Capacity

What are the volumes at which backup pumps can discharge water?

Pumping capacity is measured by number of gallons per minute or hour at a specific rise. Capacity is determined by size of motor and source of power.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of operational capacity?

Larger motors using battery or generator power move more water during operation. Smaller motors move less water during operation and require less battery or generator power. The amount of water moved during operation of a water powered backup sump pump is determined by the municipal water pressure. The greater the pressure the greater volume of water that is discharged. Generally water powered pumps have a lower operational capacity.
7. DiMensions of Backup Sump Pump and Pit

Each backup sump pump has unique measurements.

A sump pit with an 18"diaMeter basin or larger provides the greatest flexibility in being able to fit a primary and a backup sump pump into the pit. A tether float requires a larger diaMeter-based pit than a vertical float.
8. Size of Discharge Port Diameter

What are the different sizes?

The size is either 1 ¼ or 1 ½ inches in diameter. Most backup pumps have an adapter to accommodate either size of PVC piping.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the different sizes?

The capability to adapt to either a 1 ¼ or 1 ½ inch size PVC pipe is extremely beneficial. A size of 1 ½ inches is required to handle heavy volumes of water.
9. Protection against Debris, Sludge, or SPh Meter under or over 12"?

The watchdog pumps have the smallest width (9") and require only ¼" additional for the vertical switch. In most cases backup sump pumps are installed on top of the primary sump pump so size is not as much of an issue. Do you want to exchange a faulty float/switch mechanism without having to remove the enTire pump from the sump pit?

The watchdog sump pump float/switch mechanism is external to the pump so the float-switch can be replaced without removing the pump from the sump pit.
Check Out These Backup Sump Pump Systems Today

Your home is an important asset. Make sure it is protected against water damage. It is cheaper to buy good backup sump pump systems than to clean up after a sump pump failure during a heavy rain storm. Be prepared before those heavy rains come.

Backup Sump Pump Review - What is Right For You?

What Is A Condenser?

What is a condenser? Many people have Air conditioners but are not aware of how or what makes them work. A condenser is simply one component of an Air conditioner. Whether you have an outdoor Air conditioner or a window unit air conditioner your air conditioner contains a condenser.

What Is A Condenser?

What Is A Condenser?

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What Is A Condenser?

What Is A Condenser?

Condensers are used in outdoor air conditioning systems as well as heat pump systems. Condensers in an air conditioning unit have very few controls. They will have an on and off switch. Occasionally these air conditioners will also have a brown out option. This option shuts down the compressor when the electrical current is low.

A condenser is simply a heat exchanger. It compresses refrigerants into a hot gas to then condense them into a liquid. A condenser is a major component in a air conditioning or heat pump unit. It moves air across the coils to facilitate the transfer of heat.

In a heat pump unit the condenser has a few more features. It will have a reverse valve that allows the unit to switch back and forth between air conditioning and heating. Even when the unit is heating, it uses the condenser for defrosting the coils. If the coils become layered with frost it will effect the units effectiveness this is defrosted when the reverse valve switches to air conditioning mode to move the hot gases through the coils melting the built up ice. It will automatically switch back to heating mode once the ice is cleared to once again heat the home.

It is very important no matter what type of unit you have to prevent the blockage of the condenser. If the condenser becomes block it can effect the units efficiency or even cause the until to completely fail. For this reason it is one of the most important components of a cooling or heating system. A condenser allows the maximum airflow to the unit.

To keep your unit in good operating condition it is vital to keep the area around the condenser clear of all debris as well as keeping the Filter clear of dust and dirt. A clean machine makes a happy machine. A happy machine will keep you cool during the summer months and warm during the cold months. It is suggested to change the units Filters when they become dirty, depending on your area and conditions near your home this may be as often as once a month or as seldom as every 3 to 6 months. You will have to pay close attention to your units needs to decide the right time to change or clean your units filters.

Keeping you condenser in good running condition will not only prolong the life of your heat or cooling system but also provide you with the most efficient heat and cooling system saving you money on heat and cooling.

What Is A Condenser?

Generator Transfer Switch - Do You Really Need One?

It is always a good idea to have a professionally installed transfer switch connect your portable generator to your household control box. Nevertheless, most conscientious homeowners can safely use this source of backup power if they will confine its use to smaller essential home appliances.

Generator Transfer Switch - Do You Really Need One?

Generator Transfer Switch - Do You Really Need One?

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Generator Transfer Switch - Do You Really Need One?

Generator Transfer Switch - Do You Really Need One?

When the electricity goes out, the first thing to do is provide enough light within your living environMent so that you and your family can move about safely. Depending on the length of the blackout, you always must be sensitive to the potential spoilage of the Food in your refrigerator.

Keep in mind that you can rotate power to the various appliances. In other words, you can keep the frig going for a couple hours and then switch your power outlet to other devices like the television or Computer.

An average household can usually get by adequately with 5500 watts of power. However, smaller portables such as 1000 watts units can be used for such things as microwaves, toasters and other electrical Cooking devices.

Remember to always check with a professional electrician about the need to install a transfer switch. This is especially true if you have appliances that create power surges as a result of their startup operation. Or, perhaps you have high watTAGe requireMents from such things as heat pumps, central Air conditioning or deep well water pumps.

A transfer switch provides a safe method to hook up your generator with selected circuits that you identify inside your home. When professionally installed next to your breaker box, it will help to prevent any power from accidentally becoming live and dangerous outside your home where workers might be servicing the utility lines.

Manual transfer switches connect power with either individual breakers or with a large master unit. The automatic transfer switch is a digitally controlled system which is programmed to be fully automatic. It permits you to set individual circuits by preference ahead of time.

In summary, do not assume that because a generator is portable it does not require the safety net provided by a professionally installed transfer switch. While it is certainly possible to operate your small unit safely, it is always better to seek the advice of a professional electrician before taking unnecessary chances.

And, finally, never operate your generator in an enclosed environMent where others may be present. Generator exhaust fumes contain poisonous carbon monoxide gas that can be lethal.

Generator Transfer Switch - Do You Really Need One?

Transfer Switches For Portable Generators

A transfer switch prevents electricity from flowing simultaneously between your portable generator and the utility grid. It is mounted next to your home circuit breaker box and can operate manually or automatically.

Transfer Switches For Portable Generators

Transfer Switches For Portable Generators

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Transfer Switches For Portable Generators

Transfer Switches For Portable Generators

In the event of a blackout, you can power several appliances to include the refrigerator, television, lights and even your sump pump. However, you must first position the generator into place no less than 15 feet from your home to prevent carbon monoxide consumption.

One way to provide power is to run extension cords from the generator to your lights and appliances. This can be inconvenient and unwieldy while making it difficult to operate some critical circuits like the furnace fan or well pump.

Another way is to connect the portable generator directly to your household wiring by installing a manual transfer switch. This will permit the use of only one cord to provide electricity to several or all of your most important household circuits, including the furnace fan and well pump. Bear in mind the National Electrical Code mandates that a transfer switch be properly installed for safety precautions.

By way of comparison, permanently installed standby generators come with transfer switches that automatically kick in when the utility power goes down. Conversely, the transfer switch for portable generators is an additional cost item that can average 0 to 0 depending on the total circuitry and watTAGe requireMents.

It is highly recomMended that you engage the services of a licensed electrician to install the transfer switch and connect it with the main breaker box. Although most transfer kits come with excellent instructions for the do-it-yourself person, you always run the risk of creating a back-feed through the utility lines should you innocently make an error while wiring. This can cause severe damage to equipMent, as well as death to those who might be working to restore power in your vicinity.

The transfer switch contains several circuits and the electrician can assign each circuit to a different load. This provides efficient management of usage and extends the effectiveness of the portable generator. When the utility power goes out, you simply Plug your generator into the transfer switch, start it up, and flip the transfer switch from the Utility position to the Generator position.

For convenience, you might wish to purchase a remote power inlet box to be installed in a location away from the actual transfer switch unit itself. This would permit Plugging into a separate receptacle that is positioned closer to the operating generator. You can then have a shorter and less cumbersome master cord running from the generator all the way to the switch panel inside the house.

In summary, the procedure works like this:

When the utility company power goes out:

Plug the generator cord into the transfer switch or optional power inlet box. Turn all circuit breakers in the transfer unit to the off position. Start the generator and give it time to warm up. Flip the main breakers in the transfer unit to the Generator position. Turn on the desired circuits individually to prevent overloading the generator.

Once power is restored:

Turn the main breakers in the transfer unit back to Utility Power. Turn on any other circuits that were turned off. Turn off the generator. Disconnect the cords.

Transfer Switches For Portable Generators

New Computer-Old emails, or How to Back up and Transfer Your Email

If you have a brand new Computer, or are thinking about buying one in the near future, one of the things that you will need to consider is how to transfer your emails from the old system to the new system.

New Computer-Old emails, or How to Back up and Transfer Your Email

New Computer-Old emails, or How to Back up and Transfer Your Email

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New Computer-Old emails, or How to Back up and Transfer Your Email

New Computer-Old emails, or How to Back up and Transfer Your Email

At least once a week in my Job as a help desk analyst, I am helping a customer set up Outlook Express or Outlook (there are other email clients that are used, but these two are the most popular) on their new Computer. Once we are finished with the setup and they open it up to the Inbox, the question is asked "where are my old emails?" The simple answer; "on your old Computer." Then of course the follow up question is; "how do I get them to the new computer?"

Easy or Hard

The easiest way to do this is to back them up to an external hard drive or acompact disc before you make the switch to the new computer and then copy them over to the new computer in the exact same directory. The harder way is in the case of a crashed computer or the inability to access the files normally. I cover a bit of that in another article called ' Got Backups? ' which you can find at my website.

Outlook Express

With Outlook Express your emails/email folders are stored on your hard drive in a directory that is buried way down deep in the Operating System. Instead of me giving you the full path to get there, it's easiest if you have Outlook Express open, click on Tools then Options.

Copy/Paste

Once you are here, click on the Maintenance tab and then click on the Store Folder button. This will popup another windowwith the location of your emails. Using your mouse, highlight the path and then right click and copy it.

You will then click on the Start button, then click Run, and then right click in the Open box and Paste the path. Click Ok.

This will open another window with your email files. Unless you have added other folders to your Outlook Express, the default folders will be here with a .dbx extension (Folders, Inbox, Sent Items, Deleted Items, and Drafts).

Backup

If you are going to write these files to a CD, you can burn them at this time by using your favorite burning software (providing that you have a CD burner installed in your computer).

To copy them to an external hard drive, you must now connect that device to your computer, create a folder on thatdrive (I usually call it Email Backups), copy the files from the old computer then paste the files into the Email Backups folder.

Import

Once you have the files copied to the CD or external drive, then you will go to the new installation of Outlook Express and import the messages. It would be nice if you could just copy them to the new OE and be done, but Microsoft doesn't like you to do it that way.

Open up OE and then click on File, Import, Messages. This will open a new window called Outlook Express Import. Choose Microsoft Outlook Express 6 then click Next. Click in the circle that says ' Import mail from an OE6 store directory '. Click OK. Then click ' Browse ' and navigate to and select the directory you have saved them to. Click OK. The next window will giveyou a list of all of the email folders you have previously saved. Keep ' All folders ' selected and click Next.

This will begin the process of importing all of your ' old ' emails into your ' new ' Outlook Express. Once it has finished you will have all of your old emails back! Cool, huh?

Outlook

The procedure to save and then import your emails in Outlook is similar, but different.

To start with, Outlook uses a file extension called pst, or Personal Folder File. Don't ask me why it's called that. Call Bill Gates and ask him.

Export

You will start on the old computer and with Outlook open, click on File, then ' Import and Export '. This opens the Import and Export Wizard. Choose ' Export to a file ' then click Next. Choose ' Personal Folder File 'here and then click Next. On the Export Personal Folders dialogue box you have your choice of what you want to do. The easiest is to keep the default choice of just the inbox, but if you want your sent items and all the other folders, choose the top item (Personal Folders) and then choose the ' Include subfolders ' option and then click Next.

The next window will have a default location listed
(usually C:DocuMents and Settings ' your computer name ' Local SettingsApplication DataMicrosoftOutlookbackup.pst). I would suggest following the same procedure as for OE (see above). Then click ' Finish ' and let it do it's thing.
Once you have your pst files backed up, move to the new computer and the import process will again be similar to OE.

Connect your external hard drive to yourcomputer or insert the CD into the drive.

Import

Open Outlook, click on File, then Import and Export. In the Import and Export Wizard, this time choose ' Import from another program or file ' then click Next. In the "Import a File" window, scroll down and select Personal Folder File (.pst) and then click Next.

In the ' Import Personal Folders ' window, click the Browse button and navigate out to the location of your backed up .pst file, choose it and then click Next. Click ' Finish ' and it will import all of your messages.

New Computer-Old emails, or How to Back up and Transfer Your Email

A History of the USB Standard

Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a serial bus standard for connecting periPh Meter distance and up to 110 Mbps up to 10 Meters. It was designed for the 3.1 to 10.6 GHz frequency range. The Wireless architecture allows up to 127 devices to connect directly to a host. With the elimination of wires, a hub is not needed. An upcoming 1.1 specification will increase Wireless data transfer speed to 1.0 Gbps per second.

USB 3.0
In November 2008, the USB 3.0 Promoter Group announced the completion of the 3.0 specification. It delivers transfer rates up to 10 times Faster than USB 2.0 through the utilization of a 5.0 Gbps data rate. Additionally, it has optimized power efficiency, sync-n-go technology that minimizes user wait-time and backward compatibility with USB 2.0. SuperSpeed USB devices"interoperate with SuperSpeed USB 2.0 platforms and hosts support Hi-Speed legacy devices.

NEC Electronics recently announced the first USB 3.0 host controller (part number µ PD720200). With its high-speed data transfer capability, the new SuperSpeed host controller will require only 70 seconds to transfer 25 GB of HD video content, the equivalent of a Blu-Ray disc. Transferring the same content would take upwards of 14 minutes with Hi-Speed USB.

A History of the USB Standard

A History of the USB Standard

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A History of the USB Standard

A History of the USB Standard

Advances in USB technology will lead to a new generation of high-performance consumer electronic products. For assistance with SuperSpeed product developMent, the SuperSpeed USB Platform Integration Lab (GDP) is now open for USB-IF members. The SuperSpeed USB PIL provides 3.0 developers with the opportunity tohost and device interoperability testing. For more information, visit the GDP testing page.

USB Connectors
USB connectors are designed for ease-of-use. Generally, the trident logo on the connector should be facing up when Plugging into a port. The connectors are designed to be durable and easy to insert/remove. Different types of connectors server different functions. The Standard-A Plug is frequently on cables permanently attached to devices, such as Computer keyboards or mice. The Standard-B plug typically plugs into devices with removable cables, such as a printer. USB device connectors have evolved and become smaller as consumer electronic devices have also become smaller in size. The current standard connector for small devices such as mobile phones and cameras is theMicro-B connector.

USB logos
For a company to use a logo, its USB product must be compliant as demonstrated by passing the Compliance Test Program. Companies must also execute a Trademark License AgreeMent to be eligible for logo use. When a certified logo appears on a product, consumers know the product has passed the standards set by the USB-IF.

~ Ben Anton, 2009

A History of the USB Standard

MOD Your PS3 and Start Downloading Games For Free!

Have you ever thought that going to the store or ordering your games has become too time consuming, and all the extra costs are preventing you of getting all the games you want. There is an easy way around those extra costs, and that's downloading your games. When you download games, you need to make sure you have enough room on your hard drive, and you need to make sure you have a dsl or cable modem so you can quickly download all your games. You won't need to MOD your PS3, and you won't need to put any chips into your PS3, ultimately ruining your warranty. Most PS3 games around 6 to 20 GBs in size, so make sure you store your games on your PC and then switch out your games if you don't have room on your PS3 hard drive.

MOD Your PS3 and Start Downloading Games For Free!

MOD Your PS3 and Start Downloading Games For Free!

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MOD Your PS3 and Start Downloading Games For Free!

MOD Your PS3 and Start Downloading Games For Free!

The navigation system is very simple touse, it's a point, click and download system, and you can find all your favorite games like Metal Gear Solid 4, Ratchet & Clank, Heavenly Sword or Assassin's Creed. Along with all the games you can download, you can also download an endless Supply of music and movies for your PS3. Sony has made the PS3 and multimedia machine instead of just a gaming machine, and you can store and play movies and music on your PS3 and they run great.

Once you find everything you want on your PC, the transfer is simple, just use your PSP or a junk drive to transfer over everything you want. For the price of less than one PS3 game you can have endless game, movie and music downloads. It would be like going to a video game store and buying one game, and when you were done with thatgame, go back and take whatever games, dvds and cds that you want for free, no questions asked.

Enjoy!!

MOD Your PS3 and Start Downloading Games For Free!

How To Set Up PSP Internet

The Sony PSP can do more than just play games, movies and music. This hand held machine can surf the internet as well. However, setting up PSP internet is often times the most asked question. I have prepared this simple step by step guide to help you set up your PSP for internet.

How To Set Up PSP Internet

How To Set Up PSP Internet

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How To Set Up PSP Internet

How To Set Up PSP Internet

Before we begin, you must have a wireless network available and I highly suggest disabling the security encryption (WEP) on the wireless router for your first initial set up since the PSP seems to have problems reading the key. Upon powering up your PSP, make sure that the WLAN switch is turned on. Use your directional pad to go to the settings icon on the far left of your PSP screen and scroll down to the network settings icon.

From the network settings, highlight the"infrastructure mode" and click to enter. The next page will ask you to select a connection to edit. If this is your first time setting up a connection, just go ahead and click [new connection]. You will then be directed to the WLAN settings page and there should be four options.

There are a couple of ways to do this, but the easiest way to set up your internet connection is to click on the first option to allow your PSP to automatically scan for the nearest and strongest access point, which should be your router. This should take a couple of seconds. Your PSP should display your SSID information as well as the security and signal strength. Click on your SSID.

Then use the directional pad to scroll to the right to go to the WLAN security settings. Since we have disabledyour security settings for your network online, just highlight none and proceed to the adDress settings page. In the adDress settings page, highlight "easy" and go to the next page.

The next page allows you to create a name for this connection. Feel free to name this connection anything you want. Once you enter the name of your connection, you will be able to preview your settings list which should show the connection name of your SSID, your security settings and IP address. Scroll to the next page and save your settings. Once your settings are saved, click to test internet connection.

How To Set Up PSP Internet

Using a Quitclaim Deed in Foreclosure

When the economy is not doing well, thousands of people may very well lose their Job as well as their ability to continue meeting mortgage payMents. When that happens, the inevitable follows-foreclosure of the property is in the horizon that ahead. If no action is being taken, the lender will foreclose the property, and the homeowner will become homeless.

Using a Quitclaim Deed in Foreclosure

Using a Quitclaim Deed in Foreclosure

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Using a Quitclaim Deed in Foreclosure

Using a Quitclaim Deed in Foreclosure

If you find yourself to be in a similar position, you may need to find a creative solution quickly. Some may suggest using a quitclaim deed to avoid foreclosure. That may sound like a good idea, when it is actually not. You will soon see why.

A quitclaim deed is a legal docuMent that passes the rights of the property from the grantor (the property owner), to the grantee (the person receiving the rights). ThedocuMent will then have to be filed with the state county.

But bear in mind that the quitclaim deed can help you, or it can bring harm to you. What you need to do, is to be clear about what the document entails, so that you can make the right decision.

To elaborate further, you can use a quitclaim deed to transfer the rights of the property to another person. But that doesn't free you from mortgage commitments. You will still need to find a way to repay your lender. But with the quitclaim deed, the lender cannot foreclose your home.

The goal is simple. Use the quitclaim deed to get yourself more time. Often, homeowners cannot meet mortgage payments due to temporary circumstances. If you lost a Job during the economic downturn, you can always get a new job sometime down the road. The economy will recover after some time. It always has. I know it makes no sense to make matters worse by letting the lender foreclose your home. That makes it even harder for you to recover from the crisis that you are already facing.

However, it is necessary to note that the quitclaim deed will not work in all circumstances. For example, if there is a "Due on Sale" clause that is included in the mortgage contract, the homeowner will have to pay off the mortgage upon transfer. Check with your lender to see if the clause applies to you. The quitclaim deed may be viewed by the lender as a salt, and the clause may be activated.

Then there may be scammers who are lurking round the corner, looking to take advanTAGe of desperate homeowners. They attempt totrick the homeowner into believing that they can stop the foreclosure process, by transferring the rights of the property to a third Party entity, such as a land trust or grant. In return, the homeowner has to pay the scammer rent to continue living in the house. However, all this while, the foreclosure process is still taking place.

When you consider the information above, it makes little sense to use the quitclaim deed to stop foreclosure. This document primarily exists to simplify the transfer process between family members. It's never meant to help homeowners avoid their financial obligations.

Using a Quitclaim Deed in Foreclosure

How to Transfer iPod Songs to iPhone

Apples iPod devices have become an integral part of many people lives and these days almost everyone seems to own at least a regular type iPod. However for those of you who are dedicated apple users and have purchased their latest tool, the iPhone, are probably wondering how the heck you are supposed to transfer your music and videos off your iPod onto your new iPhone. It seems like an impossible task and since apple hasn't provided you with any regular utilities to get the Job done, many people simply think it cannot be done. Well I've got news for you, it can be done, and you can pull it off quite easily within a few minutes if you have the right tools. So in this article I am going to show you "How to Transfer iPod songs to iPhone" very easily and quickly allwith the aid of simple software.

There may be many reasons as to why you wish to transfer music from your iPod to the iPhone. You may have just bought a new iPhone and wish to put some songs on there without having to re download them or buy them again from the iTunes store. Perhaps you heard a song or Watched a video on a friend's iPod that you really enjoyed and would like to transfer it to your own iPhone/iPod. Whatever the reason maybe that you need to transfer songs from iPod to iPhone you can get it done with an iPod to iPhone transfer Program. These programs are specifically designed to help you transfer music between different iPod devices and iPhones and they will get the Job done quickly and efficiently all at the click of a fewbuttons.

You see, apple does not allow the transfer of files between different iPods devices due to extreme copyright laws and also because they wish to make extra money from their iTunes store. So for this reason they have not provided you with any options in iTunes or given you any other utilities to help you transfer files from iPod to iPhone. But as you already know "where there is a will there is way", this is where third-Party programs have come to our rescue, and provided us with great programs that will allow you to transfer whatever you like between different iPod devices.

How to Transfer iPod Songs to iPhone

How to Transfer iPod Songs to iPhone

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How to Transfer iPod Songs to iPhone

How to Transfer iPod Songs to iPhone How to Transfer iPod Songs to iPhone