Sterling Creations

‘. Read more about protocals here: http://netforbeginners.about.com/od/h/f/what-is-a-computer-protocol-http.htm The most popular protocols are the World Wide Web, FTP, Telnet, Gopherspace, instant messaging, and email. The World Wide Web , or ‘Web’ for short, is the most popular portion of the Internet. Read more at this link. What is the World Wide Web? http://websearch.about.com/od/w/g/World-Wide-Web.htm The Web is viewed through web browser software. Grammar and spelling note: Use capitalized ‘Internet’ and ‘Web’ when using either word as a noun. Use lowercase ‘internet’ or ‘web’ when using either word as an adjective. e.g. ‘We were browsing the Internet on our television last night.’ e.g. ‘We found a really good web page about global warming.’ 2. http and https http is a technical acronym that means ‘hypertext transfer protocol ‘, the language of web pages. When a web page has this prefix, then your links, text, and pictures should work in your web browser. https is ‘hypertext transfer protocol SECURED’. This means that the web page has a special layer of encryption added to hide your personal information and passwords. Whenever you log into your online bank or your web email account, you should see https at the front of the page address. :// is the strange expression for ‘this is a computer protocol ‘. We add these 3 characters in a Web address to denote which set of computer lanaguage rules affect the document you are viewing. Read more about http and https here … http://websearch.about.com/od/dailywebsearchtips/qt/dnt0513.htm 3. Browser A browser is a free software package that lets you view web pages, graphics, and most online content. Browser software is specifically designed to convert HTML and XML into readable documents. The most popular web browsers in 2013 are: Google Chrome , Firefox, Internet Explorer , and Safari. Read more about web browsers here … 2011 About.com Readers’ Choice Awards Winners – Best Web Browsers http://browsers.about.com/od/allaboutwebbrowsers/ss/2011-Readers-Choice-Awar ds-Winners-Web-Browsers.htm#step2 4. HTML and XML Hypertext Markup Language is the programmatic language that web pages are based on. HTML commands your web browser to display text and graphics in orderly fashion. HTML uses commands called ‘HTML tags’ that look like the following: * * * XML is eXtensible Markup Language, a cousin to HTML. XML focuses on cataloging and databasing the text content of a web page. XML commands look like the following: * *

Subject: September’s Vision: Virtual payment has arrived, join us for GBTA in a city near you & slashing travel costs… Date: September-30-15 8:32 AM September’s Vision: Virtual payment has arrived, join us for GBTA in a city near you & slashing travel costs… Virtual payment, credit security and easy reconciliation comes to Vision Travel Vision Travel is offering a great new payment service giving you and your travellers the benefits of security, easy reconciliation, easy booking compliance and so much more. The control of centralized payments with easy reconciliation The combination of a virtual credit card system, mobile payment app and purchasing card to provide your businesses with powerful spending control and automated processes, along with the mobile convenience that business travellers need… ( http://e-vision2000.ca/1OSV-3NOPW-EO1YME-1SCXS3-0/c.aspx ) GBTA Sourcing Series Coming to a city near you These unique buyer-only forums are intended to aid travel buyers and managers, as well as professionals who may be responsible for sourcing travel as only a component of their role. Each half-day event will be filled with hands-on learning concerning the best-practices for keeping costs down and succeeding in all areas of travel sourcing. Click here ( http://e-vision2000.ca/1OSV-3NOPW-EO1YME-1SCXS4-0/c.aspx ) to view the agenda. Calgary October 7 | 8am – 1pm Toronto October 15 | 12pm – 5pm Ottawa December 8 | 12pm – 5pm Vancouver December 10 12pm – 5pm ( http://e-vision2000.ca/1OSV-3NOPW-EO1YME-1SCXS5-0/c.aspx ) @VisionTraveller – Vision Travel’s new Twitter feed will keep you up-to-date on what you need to know for your business travel Back to business flight pass promotion ( http://e-vision2000.ca/1OSV-3NOPW-EO1YME-1SCXS6-0/c.aspx ) Travelling Within The Rules: How to keep business travellers safe? ( http://e-vision2000.ca/1OSV-3NOPW-EO1YME-1SCXS7-0/c.aspx ) @BDRobertson’s latest entry on @HuffPostCanada: Slash Business Travel Costs with These Five Tips ( http://e-vision2000.ca/1OSV-3NOPW-EO1YME-1SCXS8-0/c.aspx ) ( http://e-vision2000.ca/1OSV-3NOPW-EO1YME-1RDFDT-0/c.aspx ) Billy Bishop Toronto city airport pedestrian tunnel is complete The new Billy Bishop Airport pedestrian tunnel will provide travellers with fast, reliable and convenient access to the airport. Whether you’re travelling for business or taking a well-deserved vacation, the pedestrian tunnel takes the stress out of getting where you need to go and makes it easier than ever to travel to the airport in the heart of Toronto. To access the tunnel, travellers descend 100 feet and travel along the main passageway via four moving sidewalks. At the south end of the tunnel, travellers will ascend to the island atrium and airport’s check-in area using one of the longest escalator systems in Canada – the complete journey will take less than six minutes…. ( http://e-vision2000.ca/1OSV-3NOPW-EO1YME-1SCXS9-0/c.aspx ) ( http://e-vision2000.ca/1OSV-3NOPW-EO1YME-1RDFDV-0/c.aspx )Important : Have you given your consent? At Vision Travel we love to share travel news and promotions with our valued clients. Click Here ( http://e-vision2000.ca/1OSV-3NOPW-EO1YME-1RDFDV-0/c.aspx ) to confirm you still want to receive emails from us. Seeing Travel Your Way Vision Travel is committed to a more personalized and responsive approach to the business of travel ( http://e-vision2000.ca/1OSV-3NOPW-EO1YME-1RDFDW-0/c.aspx ) Ontario | British Columbia | Quebec | Alberta | TICO #50018498 | CPBC # 51523]]>

, http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/ and was the first format compatible with stand alone DVD players. The group that promotes the technology calls itself the DVD Forum , which is “an international association of hardware manufacturers, software firms, content providers, and other users” with notable members such as Hitachi, Samsung, and Toshiba. The DVD-R/-RW format is based on CD-RW technology and uses a similar approach to burning discs. http://www.geeks.com/techtips/2004/Images/DVD3.gif The DVD+R/+RW format is a newer format, also based on CD-RW technology, and compatible with a large percentage of stand alone DVD players. The +R/+RW technology is not supported by the DVD Forum, and its main backing comes from a group called the DVD+RW Alliance . http://www.geeks.com/techtips/2004/techtips-29dec04.htm The Alliance “is a voluntary group of industry-leading personal computing manufacturers, optical storage and electronics manufacturers” with members such as Dell, Hewlett Packard, Sony, and Phillips Electronics. http://www.geeks.com/techtips/2004/Images/DVD4.gif The DVD-RAM format is based on PD-RW (Phase-Differential) drives, and actually uses a cartridge to hold the media (just like its PD-RW predecessor). Some DVD-RAM cartridges are double sided, making them ideal for companies to use as system backup, hence DVD-RAM is usually found only in commercial applications, and most end-users won’t ever need to use or see this type of drive. The DVD-RAM standard is also supported by the DVD Forum just like the DVD-R/RW format. However, because of its use of a cartridge (limiting it’s compatibility), and the scarcity and price of the media used, DVD-RAM is a distant third when compared to the DVD+R/+RW and DVD-R/–RW technology. The +R/+RW and –R/-RW formats are similar, and the main difference DVD+R technology has is the ability to record to multiple layers (with its new DVD+R DL format), where DVD-R can only record to one layer (not all +R drives are capable of dual layer burning, but no -R drives are). The Plextor PX-504U http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=PX-504UF-SW-R &cat=DVD is an example of an external DVD+R/+RW drive capable of recording single layer discs in the +R/+RW format, but also able to read discs recorded by a DVD-R drive. What is DVD±RW? DVD±RW is not actually a separate format, but the designation given to drives capable of both –R/–RW and +R/+RW operation. This type of drive is typically called a “Dual Drive” (not to be confused with a “Double Layer” drive) since it can write to both the +R/+RW and –R/–RW formats. The Samsung TS-H552 is a DVD±RW drive capable of reading and writing every format discussed http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=TS-H552-BLK-BULK-N &cat=DVD so far, and then some. It takes advantage of DVD+R DL (Double Layer) technology available with the +R format, allowing the appropriate media to store virtually double the 4.37 GB capacity of a typical single layer disc. The other main thing to consider with DVD burners is selecting the correct media. Media for DVD-R , DVD-RW, http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=DVD-R16X-25-25 DVD+R http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=DVDPLUSR8X-50-50 &cat=MED and DVD+RW media may all look the same, but they are slightly different in order to match the specific recording formats. The price of media for either format is generally the same, with RW media costing a good deal more than R media of either format. Double Layer media is even more expensive, and is the only way for an owner of DVD+R DL drive to take advantage of the tremendous capacity increase. As the amount of Double Layer drives increase in the market, the price of the DVD+R DL media is expected to fall with increased production of the media. DVD Burners (as these drive are often referred to) can be picky about the media supported, so be sure to choose your media wisely. DVD in a Nutshell · DVD-ROM : Reads DVD discs · DVD+R : Writes to DVD+R media (will also typically write to CD-R and CD-RW media) · DVD+RW : Writes to DVD+RW media (will also typically write to DVD+R, CD-R and CD-RW media) · DVD+R DL : Writes to DVD+R DL (Double Layer) media (will also typically write to DVD+R, DVD+RW, CD-R and CD-RW media; many Double Layer drives are ALSO dual drives – that is, able to write to BOTH +R/RW and –R/RW media) · DVD-RAM : Writes to DVD-RAM cartridges (not in wide use on consumer market – mainly a business format; can also read PD-RW discs. Will not usually be able to write to any other format including CD-R or CD-RW) · DVD-R : Writes to DVD-R media (will also typically write to CD-R and CD-RW media) · DVD-RW : Writes to DVD-RW media (will also typically write to DVD-R, CD-R and CD-RW media) · DVD±RW : Writes to DVD-RW and DVD+RW media (will also typically write to DVD-R, DVD+R, CD-R and CD-RW media; typically called “Dual Drives” since it can burn to two different DVD formats) Final Words This article took a look at the more common formats of DVD drives in order to shed some light on all the choices available. The differences between them all may be subtle, but the compatibility issues can be quite frustrating. The simple answer to anyone considering a drive is to forget about + and – by themselves, and shoot for universal compatibility with a good DVD±RW with DVD+R DL support.]]>

Phinney Neighborhood Association, a nationally recognized neighborhood group in Seattle. 2. Block those leaks One of the best ways to winterize your home is to simply block obvious leaks around your house, both inside and out, experts say. The average American home has leaks that amount to a nine-square-foot hole in the wall, according to EarthWorks Group. First, find the leaks: On a breezy day, walk around inside holding a lit incense stick to the most common drafty areas: recessed lighting, window and door frames, electrical outlets. Then, buy door sweeps to close spaces under exterior doors, and caulk or apply tacky rope caulk to those drafty spots, says Danny Lipford, host of the nationally syndicated TV show “Today’s Homeowner.” Outlet gaskets can easily be installed in electrical outlets that share a home’s outer walls, where cold air often enters. Outside, seal leaks with weather-resistant caulk. For brick areas, use masonry sealer, which will better stand up to freezing and thawing. “Even if it’s a small crack, it’s worth sealing up,” Lipford says. “It also discourages any insects from entering your home.” 3. Insulate yourself “Another thing that does cost a little money — but boy, you do get the money back quick — is adding insulation to the existing insulation in the attic,” says Lipford. “Regardless of the climate conditions you live in, in the (U.S.) you need a minimum of 12 inches of insulation in your attic.” Don’t clutter your brain with R-values or measuring tape, though. Here’s Lipford’s rule of thumb on whether you need to add insulation: “If you go into the attic and you can see the ceiling joists you know you don’t have enough, because a ceiling joist is at most 10 or 11 inches.” A related tip: If you’re layering insulation atop other insulation, don’t use the kind that has “kraft face” finish (i.e., a paper backing). It acts as a vapor barrier, Lipford explains, and therefore can cause moisture problems in the insulation. 4. Check the furnace First, turn your furnace on now, to make sure it’s even working, before the coldest weather descends. A strong, odd, short-lasting smell is natural when firing up the furnace in the autumn; simply open windows to dissipate it. But if the smell lasts a long time, shut down the furnace and call a professional. It’s a good idea to have furnaces cleaned and tuned annually. Costs will often run about $100-$125. An inspector should do the following, among other things: Throughout the winter you should change the furnace filters regularly (check them monthly). A dirty filter impedes air flow, reduces efficiency and could even cause a fire in an extreme case. Toss out the dirty fiberglass filters; reusable electrostatic or electronic filters can be washed. 5. Get your ducts in a row According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a home with central heating can lose up to 60% of its heated air before that air reaches the vents if ductwork is not well-connected and insulated, or if it must travel through unheated spaces. That’s a huge amount of wasted money, not to mention a chilly house. (Check out this Ducts aren’t always easy to see, but you can often find them exposed in the attic, the basement and crawlspaces. Repair places where pipes are pinched, which impedes flow of heated air to the house, and fix gaps with a metal-backed tape (duct tape actually doesn’t stand up to the job over time). Ducts also should be vacuumed once every few years, to clean out the abundant dust, animal hair and other gunk that can gather in them and cause respiratory problems. 6. Face your windows Now, of course, is the time to take down the window screens and put up storm windows, which provide an extra layer of protection and warmth for the home. Storm windows are particularly helpful if you have old, single-pane glass windows. But if you don’t have storm windows, and your windows are leaky or drafty, “They need to be updated to a more efficient window,” says Lipford. Of course, windows are pricey. Budget to replace them a few at a time, and in the meantime, buy a window insulator kit, Lipford and Broili recommend. Basically, the kit is plastic sheeting that’s affixed to a window’s interior with double-stick tape. A hair dryer is then used to shrink-wrap the sheeting onto the window. (It can be removed in the spring.) “It’s temporary and it’s not pretty, but it’s inexpensive (about $4 a window) and it’s extremely effective,” says Lipford. 7. Don’t forget the chimney Ideally, spring is the time to think about your chimney, because “chimney sweeps are going crazy right now, as you might have guessed,” says Ashley Eldridge, director of education for the Chimney Safety Institute of America. That said, don’t put off your chimney needs before using your fireplace, Eldridge advises. “A common myth is that a chimney needs to be swept every year,” says Eldridge. Not true. But a chimney should at least be inspected before use each year, he adds. “I’ve seen tennis balls and ducks in chimneys,” he says. Ask for a Level 1 inspection, in which the professional examines the readily accessible portions of the chimney, Eldridge says. “Most certified chimney sweeps include a Level 1 service with a sweep,” he adds. Woodstoves are a different beast, however, cautions Eldridge. They should be swept more than once a year. A general rule of thumb is that a cleaning should be performed for every ¼ inch of creosote, “anywhere that it’s found.” Why? “If it’s ash, then it’s primarily lye — the same stuff that was once used to make soap, and it’s very acidic.” It can cause mortar and the metal damper to rot, Eldridge says. Another tip: Buy a protective cap for your chimney, with a screen, advises Eldridge. “It’s probably the single easiest protection” because it keeps out foreign objects (birds, tennis balls) as well as rain that can mix with the ash and eat away at the fireplace’s walls. He advises buying based on durability, not appearance. One other reminder: To keep out cold air, fireplace owners should keep their chimney’s damper closed when the fireplace isn’t in use. And for the same reason, woodstove owners should have glass doors on their stoves, and keep them closed when the stove isn’t in use. And for the same reason, woodstove owners should have glass doors on their stoves, and keep them closed when the stove isn’t in use. Checkout this site where you can Search for a CSIA Certified Professional Simply enter your Zip Code and hit enter or click Search for a list of the CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps and CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technicians within the mileage radius you designate . http://www.csia.org/ 8. Reverse that fan “Reversing your ceiling fan is a small tip that people don’t often think of,” says Lipford. By reversing its direction from the summer operation, the fan will push warm air downward and force it to recirculate, keeping you more comfortable. (Here’s how you know the fan is ready for winter: As you look up, the blades should be turning clockwise, says Lipford.) 9. Wrap those pipes A burst pipe caused by a winter freeze is a nightmare. Prevent it before Jack Frost sets his grip: Before freezing nights hit, make certain that the water to your hose bibs is shut off inside your house (via a turnoff valve), and that the lines are drained, says Broili. In climes such as Portland, Ore., or Seattle, where freezing nights aren’t commonplace, you can install Styrofoam cups with a screw attachment to help insulate spigots, says Broili. Next, go looking for other pipes that aren’t insulated, or that pass through unheated spaces — pipes that run through crawlspaces, basements or garages. Wrap them with pre-molded foam rubber sleeves or fiberglass insulation, available at hardware stores. If you’re really worried about a pipe freezing, you can first wrap it with heating tape, which is basically an electrical cord that emits heat. 10. Finally, check those alarms This is a great time to check the operation — and change the batteries — on your home’s smoke detectors. Detectors should be replaced every 10 years, fire officials say. Test them — older ones in particular — with a small bit of actual smoke, and not just by pressing the “test” button. Check to see that your fire extinguisher is still where it should be, and still works. Also, invest in a carbon-monoxide detector; every home should have at least one. Article source page: http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=13107899 _________________________ From the pages of Donna’s travel diary Traveling alone At the best of times, traveling alone for anyone could be a bit of everything; lonely, boring, scary, anxious, and so much more. However, when you are blind and have to depend on sighted assistance in unfamiliar territory, it sure makes for some very interesting challenges. As for me, I would like to refer to myself as a fairly seasoned traveler but for all that this is worth, I still have a plethora of feelings each time I do it alone. I do my best to line up sighted assistance before I embark on my trip. That is, I notify the airline or train company that I am traveling with that I am a blind passenger and would need help. I have found that nine out of ten times, it works and staff at these companies is more than willing to help me. The most anxious moments for me come when I have to go through security; they are not always very accommodating as they often tend to want to take my cane away from me without first asking or advising. Or when I am waiting to board either the train or plane. I sit there with fists clenched praying that they do not forget me. I’m Donna J. Jodhan enjoying my travels. On your next trip you could enrich your down time with some of my audio mysteries. Take them with you wherever you go! In the car, on the plane, on the bus or train, at the beach, anywhere! Affordable, portable, (computer or i device) and you could either purchase or Subscribe for unlimited access to my library at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html and you can now take advantage of our free downloads here.]]>

August recap: Cutting costs in corporate travel, The changing role of the Travel Manager… Travel Manager 2020 Foundational Shifts in the Role of the Travel Manager Travel Management is an evolving process which shares characteristics with and is influenced by procurement and finance, but retains its own unique challenges and characteristics. Procurement generalists have a tendency to view travel as commodity purchases, which may be valid, but can result in glossing over the industry-specific nuances, like shifts in the travel value chain, and therefore may be less effective. Meanwhile, those with a finance perspective see expense control as the best way to improve company performance in general, making travel a category they want to control and manage closely. They may be more likely to focus on compliance with travel policy and in many organizations the finance department has direct input to the creation of travel policies. By incorporating and balancing both of these perspectives, a more effective and satisfactory travel program can be created… ( http://e-vision2000.ca/1OSV-3MLJF-EO1YME-1QPID3-0/c.aspx ) Cutting the costs of Corporate Travel With Ian Race, Senior Vice-President, Sales & Account Management Even when the economy is buoyant, there are benefits in keeping a close rein on corporate travel costs. Recently I gave a presentation to the Global Business Travel Association in which I shared some of Vision’s top suggestions for cost containment. Then we asked members of the audience to chime in with some of their tried-and-true methods…. ( http://e-vision2000.ca/1OSV-3MLJF-EO1YME-1QPID4-0/c.aspx ) @VisionTraveller – Vision Travel’s new Twitter feed will keep you up-to-date on what you need to know for your business travel The Aircraft Seat Supplier That Built a Business Designing a Better Premium ( http://e-vision2000.ca/1OSV-3MLJF-EO1YME-1QPID5-0/c.aspx ) Travel Agents Get The Last Laugh In Las Vegas #VirtuosoWeek ( http://e-vision2000.ca/1OSV-3MLJF-EO1YME-1QPID6-0/c.aspx ) New $82.5 million island airport pedestrian tunnel ‘a win for Torontonians’ ( http://e-vision2000.ca/1OSV-3MLJF-EO1YME-1QPID7-0/c.aspx ) ( http://e-vision2000.ca/1OSV-3MLJF-EO1YME-1QPBUS-0/c.aspx ) Slash Business Travel Costs with These Five Tips Business travel can be a double-edged sword for entrepreneurs — they need it to exponentially grow their business — whether to find cheaper overseas suppliers or finalize deals with potential clients; but it can also be a huge drain on finances, as the costs associated with a business trip is a sunk cost that impacts cashflow almost immediately. Often SMEs organize their travel on an ad hoc basis, only to find out at the end of their fiscal year that their travel expenses have ballooned. To manage your business travel costs, planning is key. Here are our top five industry tips to help slash your costs… ( http://e-vision2000.ca/1OSV-3MLJF-EO1YME-1QV6SR-0/c.aspx ) ( http://e-vision2000.ca/1OSV-3MLJF-EO1YME-1QPBUU-0/c.aspx )Important : Have you given your consent? At Vision Travel we love to share travel news and promotions with our valued clients. Click Here ( http://e-vision2000.ca/1OSV-3MLJF-EO1YME-1QPBUU-0/c.aspx ) to confirm you still want to receive emails from us. Seeing Travel Your Way Vision Travel is committed to a more personalized and responsive approach to the business of travel ( http://e-vision2000.ca/1OSV-3MLJF-EO1YME-1QV6SS-0/c.aspx ) Ontario | British Columbia | Quebec | Alberta | TICO #50018498 | CPBC # 51523]]>