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The Flash Drive Cycle Are you among the many who have converted to using a flash drive rather than a floppy disk or even CDs? If so, you are on the fast track of today's technology. Flash drives have been getting rave reviews ever since they were offered to consumers. What they can do is amazing and anyone who uses one knows that. But, on the other hand, you may have wondered how long a flash drive really lasts. Well, allow me to give you the basics! Of course, flash drives can only handle so many write, erase and rewrite cycles. (That is, when you save something to your flash drive, you erase it and then save something else). They are strongly built, but just like any other product, they can start to wear down over time. So, how many cycles can your flash drive take? Typically, a flash drive can support several hundred thousand rewrites. The process will start to slow down once your device starts to age, but all in all, it will probably last for quite some time. Now, all of that does depend on a few factors. For example, how often you do rewrites, the size of the data you save, how much you use your flash drive for anything else, the speed of your computer, etc. While some things will determine how many cycles you will get out of a flash drive, you have to keep in mind that either way, you will be getting your money's worth. Even 100,000 rewrites would be doing that, let alone several of them. Take it for what it's worth! ~ Erin Did you enjoy this tip? Let us know by rating it here: It's Friday, it's Friday! Make sure you keep reading to learn all about why you don't defrag flashdrives, find out how you can get rid of your grids in MS Word and learn how you can UnChrome the Google Chrome Web browser. Also, be sure to check out the Friday Funnies for your daily laugh and as always, don't miss out on Amanda's Cool Site of the Day. Enjoy and have an awesome weekend, everyone! : )
Amazing New Device Makes Your Network 5X As Useful! Use, Access, And Share ANY USB Device Right Over Your Network! Share Printers, USB Drives, External Hard Drives, Scanners - Anything! Absolutely No Networking Required! Why Buy Two Printers, External HDs, Or Anything Else? Just Share One! Pays For Itself The First Time You Share A Device! Oh, if you have a network (or at least a router) at home or at work, this is one awesome little gadget you're gonna be REALLY excited about! Wouldn't it be amazing if you - or anyone on your network - could access and use ANY USB device right over the network connection? Wouldn't it be even better if you didn't need to know ANYTHING about networking in order to do it? Meet your new networking buddy, and what's possibly the best idea I've ever seen!
Just imagine what you could do with this ingenious little device - you can effortlessly share any USB device with any computer on your home or office network! The power of this is almost revolutionary! Have a single printer and want to let everyone print with it? Want everyone to have access to a single external hard drive? (great for extra storage or backups) What about letting everyone share a scanner? How about easily sharing a file from your USB drive? This really can do it ALL!! Pretty much ANYTHING that connects via USB can be plugged into, accessed, and shared right over your network! PLUS this supports up to 5 devices! Similar devices typically allow only 1 connection - and can cost 3X as much! This comes with a pair of USB 2.0 ports built right in, but get this - it will also support a single USB hub - giving you a total of 5 USB ports at your disposal! That's right - you can have total of 5 different USB devices hooked up and allow anyone on your network access to those devices! What about setup? This was the part I was really skeptical about, but it was easy as fallin' off a slimy old log! Really - plug one end of a network cable into the device and the other end into your router. Next, plug in your USB device. Install the software. That's pretty much it! As a test, we decided to hook up a printer. From the time it took to open the box to getting a print was only about 3 minutes! OUTSTANDING - This thing just plain WORKS!
Oh, all you have to do to give another computer access is to install the software on that computer! It's that simple! Have two computers? Install the included software on both! Have 10? Just install the software on each computer and go! You'll be amazed at how easy this is - and just think about all you can do with it! When it came in, we had 3 of our staff so excited about it they immediately put orders in for one! I tell ya, if you're using a network and want to make it easy to share your devices, you're just not gonna find anything faster, easier or more reliable (3 yr warranty too)! Heck, we're using our test sample here at WorldStart to backup files from various computers onto a large flash drive! Works like a dream! Need more control? This has a completely optional-to-use backend for power users! It allows you to set a myriad of options from static IPs to e-mail notifications, to security, and more! You don't need it, but it's there if you want it! What about price? Oh, did we snag an amazing deal for you! If you've looked around, you've probably seen a similar device - a print server - that allows you to share a printer over the network. Then there are devices that let you hook up USB accessories (but usually not printers). Well either device can easily run $100 or more! This does BOTH printers AND USB devices and it's waaayyy cheaper (and far easier to setup too). Your cost? Just $38.97 and US Shipping is FREE! Think about it - If you share just 1 item over your network because of this, you're already money ahead! Hook up more, and you're WAY ahead! Don't buy multiple printers, hard drive ect - share 'em with this! Don't miss out, we've never offered anything like this before and we only have a limited quantity! Check it out: http://store.worldstart.com/product.php?productid=4869 PS - Give this a try - if you can plug in a couple cords, you're already qualified to set it up! You'll be sharing anything and everything over your network in just minutes! One of the coolest gadgets we've ever offered! Don't miss out! Tired Wonderful Web Cam Provides Fun-Filled Conversations! Forget Those Long Distance Phone Bills!! Talk To Your Family And Friends Face To Face! All Over The Internet- For FREE! SPECIAL PRICE TODAY!! This amazing web cam is by far one of the coolest we have come across. It features not only a high quality web cam but also a microphone that really allows for your Instant Messages to come alive! Are you always talking to someone in a different area code? If you are, have you ever thought about cutting down your on your long distance bill by talking for free over the internet? With this amazing web cam, you will be able to see and hear your loved ones, making it feel as if you were talking them in person.! I am telling' ya, having discussions over the internet is sooo much cheaper than driving to see your friend or talking long distance over the phone!!! This is definitely the new way to hold conversations. You just gotta try out this web cam! There are so many things that I love about this web cam that I don't know where to start. First, I should mention that this web cam works with all kinds of computers including both PCs, MACs, laptops, and desktops. With its lightweight USB 2.0 interface, all you have to do is plug it in and you are good to go - no drivers, no messin' around! Oh, and talk about picture quality! This has a fast 30 FPS frame rate and the picture quality will really blow you away! Not your typical fuzzy webcam, that's for sure! Oh, and get this - it has a magnetic base so you can easily stick it pretty much anywhere you want! It even rotates 360 degrees! As if all this wasn't enough, it even has 4 built in Infrared LED lights! This will give you a little extra lighting when you're in a dimly lit room - ultimately making your picture more clear. Nightvision on your webcam - How 'bout that?? And the price? This is a jaw-dropper, you'll have to get to the store early before they are sold out! Today only, this fantastic web cams are just $18.97 and US Shipping is Free. You are not going to find this kind of deal on this kind of quality web cam any where else. Order Now!!! http://store.worldstart.com/ PS: Soon the price will increase $28.97, so order now!! One Last Day - TurboTax Deluxe Blowout! OUR Price KILLS Amazon, WalMart, BestBuy, & Circuit City!* Do Your 2008 Taxes The Quick, Easy Way! You're Covered For BOTH State & Federal! Even Includes FREE Federal E-file! Get Your Refund FASTER THAN EVER! Almost Makes Taxes Fun (almost ;-) WOW! Thank You to the hundreds and hundreds who grabbed this over the last couple days! Over and over we were told how amazing our price was - everyone was thrilled with the money they were saving! If you missed out, you'll be really excited about this one! We've watched every year, but have never been able to get a great deal on TurboTax - Until NOW! We just got an incredible deal on TurboTax Deluxe (for tax year 2008 - yes, this is the current version)! This is my first time using it, and let me tell ya - I'm impressed! This version does BOTH Federal & State taxes too!! You know how it is - tax time. It's always SOOOOOO frustrating! How do you determine your deductions, what qualifies, what doesn't? How's your risk for audit? What if you have a question? What if you moved? Retired? Changed jobs? Became a parent? Well, it's all covered!
Just wait till you try it firsthand - This is just as easy as they say it is! Simply answer some easy to understand questions, fill in your information, and electronically file your return! I know, you probably think it's got to be a little difficult, right? It's really not - you'll be impressed! If you've never used it before, you're in for a real surprise! If you have used it, it's even easier than last year's! This has absolutely, positivity got to be the best way I've ever seen to file your taxes! I really think that the average person could get it done in less than an hour if they had all their stuff ready to go. First it starts by checking for updates and making sure it has ALL the most current info. I was really impressed with that. I think that's a fantastic idea - things change all the time, and this software makes sure it's 100% up to date before you get started! Next, it goes on to get your info, get your income facts, figure out your deductions, and cross-checks everything. It really does warn you if you're going to have a problem and - more importantly - what you need to do to stay off the IRS audit radar!
Aside from being easy, this thing has a whopping 350+ deductions that it can ask you about! Stuff you never thought you could deduct might be money just waiting there for you! Standard type deductions, medical deduction, donations - EVERYTHING is covered! Just this one feature alone could pay for the program and possibly save you THOUSANDS!
If you've been doing your taxes the old way, you're crazy! Sorry to be blunt, but this makes it so much easier! If you take your taxes to an accountant or tax service, forget it - this is less expensive and most likely, more comprehensive! Don't pay someone else to do it - this is a friendly, easy to use solution that anyone can use - and you're gonna love! There a reason this is the #1 tax software! Oh, and the best part? You get to watch your refund add up as you go! You'll LOVE that (at least I did ;-)! Oh, and since this files electronically, you'll likely see that refund faster than if you went the snail-mail route! I know, who would have thought we'd ever be excited about tax software, LOL! Your cost? Well, this deal is going to save you money in that dept too! I looked around at my local retail stores and no one was cheaper than $53! Most were asking full boat retail at $59.99- and honestly, I think it's worth every dime and would happily pay that for it - If I had to! You're cost? Just $39.97 and US shipping is FREE! That's 33% cheaper than in most retail stores! WOW! I looked around online yesterday and discovered BestBuy.com had it for $60, Amazon had it for $45, Circuit City was $60, and WalMart was $55!!* - and you may get charged shipping too! OUCH! Told ya our deal was incredible! Grab 'em while we still have 'em! http://store.worldstart.com/ PS - We only have a LIMITED quantity of these, so make sure you RUN to the site as soon as you can to grab yours! It's the best way I've ever seen to do taxes! If you've used it before, you know it's great. If not, make this the year you finally try it! You'll be like me asking, "Why didn't I do this sooner!" *Price comparisons are rounded up to the nearest dollar and were accurate at the time of this writing on 01-08-2009.
Q: A: The simple answer to today's question is: you should never defrag a flash drive. Does that surprise some of you? Well, let me explain! Let's first talk a little about hard drives. The files you have stored on your hard drive are usually saved in several little pieces, often in groups of 512 bytes. Now, those chunks of data are usually never placed next to each other or even remotely close to each other. Therefore, your files are generally spread out all over your hard drive, which is why defragging is so important. The whole defrag process is done through a read/write head that rearranges your files and places them back together for you. That way, when you need to access a certain file, everything is put back together and your computer doesn't have to work as hard to find what you're looking for. Defragging simply helps speed up your system when you need to open a certain file. Yep, that's why it's so vital that you defrag on a regular basis (at least once a month or so). On the other hand, flash drives do not have a read/write head, so if you were to defrag one, you wouldn't get any extra performance benefits from it whatsoever. Basically, without a read/write head, flash drives don't have to work any harder to find your files. Your files can be laid out in any order and your flash drive will still be just as fast when finding them for you. Still not convinced? Then keep reading! Another reason why you should never defrag a flash drive is because flash memory wears out over time. Basically, the more you write (saving files, etc.) to your flash drive, the shorter its lifespan will be. And since defragging is a huge write process, every time you do it, you're adding thousands of extra writes to your device that just aren't necessary. So, if you've been continuously defragging your flash drives, you should stop. If you want your flash drive to last you a long while, simply stop the defrags. You won't get any benefit from it and you'll just end up with a broken down flash drive for no reason at all. Go and defrag your hard drive instead! ~ Erin Love this tip? Not so much? Give us your opinion by rating it here: Have a question for the newsletter? Submit it at the link below:
Grid Be Gone When you open MS Word, do you find yourself looking at something like this: You may not know how it got there or why, but you do know you want it gone! You just want a blank page when you open Word and I really can't blame you. But, just for the record, they're your drawing grid lines and they're there for alignment purposes when you're laying out a document. If you've found yourself in that dilemma, as one reader did, the question becomes: "How do I remove the grid?" Well, the answer to that depends on the version of Word you're using. First, let's start with Word 2007, because that's the version where it seems you're most likely to accidentally turn on the grid.
That should do it for you! Now, for the rest of you, it's a bit more complicated.
Poof. The grid is now a distant memory! ~ April Was this tip helpful? Tell us how you feel by rating it right here:
Cool RED SanDisk 2GB SD Cards! Why Pay $30, $35, Or Even $40 From A Chain Store? Grab THIS Today For Just $8.97! WOW! Aren't these about the coolest SD cards you've ever seen? OK, as cool as an SD card can be anyway :-) Well, wait till you see the deal we just got for you! Get this - you're gonna grab a HUGE 2GB SD card for just - drumroll please... $8.97 and US shipping is FREE! That's gotta be about the best deal EVER for an SD Card! It's an almost give-away price! Grab some for yourself, your friends, your neighbors - everyone you can think of! Think about how big these are - This tiny little card can hold over 500 pictures from your typical 8MP camera (and 1000 from a 4MP camera)!! No more switching out cards, no more "Card Full" errors at that critical moment - you'll always get the shot! In case you're worried, don't fret about the red color - it's the exact same SanDisk card you pay the big bucks for at the regular stores! One thing you'll love about the color - it's easier to tell this card from all the rest in your bag! Makes ya want to color-code all your cards - no more guessing games! Oh, and these are great quality too - they're from SanDisk, so you know they're gonna be good!! These are really built to last! They even have a built-in write-protection switch to prevent accidental data loss! They are compatible with digital cameras, MP3 players, digital camcorders, handheld PCs, some phones and PDAs - and everything else that uses an SD card! Again, the deal is as good as it gets - we're talking just $8.97 for this fantastic SanDisk 2GB SD card, FREE US Shipping, and a 60 day satisfaction guarantee! How cool is that? Check it out, they aren't gonna last at this price! http://store.worldstart.com/ PS - You know you'd have to be crazy to pass this one by! It's nuts not to grab an handful of these for just $8.97 each! Never run out of memory again - for $8.97 your problems are solved! PPS - This price will increase to $14.97 tomorrow! Order quick! One Day Special! Awesome Mouse & Keyboard Adapter! Plug Your PS/2 Mouse And/OR Keyboard Into A USB Port! Don't Ditch That Old Keyboard Or Favorite Mouse - Use 'Em! Have a PS/2 keyboard or mouse but nowhere to plug them? Well, this little adapter is coming to your rescue! Just plug your keyboard and/or mouse into this little adapter then plug into any free USB port! Couldn't be easier and works great for USB 1.x or 2.0! No drivers, just plug and play! You know how it is - newer computers sometimes don't have the standard PS/2 plugs on them - especially laptops. Bad news is that if you want to use your still very functional PS/2 mouse or keyboard (green or purple round plugs on 'em), you can't do it without some kind of adapter. Well, this is the adapter you've been looking for! Plug your favorite PS/2 mouse or keyboard into any USB port with this handy little adapter! If you have a PS/2 keyboard and/or mouse, why ditch 'em just because your new computer doesn't have the right plugs? This little adapter gives 'em new life! Also, if you're thinking of getting a new computer - and especially if it's a laptop - might want to buy one of these so you can continue to use your old keyboard and mouse with it! Your cost for all the adapting bliss? For today, just $6.97 and US shipping is FREE! Sure beats buying a new mouse and keyboard! Check it out: http://store.worldstart.com/ PS - This price WILL increase to $9.97 on Tuesday!
Smooth Defrag Let me see a show of hands. How many of you have run a defrag on your computer in the last month? I'm not sure how many of you can actually say yes, but if you did, good for you! Now, during the defrag process, did you have a little trouble with it running smoothly? Did it seem to get caught up in a few places and just really go slow? That tends to happen quite often with defrags, but luckily, there are some things you can do to smooth it out a little. Want in on the secret? Then you've got to check out today's tip on our homepage. It's all there! Volunteer Match Do you have a lot of free time? Perhaps you're retired and you have trouble finding things to do to fill up your day. Or, maybe you're just looking for something different to do on the weekends. Whatever the case may be, you might want to think about becoming a volunteer! Volunteering is such a rewarding job and I'm sure there are several places in your area that could use your help. You can find out where by checking out the cool site on our homepage today. It's called Volunteer Match and it's devoted to matching you up with the perfect volunteer opportunity. Give it a try today! Here's the link you need: http://www.worldstart.com/ Enjoy!
UnChrome That's right, I said UnChrome! I don’t know about you, but I don't use Google Chrome very much anymore, because I’m a bit concerned that Google is collecting my information and storing it. Don't get me wrong, Chrome is a great Web browser, but I just don’t feel the safest using it. Luckily, the other day, I stumbled across a great piece of software called UnChrome. Apparently, Google Chrome identifies its users by their IDs and then UnChrome comes along and removes them. Here’s how it all works! 1.) First, click here to download UnChrome (make sure Google Chrome is closed first). 2.) Next, click Run (Internet Explorer) or click Save File and run the application by double clicking on it (Firefox). 3.) This screen will then pop up:
4.) Click Remove Unique ID Now and then click OK to confirm you’ve already closed out the Chrome browser. 5.) Success! The screen will then change to look like this:
You can now browse with Chrome without being identified by Google. Oh yeah! ~ Brandon Zubek Did you find this tip to be useful? Let us know by rating it right here: If you enjoy our tips, tell your friends. That's what keeps this newsletter growing.
Friday Funnies
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Would you like to learn how to speed read? I sure would! I mean, it would make getting through my college text books a lot easier. Well, with this Web site, we all can! What Spreeder does is train you to read quickly. Type or paste some text into the text box and then click on the Spreed! button. That will take the text you’ve inserted and format it into the Spreed player. Once the player has loaded, click on the Play button to get your training started. It will play your text across the screen at 300 wpm (words per minute) and all you have to do is read it! You can change the Spreeder settings by clicking on Settings. You can alter the speed it reads at, the font size, the size of the window and even the font color and positioning. You can start a new Spreeder session by clicking on New. That will take you back to the text box where you can input new text. I recommend reading the tutorial, which you can find here. It offers great tips on how to train yourself with Spreeder to speed read. It also offers you links to more specific information about the settings. Spreeder is a lot of fun to try out and I can see myself using it to teach myself to read faster with better comprehension as well. I hope you enjoy it! ~ Amanda Did you enjoy this cool site? Give us your opinion by rating it here: Do you have a cool, non-commercial site that you want to share?
January Wallpaper Here's January's wallpaper. It's all free, so enjoy!
All can be found here: http://www.worldstart.com/ Enjoy!
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Computer Tips [ Stop Google From Spying On You + Are You Killing Your Flash Drives? + Kiss The Grid Good-bye + Friday Funnies ] 01/09/09
in Thursday, January 8, 2009
of Boring Phone Calls or Text Chats?
