Whats the best Bittorrent site?

It is undisputed that ThePirateBay is the world's most popular BitTorrent site, getting more hits (and copyright notices) than any others. But it does not index the most sites. In fact, according to comparebt.blogspot.com, it is BTJunkie which indexes the most number of torrents - it indexes both private and public trackers. In terms of features, Torrentspy rated highest.

Full story at http://comparebt.blogspot.com

Linksys WRT350N : One router to rule them all

Linksys always makes great routers, long before they were a Cisco brand. Their WRT54G wireless routers were a breeze to use, and coupled with some excellent modified firmware from the guys over at dd-wrt.com, these RM250 routers had configuration options that you'd only see in high end switches. These babies were also rock stable as i've got about 7 deployed across various locations with uptimes ranging for a couple of months to a whole year! Linksys didn't stop there, and the latest addition to their router lineup, the WRT350N is definately going to be a worthy replacement for the 54G.



The WRT350N is an Internet-sharing Router and 4-port Gigabit Switch. It also spots 802.11n wireless connectivity. The 802.11n specification allows data transmission up to 50 meters (~150 ft) at speeds up to 540 Mbit/s. It's also MIMO enabled. MIMO technology uses multiple radios to create a robust signal that travels up to 4 times farther and reduces dead spots, so u might in theory be able to access your wireless net connection from the roof top pool!

It does not stop there, the WRT350N is also equipped with Storage Link that lets you easily add gigabytes of storage space onto your network using readily available USB 2.0 hard drives -- or plug in a USB flash disk for a convenient way to access your portable data files. The built-in Media Server streams music, video, and photos from the attached storage device to any UPnP compatible media adapter. And you can get to your files from anywhere in the world through the Internet. Now thats cool, time to dump my mp3 server!

No pricing details available just yet, but at any price, you know you're getting a workhorse that will seldom trouble you. If only the local broadband service was half as reliable.

Online Games Do More Good Than Harm

Gamers and cybercafe operators feel it is wrong for the media to report negatively on online games.
According to them, online games are actually doing youths more good than harm, in that the games even keep them away from getting involved in drugs or crime activities.

“If parents think playing online games is bad, they should honestly ask themselves what they did as youths to entertain themselves when there were no computer games,” said Jeffery Wong, 31, a cybercafe owner.



“I bet they were involved in activities that were not that much more productive either, and probably a lot more dangerous,” he said, recalling his adventurous days of swimming in ex-mining pools when he was a teenager.

Tips for Selecting Retail Point of Sale Software

Don't Make These Mistakes When You Buy a POS System
If you're like most retailers, you're worried about making a mistake when you choose point of sale (POS) software. I don't blame you. Buying POS software is a big investment. Not to mention, POS software can have huge impact on the efficiency and success of your retail business!

What's more, there are around 1,000 different POS systems to choose from. And they're all different. All these choices can be overwhelming and confusing. The truth is choosing POS software is very difficult. And too many retailers end up with the wrong system. In fact, it's common for retailers to go through 2, 3 or even 4 different POS systems before they find one they're happy with. Those mistakes probably cost at least $10,000 - $100,000.

Here are few mistakes that I see retailers making over and over again.


They Buy Hardware First

I can't tell you how many times I've heard a retailer say, "I just bought new computers, printers and I have everything ready to go. Now I need to find POS software." As soon as I hear that, I think to myself, "This guy could have saved himself a lot of time and money if he selected his POS software first!"

Why?

First of all, your POS software will have hardware and operating system requirements. For example, the software will require a certain version of Windows, Unix or Linux, unless it's an open architecture system. In addition, each program will only function with certain types of printers, scanners, cash drawers and card readers.

Second, and more importantly, not all POS systems are the same. And the system that you choose is very important. It will have a huge impact on the efficiency of your business. If you install your computer system first, you will limit your POS software choices. The perfect fit for your unique business might run on UNIX but you already bought a Windows 2003 Server. You might also find that the printers and scanners you just bought aren't compatible either.

You can avoid frustration and save money if you choose the POS software first. Then you can ask the software company about their recommended hardware and operating systems.

They Ask the Wrong People

All too often retailers ask a local computer consultant for suggestions about POS software. Most computer consultants have good intentions but they tend to give poor advice when it comes to choosing POS software.

Computer consultants are great sources for information about computers, hardware, and networking. However they don't usually understand the intricacies of POS software and retail management. Nor do they realize that there are almost 1,000 different POS systems to choose from and it's VERY easy to choose the wrong one.

Every retail business is different and has different needs. If you get poor advice and select the wrong type of system, your business will lose money.

They Don't Place Enough Focus on the Character of the Software Company

When you invest in point of sale software, you're buying a relationship, not just a product. In fact, the "quality" of the software company is usually just as important as the product.

Why is the software company so important? Well...

After you purchase the software, you will rely on the software company to supply updates, training, technical support, and possibly hardware.

Let me ask you a few questions to help you understand why the company is so important...

Evaluating a POS Software Company
What if the software company went out of business? Dozens of POS software companies come and go every year.
What if they don't give you software updates when you need them?
What if it takes 2 days to get your technical questions answered?
What if the software has a bug and they don't fix it?
What if they didn't give you sufficient training? And as a result, your sales reports are showing the wrong totals.
What if you can't print and it takes 6 hours to get help from a support technician?
The truth is, the level of service and the financial stability of the software company is very important. It's critical to evaluate the software company; otherwise you could run into some frustrating and expensive problems.


They Pass The Buck

Too many owners give the responsibility of choosing a POS system to an employee or a computer consultant that is not familiar with your industry. This is a huge mistake.

Top management and other key personnel must be involved in the selection and implementation process. You should never rely solely on a consultant's recommendation or input.

The person that evaluates the software must have in-depth knowledge about your business. POS software is complicated. Not to mention it can make a huge difference in your businesses productivity. POS software is too important to pass the evaluation process to someone else. I see owners and managers make this mistake all the time. Don't make the same one.

They Overlook Important Features

Unless you are a retail POS expert, it's difficult to sort through countless POS systems and figure out what you need. What's more, it's difficult to understand the "true" potential of your POS system. As a result, many retailers get confused and they overlook important features that would save them a lot of time and money.

Most people don't realize that every POS system is very different. Some are designed for large ticket items like tractors. And others are designed to work in fast moving retail environments like a grocery store.

As a result, it's common for retailers to end up with POS software that isn't really designed for them. That's why it's important to properly analyze the needs of your business (even if you're a small retailer). Then you can create a list of features that are important. That list will help you compare and choose the right system.

This might seem complicated, but with a little guidance, you can quickly find the right POS system. You just need to know which mistakes to avoid, where to look, and the right formula

How to Get Satellite TV

Independent Retailers
The best deals on satellite TV and internet are available from independent retailers. While your monthly bill will be the same regardless of where you purchase your equipment (the providers dictate the monthly cost either way), independent retailers can offer you a far better selection of promotions, such as free installation and equipment, discounted HDTV dishes and receivers, and free trials of premium channel, and credit towards your first month's bills. While DIRECTV, Dish Network, and VOOM also offer promotions, you will find far better value from independent retailers, who buy their equipment in bulk and pass on substantial savings to their customers.

Installation
Satellite TV customers can choose to have a professional technician install and configure their dish and receiver, or elect to do it themselves. Due to the potential complexity of mounting and aiming the dish, and configuring the receiver and TV, Satellite TV HQ strongly recommends that you choose professional installation.
Most retailers subcontract the installation process to a technician in your local area, who will visit your home and install and configure your equipment. Provided you have met the requirements mentioned in Is Your Home Compatible with Satellite TV, installation is straightforward and will take a minimum of 1.5 hours.

When the installation technician arrives at your house, he or she will discuss where you want to mount your satellite dish, and confirm that it is an appropriate place. After mounting and aiming the dish, the technician will run a cable from the dish to your existing cable wire, replace your cable box with a satellite receiver, configure the TV and receiver, and then leave you in peace to surf hundreds of crystal clear digital channels!

Before You Buy Desktop Computer Systems

Looking to buy a new desktop personal computer system? This guide covers many of the basic items to examine when comparing desktop computer systems so that you can make an informed purchasing decision. Due to the changing nature of the PC Hardware industry, this guide will be periodically updated. Links are provided below each topic for a more detailed discussion on that subject.

Processors (CPUs)
For processors there are two basic choices to make: brand and speed. A lot of change is happening in the market. Both Intel and AMD are starting to produce dual core processors, but they aren't required for most people. Budget CPUs can be found around the 2.4 to 3.0 GHz (PR of 3000+ and below) range, mid-range at 2.8 to 3.2 GHz (PR of 3200+ to 3800+) and high-end processors at or above 3.4 GHz(PR above 4000+).

Memory (RAM)
RAM is important because if you don't get enough, your system won't run optimally. The minimum amount of RAM for today's systems should be 512MB even for budget systems. 1GB of RAM provides better performance. DDR memory is now used by all current systems with the most common being PC3200. DDR2 can be found on newer Intel systems. Budget systems may still use older PC2100 or PC2700 DDR. When buying memory, try to buy as few DIMMs as possible to allow for future memory upgrades if needed.

Hard Drives
Hard drives boil down to capacity and speed. Most hard drives available now will provide you with more than enough storage. Look for 80 GB drive as the minimum. If you feel you need more space or the extra space doesn't cost more, get the upgrade. As for performance, 7200 rpm drives are the best choice currently. If you really want performance, look for drives with 8MB or 16MB of cache. Drives will either be Serial ATA or IDE but performance levels are roughly the same.

Optical Drives
Most systems sold now feature DVD burners, even the budget systems. It is best to make sure that you get a multiformat DVD burner that can support both the +R/RW and -R/RW formats. Speeds should be 16x for the recordable speed. Dual or Double Layer media support is also a common feature although less likely to be used due to media cost. If you don't need a DVD burner, try to at least get a CD-RW/DVD combo drive of 24x recording speed to allow for CD media storage and DVD playback.

Video Card
Video cards change every 6 months, so selecting the right one is difficult. If you want to have future capability, go for a card that supports DirectX 9 and has at least 128MB of memory. If don't have to be on the cutting edge of video technology, there is a wide range of choices to fit your needs. Things to consider now on video cards are DVI connectors for digital LCD panels and multi-monitor support. New systems should use PCI Express graphics cards over the previous AGP interface.

External Connectors
Many upgrades and peripherals to computers now connect through external interfaces instead of internal cards. Check to see how many and what type of external ports are available on the computer for use with future peripherals. Look for systems that have both USB 2.0 and IEEE 1394 or FireWire ports. It should have at least six USB 2.0 connectors and one FireWire ports.

Monitors
What good is a computer without a monitor? Consumers can choose between CRT or LCD monitors. CRTs provide a wide range of capabilities at a good price but are bulky. LCDs take up less desk space but cost more and have limited capabilities. Regardless of type of monitor, look at getting at least a 17” monitor capable of displaying a resolution of 1280 by 1024 pixels.