Gone are the days when it was only large corporations that had their own websites. In this age of 24/7 connectivity, there is a good case for saying that all businesses have to be visible on the internet.
As the internet becomes an increasingly indispensable part of our lives, people of all ages and backgrounds have come to rely on being able to find whatever they need on the web. Rather than driving or walking to local stores during opening hours, we have quickly become used to sitting at our computers at any hour of the day or night, in the comfort of our own homes.
With gasoline prices going up sharply now, people are realising that they can save money as well as time by using the internet. Any retailer, service provider or other business that is not easily located on there is therefore increasingly likely to lose out.
Searching for information about products and services before buying has, in fact, become one of the most popular activities on the web. This applies to purchases that are subsequently made in bricks-and-mortar stores as well as in online stores. A May 2008 survey described in a news release from Nielsen Online (Internet Strategy Essential to Offline Retail, July 22, 2008) found that a full 80 percent of respondents who had bought electronic products from a local physical store recently had visited that store's website beforehand.
The same survey asked consumers to choose their preferred source of information to support their next consumer electronics purchase. The majority (58 percent) said that they would do their product research on the internet, while 25 percent would visit local retailers. A mere 8 percent would rely on reviews in newspapers and magazines, and another 8 percent on recommendations from friends and family.
These findings demonstrate how important it is for retailers and other businesses to use the web to promote themselves and drive offline sales, even if they don't actually sell anything online. An effective business website can function as a 24-hour marketing department and public relations office, and in some cases a sales department too. A website can also be used to collect customer details and send out information such as newsletters, product specifications or availability, and quotations for services.
A good business website does not need to be 100 pages long to be effective. A simple but well laid out site of 3-7 pages is often adequate for a small business or independent operator. Of course, if the company sells physical goods online, it will normally need to display a full product catalog with photographs. The important thing is to provide clear and relevant information and make the site as user-friendly as possible, so that visitors leave with a sense that the company has provided a high level of information and service. This will help ensure that as many visitors as possible become paying customers at a later stage.
Wednesday, 29 October 2008
Thursday, 9 October 2008
Hybrid Cars
A new type of vehicle that gets exceptionally high mileage is the hybrid. A hybrid car has an electric motor as well as an ordinary gasoline-powered engine. While some hybrids run their electric motors from solar panels on the exterior of the vehicle, most of the models on the market right now use regenerative braking to capture the energy normally wasted during braking and coasting.
This energy is then stored in the onboard batteries and used when driving at low speeds, and to supplement the gasoline engine when accelerating or climbing hills. Many models provide additional energy conservation by automatically shutting off the engine when the car stops and starting it up again when the accelerator is pressed.
Some people worry that a hybrid might not have enough power to run very fast. However, the models on sale now are highly engineered and researched, and are built for just as much speed and strength as a conventional vehicle. If the batteries ever run out of juice temporarily, the conventional gasoline engine will automatically kick in so that there is no loss of power even if you are traveling at high speed.
Just about all the major automotive manufacturers are launching hybrid models now. Many vehicles are available in both regular and hybrid formats. Some consumers may hesitate to consider a hybrid because they think it will be poorly built and strange-looking, or that hybrids are only driven by “hippies” or “tree-huggers”. This reputation stems from the days of the experimental electric cars that did look like metal boxes on wheels and could only go a few miles between charges.
These days, however, hybrids are just as safe, stylish and well-appointed as any other vehicles. It is usually not even possible to tell the difference between a hybrid and a regular car just by looking at them. There are now hybrid versions of SUVs and trucks as well as the more familiar small cars, so you are bound to find a model that suits your needs and taste.
You do have to pay more to buy a hybrid than the equivalent gasoline-driven car, though, but you will use significantly less gas, particularly in city driving. In contrast to regular vehicles, many hybrids actually get higher mileage in town than on the highway since the gasoline engine often does not need to be used when driving at low speeds.
The federal and state governments offer tax incentives for buyers of hybrids and other non-standard vehicles, to help compensate for the higher purchase price. There are both tax credits and deductions available for people who buy hybrids, FFAs (flexible fuel vehicles) that can use E85 or gasoline, electrical and natural gas-powered vehicles, and even certain diesel models. For up-to-date details, see this website:
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/tax_afv.shtml
Aside from the obvious economic benefits of driving a hybrid, a lot of people who buy one do so for its green credentials as well. Since it uses smaller quantities of oil-based fuel than a normal car, a hybrid emits less of the harmful greenhouse gases that are being blamed for causing global warming and climate change.
Hybrids are in such high demand now that you might have to join a waiting list in order to buy one. The main reason why manufacturers cannot produce hybrids fast enough to meet current demand is the shortage of certain vital elements that are used in the production of hybrid engines. The most important of these is dysprosium, which is found mainly in China and is highly sought after for use in other electronic products.
These are a few of the most popular hybrid vehicles on sale now:
Ford:
Escape Hybrid FWD: 34 city/31 highway
Escape Hybrid 4WD: 29 city/27 highway
Mercury Mariner Hybrid FWD: 34 city/31 highway
Honda:
Civic Hybrid: 40 city/45 highway
Mazda:
Tribute Hybrid 2WD: 34 city/31 highway
Tribute Hybrid 4WD: 29 city/27 highway
Nissan:
Altima Hybrid: 35 city/33 highway
Toyota:
Prius: 48 city/45 highway
Camry Hybrid: 33 city/34 highway
Highlander Hybrid 4WD: 27 city/25 highway
For the most up-to-date comparisons of hybrid vehicles, see:
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/hybrid_sbs.shtml
This energy is then stored in the onboard batteries and used when driving at low speeds, and to supplement the gasoline engine when accelerating or climbing hills. Many models provide additional energy conservation by automatically shutting off the engine when the car stops and starting it up again when the accelerator is pressed.
Some people worry that a hybrid might not have enough power to run very fast. However, the models on sale now are highly engineered and researched, and are built for just as much speed and strength as a conventional vehicle. If the batteries ever run out of juice temporarily, the conventional gasoline engine will automatically kick in so that there is no loss of power even if you are traveling at high speed.
Just about all the major automotive manufacturers are launching hybrid models now. Many vehicles are available in both regular and hybrid formats. Some consumers may hesitate to consider a hybrid because they think it will be poorly built and strange-looking, or that hybrids are only driven by “hippies” or “tree-huggers”. This reputation stems from the days of the experimental electric cars that did look like metal boxes on wheels and could only go a few miles between charges.
These days, however, hybrids are just as safe, stylish and well-appointed as any other vehicles. It is usually not even possible to tell the difference between a hybrid and a regular car just by looking at them. There are now hybrid versions of SUVs and trucks as well as the more familiar small cars, so you are bound to find a model that suits your needs and taste.
You do have to pay more to buy a hybrid than the equivalent gasoline-driven car, though, but you will use significantly less gas, particularly in city driving. In contrast to regular vehicles, many hybrids actually get higher mileage in town than on the highway since the gasoline engine often does not need to be used when driving at low speeds.
The federal and state governments offer tax incentives for buyers of hybrids and other non-standard vehicles, to help compensate for the higher purchase price. There are both tax credits and deductions available for people who buy hybrids, FFAs (flexible fuel vehicles) that can use E85 or gasoline, electrical and natural gas-powered vehicles, and even certain diesel models. For up-to-date details, see this website:
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/tax_afv.shtml
Aside from the obvious economic benefits of driving a hybrid, a lot of people who buy one do so for its green credentials as well. Since it uses smaller quantities of oil-based fuel than a normal car, a hybrid emits less of the harmful greenhouse gases that are being blamed for causing global warming and climate change.
Hybrids are in such high demand now that you might have to join a waiting list in order to buy one. The main reason why manufacturers cannot produce hybrids fast enough to meet current demand is the shortage of certain vital elements that are used in the production of hybrid engines. The most important of these is dysprosium, which is found mainly in China and is highly sought after for use in other electronic products.
These are a few of the most popular hybrid vehicles on sale now:
Ford:
Escape Hybrid FWD: 34 city/31 highway
Escape Hybrid 4WD: 29 city/27 highway
Mercury Mariner Hybrid FWD: 34 city/31 highway
Honda:
Civic Hybrid: 40 city/45 highway
Mazda:
Tribute Hybrid 2WD: 34 city/31 highway
Tribute Hybrid 4WD: 29 city/27 highway
Nissan:
Altima Hybrid: 35 city/33 highway
Toyota:
Prius: 48 city/45 highway
Camry Hybrid: 33 city/34 highway
Highlander Hybrid 4WD: 27 city/25 highway
For the most up-to-date comparisons of hybrid vehicles, see:
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/hybrid_sbs.shtml
Friday, 19 September 2008
Why Use a Credit Card Debt Consultant?
Have you run up large debts on your credit cards? If so, you might want to consider seeking the services of a credit card debt consultant. While some people are quite capable of managing this type of problem themselves, many others prefer to get professional help. It can also be hard to make rational decisions about how to proceed when you are experiencing financial difficulties and are unable to see a way out of the mess.
Fortunately, it is not hard to find a credit card debt consultant who can help you. However, you must make sure that you select someone with a good reputation and a proven track record. Perhaps the best way to ensure that you are dealing with a reputable and effective consultant is to get a personal recommendation from someone who has used their services in the past.
Once you engage a debt advisor, they will start by examining your income, debts, assets and liabilities in order to assess the health of your overall financial situation. Then they will be able to set up a weekly plan for reducing your debts and eventually getting rid of them completely. At the same time, they can advise you on the steps you should take to repair your credit rating and raise your credit score.
However, you do need to understand that a credit card debt consultant can only help you to manage your situation if you follow the advice and guidelines they give you. This means that you will need to make some changes to your lifestyle and rein in your spending, which is sure to involve some pain on your part.
Since they tend to know more about these matters than the rest of us, a good debt management professional can save you a lot of money, even when you take their fees into account. They have to stay up-to-date on all the developments in the world of economics and finance. A credit card debt consultant will know all the latest tips and tricks, and will be able to locate the best available deals on card balance transfers and so on.
So, if you feel you are drowning in credit card debt and cannot figure out how to fix your problems, do yourself a favor and seek some professional help. You will probably be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you can get back on the road to financial freedom.
Fortunately, it is not hard to find a credit card debt consultant who can help you. However, you must make sure that you select someone with a good reputation and a proven track record. Perhaps the best way to ensure that you are dealing with a reputable and effective consultant is to get a personal recommendation from someone who has used their services in the past.
Once you engage a debt advisor, they will start by examining your income, debts, assets and liabilities in order to assess the health of your overall financial situation. Then they will be able to set up a weekly plan for reducing your debts and eventually getting rid of them completely. At the same time, they can advise you on the steps you should take to repair your credit rating and raise your credit score.
However, you do need to understand that a credit card debt consultant can only help you to manage your situation if you follow the advice and guidelines they give you. This means that you will need to make some changes to your lifestyle and rein in your spending, which is sure to involve some pain on your part.
Since they tend to know more about these matters than the rest of us, a good debt management professional can save you a lot of money, even when you take their fees into account. They have to stay up-to-date on all the developments in the world of economics and finance. A credit card debt consultant will know all the latest tips and tricks, and will be able to locate the best available deals on card balance transfers and so on.
So, if you feel you are drowning in credit card debt and cannot figure out how to fix your problems, do yourself a favor and seek some professional help. You will probably be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you can get back on the road to financial freedom.
What Is Vitamin B 12?
Your body needs a regular supply of vitamins and minerals in order to function properly. One of these essential nutrients is vitamin B 12, which is also known as cobalmin or cyanocobalamine.
It plays an important role in the development of the red blood cells, and in the maintenance of the nervous system. In particular, the nerves in the brain need vitamin B 12 to form their protective fatty layer. This vitamin also helps ensure that the white blood cells are working correctly so that they can keep the immune system in good shape.
Vitamin B 12 is found in animal proteins such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy products. Most people eat these foods every day, and therefore ingest more than enough of this nutrient. Vegans, as well as those vegetarians who do not consume sufficient quantities of animal protein, have to compensate by taking supplements or eating breakfast cereals or dairy products that have been fortified with B 12.
Some people have trouble absorbing vitamin B 12, and can therefore develop a deficiency even if they eat plenty of the correct foods. A person who has a B 12 deficiency can develop a kind of anemia where the red blood cells are abnormally large but fewer in number than usual. Other effects include tiredness and dizziness, unexplained bruising, palpitations, shortness of breath and hair loss. In extreme cases, the nerve damage that results from not having enough vitamin B 12 causes confusion and dementia.
If you suffer from this type of anemia, you should take iron and B 12 supplements, and eat more foods that contain these elements. Good sources include red meat, liver, fish, poultry, leafy vegetables, wheat germ and dried fruit. You should also avoid drinking too much tea, which can decrease the body's ability to utilize both vitamin B 12 and iron, and take more vitamin C, which helps in the absorption process.
An estimated 10 to 15 percent of adults over 65 have a form of B 12 deficiency called pernicious anemia. This is caused by a drop in the body's production of intrinsic factor, which aids in the absorption of the nutrient. Symptoms range from weakness, nausea, tingling in the hands and feet and a sore tongue to personality changes, memory loss and delusions. Treatment generally consists of regular B 12 injections, which need to be taken for life.
If you suspect that you might not be getting enough vitamin B 12, you should check your diet and see your doctor as soon as possible.
It plays an important role in the development of the red blood cells, and in the maintenance of the nervous system. In particular, the nerves in the brain need vitamin B 12 to form their protective fatty layer. This vitamin also helps ensure that the white blood cells are working correctly so that they can keep the immune system in good shape.
Vitamin B 12 is found in animal proteins such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy products. Most people eat these foods every day, and therefore ingest more than enough of this nutrient. Vegans, as well as those vegetarians who do not consume sufficient quantities of animal protein, have to compensate by taking supplements or eating breakfast cereals or dairy products that have been fortified with B 12.
Some people have trouble absorbing vitamin B 12, and can therefore develop a deficiency even if they eat plenty of the correct foods. A person who has a B 12 deficiency can develop a kind of anemia where the red blood cells are abnormally large but fewer in number than usual. Other effects include tiredness and dizziness, unexplained bruising, palpitations, shortness of breath and hair loss. In extreme cases, the nerve damage that results from not having enough vitamin B 12 causes confusion and dementia.
If you suffer from this type of anemia, you should take iron and B 12 supplements, and eat more foods that contain these elements. Good sources include red meat, liver, fish, poultry, leafy vegetables, wheat germ and dried fruit. You should also avoid drinking too much tea, which can decrease the body's ability to utilize both vitamin B 12 and iron, and take more vitamin C, which helps in the absorption process.
An estimated 10 to 15 percent of adults over 65 have a form of B 12 deficiency called pernicious anemia. This is caused by a drop in the body's production of intrinsic factor, which aids in the absorption of the nutrient. Symptoms range from weakness, nausea, tingling in the hands and feet and a sore tongue to personality changes, memory loss and delusions. Treatment generally consists of regular B 12 injections, which need to be taken for life.
If you suspect that you might not be getting enough vitamin B 12, you should check your diet and see your doctor as soon as possible.
Buying a Digital Camera
These days, most people who are shopping for a camera are looking at digital models. If you are thinking about buying a digital camera, you need to spend some time researching the different specifications and products in the market. Don’t make the mistake of going out to a camera store without having at least some idea of what you are looking for. If you come across as clueless, some unscrupulous salesperson might try to convince you that you need one of the most sophisticated and expensive items in the store.
First of all, think about what you are going to use your digital camera for. If you want to take great photos of your family, friends and vacation spots, you will be able to find plenty of easy-to-use models that let you simply aim and shoot to produce better pictures than ever before. A digital photography enthusiast, on the other hand, will be more concerned about specific features such as zooming, resolution and shutter speed.
The next thing to consider is your budget. How much can you afford to spend on your new digital camera? There are models to suit every budget, but you might have to choose carefully if you need any particularly advanced features. Don’t forget that you might also want to buy extra gadgets such as additional memory cards, a printer, a remote control or a tripod so that you can make full use of your digital camera. Batteries also add to the cost, and will need to be replaced frequently unless you opt for a model that takes rechargeable batteries.
Then you should figure out what kind of features you need. These are the most important:
- Resolution. For most people, picture quality, or resolution, is the number one consideration. It is measured in megapixels (millions of pixels, or dots). The higher the number the sharper the image will be, which is especially important if it is enlarged. You should aim for a minimum of 2 or 3 megapixels’ resolution in your digital camera, although a real photography aficionado might look for one with 5, 6 or more megapixels.
- Shutter speed. You probably know about shutter speeds if you are accustomed to using a film camera. If you want to take action shots you will need a fast shutter speed, but for most digital camera users 2000 should be sufficient. This represents a speed of just 1/2000 of a second.
- Zoom. Better quality cameras feature an optical zoom, while less expensive models will have digital zooming.
- Memory card. While all digital cameras have some built-in memory for storing photos, you will probably want to purchase an extra memory card. There are a few different types, so you must make sure that you get the one that works with your camera. Memory cards are also offered in a wide range of storage sizes, so that you can pick a size that suits your requirements. Remember that you might not need the largest card available, since you will be able to transfer your photos to your computer when you get home.
- LCD display. The LCD screen on the back of the camera allows you to frame the image and view it clearly before you shoot. You can also use it to review the photographs stored in the memory and delete any that you don’t like. LCD displays are normally between 1.5 inches and 2.5 inches in size. Be aware that the larger ones consume a lot of battery power.
- Size and feel. Try the camera out before you buy it. It is important to hold it to gauge the weight and make sure that you are comfortable with the position and feel of the buttons. You should also check the LCD display to see if it is large enough, play with the zoom and look through the viewfinder. Most digital cameras aimed at the everyday user are light and compact, while the professional models tend to be larger and heavier.
Now that you have a better idea of what to look for in a good digital camera, you will be better equipped to go out and purchase one that you will get a great deal of pleasure from using. You might also want to check the internet for websites that provide ratings and reviews of specific models.
First of all, think about what you are going to use your digital camera for. If you want to take great photos of your family, friends and vacation spots, you will be able to find plenty of easy-to-use models that let you simply aim and shoot to produce better pictures than ever before. A digital photography enthusiast, on the other hand, will be more concerned about specific features such as zooming, resolution and shutter speed.
The next thing to consider is your budget. How much can you afford to spend on your new digital camera? There are models to suit every budget, but you might have to choose carefully if you need any particularly advanced features. Don’t forget that you might also want to buy extra gadgets such as additional memory cards, a printer, a remote control or a tripod so that you can make full use of your digital camera. Batteries also add to the cost, and will need to be replaced frequently unless you opt for a model that takes rechargeable batteries.
Then you should figure out what kind of features you need. These are the most important:
- Resolution. For most people, picture quality, or resolution, is the number one consideration. It is measured in megapixels (millions of pixels, or dots). The higher the number the sharper the image will be, which is especially important if it is enlarged. You should aim for a minimum of 2 or 3 megapixels’ resolution in your digital camera, although a real photography aficionado might look for one with 5, 6 or more megapixels.
- Shutter speed. You probably know about shutter speeds if you are accustomed to using a film camera. If you want to take action shots you will need a fast shutter speed, but for most digital camera users 2000 should be sufficient. This represents a speed of just 1/2000 of a second.
- Zoom. Better quality cameras feature an optical zoom, while less expensive models will have digital zooming.
- Memory card. While all digital cameras have some built-in memory for storing photos, you will probably want to purchase an extra memory card. There are a few different types, so you must make sure that you get the one that works with your camera. Memory cards are also offered in a wide range of storage sizes, so that you can pick a size that suits your requirements. Remember that you might not need the largest card available, since you will be able to transfer your photos to your computer when you get home.
- LCD display. The LCD screen on the back of the camera allows you to frame the image and view it clearly before you shoot. You can also use it to review the photographs stored in the memory and delete any that you don’t like. LCD displays are normally between 1.5 inches and 2.5 inches in size. Be aware that the larger ones consume a lot of battery power.
- Size and feel. Try the camera out before you buy it. It is important to hold it to gauge the weight and make sure that you are comfortable with the position and feel of the buttons. You should also check the LCD display to see if it is large enough, play with the zoom and look through the viewfinder. Most digital cameras aimed at the everyday user are light and compact, while the professional models tend to be larger and heavier.
Now that you have a better idea of what to look for in a good digital camera, you will be better equipped to go out and purchase one that you will get a great deal of pleasure from using. You might also want to check the internet for websites that provide ratings and reviews of specific models.
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