Showing posts with label Tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tips. Show all posts

What If the Corporation Tells You to Lie in a Disclaimer?

It has been a long time since I wrote here at this page, and yet, it seems to be just at the right time.

This article is about disclaimers. We've all seen the disclaimers, on the back of the product packages, and on television commercials, and sometimes even in the oddest of places, like on plastic bags - disclaimers that say silly things like, "do not put over your head". Duh, so who's going to do that anyway?

For the most part, the majority of disclaimers are simply tools that corporations and that lawyers use to make sure that if someone sues, they don't get harmed or they can get away with claiming innocence.

Yet, some disclaimers are needed, and some make sense and some are quite helpful. So, how does one distinguish between the ordinary, useful disclaimers and the ones that are, so obviously, lawyer's tools and corporations' tools to simply stop you from having recourse after one of their products or services has really harmed you? How do you decide which disclaimers are important and which are just plain annoying, and a waste of time, and space and, in many cases, a waste of good human energy?

Or does it really make a difference if we distinguish them, separate them or not? Only you know the answer to that question.

I am writing this article to bring attention, to you, and to the public, the new use of 'specifically-worded' disclaimers that are now being demanded for display on some community access channels, and shows. The disclaimer for television is not a real problem. Many producers put disclaimers on their shows, without even being asked to do so.

The huge problem for the latest development in community access television corporations is that 'specifically-worded' disclaimer. That's it --- the "specific words". And when I read the specific disclaimer, I saw, quite quickly, that it simply wasn't the truth.

So, I ask you. Can a corporation demand that you lie on television (if the disclaimer is obviously not the truth) and if you don't agree to the lie, can the corporation or the Board of Directors or the boss say that you can not air your show on community television?

Good question!

While I am not sure that I can answer this question directly, I'm pretty sure that I can answer the question by a process of elimination technique. I'll try that here.

So, by process of elimination, I'll say that for the most part, on many of the community access television shows, there usually is, more than one person, sometimes as many as four or five guests on the show or four or five "talents" on the show. And, if you think about this logically, you have to know that all those people do not have identical ideas and probably not talking about identical problems or issues.

One guest on the show could be an author, while another guest could be a singer, and another guest could be a folk-song writer, and one guest could be a lawyer. Yes, all those guests can be on one single community access television show. And then there is the Executive Producer. So with the specifically-worded disclaimer notice, it states that the opinions you hear on the show are "solely" of the Producer. And that clearly could not be the truth. There are many times in a show when an Executive Producer can or does invite someone to the show that has a different or even opposite opinion than the guest(s) might have.

So, a more appropriate disclaimer, a more truthful disclaimer might be worded like this, "Disclaimer: The opinions on this show are not the opinions of staff or admin. but they are the opinions / facts of the Executive Producer or of the guests, host or talent on this episode".

Now, that's honest, and that's more truthful and that's way more acceptable than the other cookie-cutter disclaimer that isn't truthful.

Yet, in a particular community access studio, the other "specifically worded" disclaimer that doesn't always represent the truth, is the disclaimer that is being pushed by (some in) the corporation.

Even a member of the Board of Directors has stated that the show will not be aired without the proper (specifically-worded) disclaimer.

So, what does an Executive Producer do, in this case, when the Producer wants to promote a true disclaimer, one that is more accurate than the mis-statement of the 'specifically -worded' disclaimer?

Producers' choices are either:
  1. Say the lie on television (if the show has more than one opinion from various persons), to have their own show aired.
  2. Not put the specifically-worded disclaimer and as a result of that not have the Producer's show aired on community access television.
  3. Produce the shows somewhere else, in a place that is not requiring the producers to lie on air.
  4. Stop creating television shows.
  5. Wait until the lawyers have their meeting and see what the outcome of the meeting is -regarding the disclaimer notice.
  6. Do the research and the footwork that will come up with better answers than the above answers.
And there are other solutions also, when one really thinks about it. But those are the most obvious solutions, for now.

I invite you to put your input here on this topic. Your opinions are valuable.

DISCLAIMER: (Smiles). Any of these articles are for entertainment purposes only and are never intended as substitution for any legal or medical or other professional advice.

Linda writes on various topics from A to Z. And this topic is on television and disclaimers. Community Television Producers are members of the community who present various topics to air on public television. It's nice to have some shows that are not governed by commercials or by sponsors. Now, it appears that the corporations are demanding specifically worded disclaimers. What is the future of community television?

7 Hot Apps That Will Skyrocket Your Productivity At Work

You can't avoid new technology these days, especially from a marketing standpoint. While it can seem intimidating to stay on top of the times, it is emphatically laborious for any marketer to be on top of his game if he is not palpable to new trends.

7 Hot Apps That Will Skyrocket Your Productivity At Work

Here are seven marketing apps that you'll want to get acquainted with sooner rather than later.

1. Jelly

Google does a pretty good job answering all of our questions from "Why is the sky blue?" to more advanced queries like "How can I prove the ROI of inbound marketing to my boss?"

However, sometimes we are troubled by questions that don't translate well into a traditional search engine field. Jelly app is the solution to this predicament.

I'm not talking about fruit preserves here, but rather an innovative social Q&A app derived from the creative mind of Twitter co-founder, Biz Stone.

The crowdsourcing style app allows you to query your social network contacts, and lend them a helping hand when they're in need of an answer. Jelly doesn't rely on just text-based questions, but it actually allows users to use pictures to probe their questions.

Let's say, for example, you see someone in a magazine sporting a jacket you really like. Simply take a picture of the jacket, and post it alongside a question like: "Does anyone know who makes this jacket, or where I can find one like it?"

While Jelly is a promising app, the potential for marketing incorporation appears to be enthralling. Customer service, product marketing, and crowdsourcing are a handful of ways many people are making use of the Jelly app from a business standpoint.

2. Pocket

You just stumbled upon an awesome article on how to increase your conversion rates, but your next meeting starts in 2 minutes. No worries, just put it in your pocket.

Formerly known as Read It Later, Pocket is a bookmarking app that makes it easy for users to store articles and videos to queue up at their convenience. The read-later experience doesn't rely on an internet connection, so you can revisit your findings pretty much anywhere. Sounds like a great way to increase your productivity on lengthy plane, train, or automobile rides, huh?

Best of all, Pocket will sync across all of your devices, providing users with a hassle-free way to resume reading on their preferred device.

3. Directr for Business

Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, Wolf of Wall Street, what do all of these box office hits have in common? Scorsese.

Behind every great video production is a talented director, and the Directr for Business app is aiming to be just that.

While 71% of consumers feel positively about brands that publish videos, 85% of consumers are more likely to buy after viewing product videos (Source: Inbound Marketing Agents). If bandwidth is holding your business back from producing quality video content, Directr for Business has an entire library of production templates to make it easy for just about anyone to make video content.

The templates are divided into categories that range anywhere from product announcement, to how-to tutorials, to company culture insight. Each template contains a storyboard style shot list that lays out how to approach each shot - for example the first shot in a "how-to" video prompts users to answer the question "who are you and what are you teaching?"

Aside from a prompt, each shot comes complete with directors notes, and visual suggestions that explain how to position the shot. They've pretty much covered it all, all that's left for you to do is look pretty and nail your dialogue.

4. Any.Do Moment / Cal

I don't like to think of Any.do as an app, but rather a morning ritual.

The first stop in any Monday morning grind should be this user-friendly planning tool. On paper, Any.do can best be referred to as a to do list application designed to help you plan out your busy day, but it's really more than that.

Any.do helps you manage your life, both professional and personal, by inputting tasks into it's sleek and simple interface. Users have the option to schedule tasks into 4 categories, (Today, Tomorrow, Upcoming, and Someday) making it fun to plan tomorrow's blog post and someday's vacation. Tasks can be sorted into different folders to optimize organization, and notes and contacts can be added for added clarification.

Additionally, Any.Do is highly integrated with the calendar application, Cal. So much so that one might say they're "going steady." You can even sign into Cal using your Any.Do account, and all of your tasks will carry over into its interactive internal calendar. Adding events to the calendar is simple, and it even gives you the option to enter a location name so that Cal can map out a route for you. Any.Do Moment and Cal provides busy marketers with a lens through which they can focus their tasks and interactions.

5. Asana

Asana is a task management tool that makes collaboration on team projects easier than ever.

Created by Facebook co-founder, Dustin Moskovitz, Asana is a free* application that provides real-time interaction through a user-friendly interface. Asana users can create tasks, assign them to team members, set due dates, add notes, attach files, create internal checklists, and communicate with others through comments. Once tasks are created, you can group them into projects, and invite team members so that they can brainstorm, assign subtasks, and work toward accomplishing their goals.

The thing that makes Asana the perfect tool for marketers is its ability to present conversations and projects side-by-side, eliminating the hassle of scattered emails and missed messages. No more digging through your inbox to find that file John sent you, and that set of images Bobby wrapped up last week. Asana keeps everything you need neatly in one place.

6. IFTTT

Pronounced like gift without the 'G', IFTTT is a innovative new app that stands for "if this than that."

IFTTT provides users with a tool to mix up custom "recipes" that trigger a particular action. Sound confusing? It's not.

The average IFTTT recipe contains the following elements:

Channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Evernote, iOS photos, Weather, Dropbox, Email, Feedly, iOS Reminders, LinkedIn and 70 more.
Triggers: "I upload a photo to Instagram", "I'm tagged in a photo on Facebook", "I set an iOS reminder"
Actions: "Send me a text message", "Add it to my Dropbox", "Post to Facebook"
Let's say you want to keep your branding consistent across the board, and you want your Twitter avatar to match your Facebook profile photo. Simply use this "recipe":

If my Facebook profile pictures changes, then update my Twitter profile picture.

A lot of the time when I am working on a "how-to" blog post I reference screenshots from my phone. Oh, you do too? Use this recipe:

If I take a screenshot on iOS, then save it to my Evernote notebook.

With seemingly endless combinations, IFTTT provides busy marketers with a way to automate simple tasks that save a lot of time.

7. LIfe Graphy

Life Graphy presents users with a totally unique approach to the average productivity app concept.

The colorful app breaks your tasks down into mini pie charts that can contain up to ten segments (1 segment per task). As you complete tasks, the individual sections within the chart begin to fill up. A completed circle is something to smile about.

Life Graphy offers users 3 views: Day, Month, and Year. By switching between the 3 views, you can get a good visual idea of how much you have accomplished.

While the functionality of the app is enough reason to try it out, it's the interface that really does it for me.

Committing to a task-based planning app is easier said than done, but Life Graphy makes you want to keep trucking along because its fun!

New technology isn't going to slow down anytime soon. As the pace for innovation quickens, we can expect that there will be a whole lot of new advances coming our way whether we think we're ready for them or not.

It isn't possible to know everything, but if you equip your team with the right tools, you'll notice how much easier it is for your business to remain relevant and increase productivity.

How to Make A QR Codes In 4 Quick Steps

This post is to help marketers reach more audience using QR codes. Learn how to create your own, and how you can augment the chance of consumers scanning them. These are the 4 quick steps to creating your QR code and a start to reaching more audience

How to Make A QR Codes In 4 Quick Steps
Step 1: Select a QR code generator
There are tons of generators out there, but a few of the popular ones are Kaywa, GOQR.me, Visualead, and QR Stuff. Things to search for when choosing a code generator are whether you can track and analyze performance, if it allows you to design a code that's unique to your brand, and if it is compatible with common QR code readers.

Step 2: Design and link it up
The mesmerizing part of creating QR is customizing the design of the code to your brand. Want your code to look like your logo? Go for it. Want it to reflect your website's design scheme? Choose it.

Let's take an example of a QR code generator and walk you through the steps to creating it. I will recommend GOQR.me. When you launch it, Do these:

1. Select what type of content you want your QR to send the consumer to - you can choose a URL.

2. Insert the content (Embed the URL)

3. Check out the preview, customize as desired, then download and/or embed where needed.

Step 3: Test the QR code
With all the euphoria in creating your first QR, don't forget to check that the code "reads" correctly, and be sure to try more than just one reader. A good place to start is the free tool Google Goggles, which takes a picture and then tells you what link or item it "reads to." Another free tool is QR Code Reader, which automatically takes you to whatever it "reads." Apple's Passbook also offers a built-in code reader on iOS 7, so you should test to make sure your code is readable there, as well.

Step 4: Track and analyze performance
As a marketing ordeal, you should follow up on any campaigns using QR to see whether they're actually working. How much traffic comes from each specific code? Are people scanning your code but not redeeming their offer once they get to the landing page? Or are they not even cajoled to scan your code? Comprehending this will hep troubleshoot and churn your poorly performing QR to viable ensembles. I recommend you include a UTM tracking code on your URL so you can better measure performance - this is particularly important if you are a marketer who needs more in-depth reporting on your campaigns.

QR Code Best Practices: Some Important Do's and Don'ts
Now that you know simple the creation is, let's talk about some best practices that will help increase the precipice of your users scanning it.

QR Code Do's
1. Put codes in places where scanning is easy, and there is enough for the consumer to actually scan the code. While you incessantly see QR codes on billboards and TV commercials, they're not exactly the most user-friendly locations. Think of places and mediums where consumers have the time to scan the code.

2. Is your website optimized for mobile? Consumers will be on their phone when scanning the QR code, so they should be brought to a page with a positive mobile experience.

3. Offer a call-to-action with the code - that is to say, tell people explicitly what they're supposed to do when they see the code, and what they'll receive if they do it.

QR Code Don'ts
1. Don't require a special QR scanner. Your Qr code should be app-agnostic so anyone can scan your code with any reader. Alleviating barrier to entry makes success more likely for you and the user.

2. Don't use a QR code just for the sake of using one. For instance, it's common for marketers to think, "How can I bridge the offline experience with the online experience? " That's not wrong... but it's not always right, either. If you have content that is valuable to a mobile user, then use the QR. It will not only spur new consumers but also create a colossal success for you because most people don't do it.

I hope this has been helpful.

Some Useful Free Software Applications For Your Computer

Sometimes you may need free software for your computer and note book. When you are browsing, you may find some websites which offers free software. However, you should be careful since some of them might be viruses. These viruses have the ability to harm your computer. Because of this reason, you should be careful. Some companies give free software in order to advertise the full versions. The commercial full versions provide more features for the users. For the people who like the free version, you are recommended to get the full versions.

Some free versions are open source projects. They are made and maintained by volunteers. For the people who enjoy these programs, it is possible for you to support the continued development by giving donation to the developer team.

When you are looking for free software, you are recommended to get some program types. Those are including office software, network clients, security tools, and other utilities.

Some Useful Free Software Applications For Your Computer
Some programs which you can choose for network clients are including Mozilla Firefox, Opera, NVU, and some other programs. You may consider getting Firefox software. Firefox is highly recommended for your computer since it is better and safer browser than other browsers such as Internet explorer. Another advantage of Firefox is providing the ability for the users to use many free add-ons. You may consider getting Adblock plus, Video DownloadHelper, and No Script. The Video DownloadHelper will help you to save videos from YouTube or Vimeo. No script will allow you to block flash, Java, or Javacript on the website which you visit. The blocking process is done selectively. By installing this program, you will be able to use Mozilla thunderbird icon which can be good replacement for Microsoft Outlook Express and Windows Mail.

Another alternative for Mozilla software is Opera. This program is including email client and other various features. You do not need to worry about the security of opera. It is equipped with security tools. The users can install opera for Microsoft Windows, Macintoch, and other systems.

Another free software program which is recommended for you is OpenOffice program. It will be good replacement for Microsoft Office. OpenOffice has the ability to do almost the same things like Microsoft Office. It can open and save compatible documents such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. It also offers the ability to save PDF file.

For the people who like to play video in their computer or notebook, you should get VLC Media Player. This program is able to play various video types. Another benefit of this program is small size and fast operation. You are also recommended to install other utilities such as Adobe Acrobat Reader and Java. By using Java program, you can run Java based programs on your desktop computer. Java also helps some website applications.

Nowadays have knowledge related with computer is so much fun. And its more important because computer would save your time to finish your current job task. There are so much office productivity software that available in as free accounting software directory. All you thing to do, is read a software review, spesification and read documentation after installed it on your computer.

Finding a Better Mouse

Several years ago, I found myself wanting a better mouse. My computer at the time was a Mac Pro provided by my employer, and the aluminum keyboard and Mighty Mouse that came with it were downright awful. The laptop-style, low profile keyboard was terrible to type on and the mouse had a tiny ball for scrolling, which would get gummed up very easily.

At first, I simply traded them in for a Logitech wireless keyboard and mouse set which I used for quite some time. It was a basic rubber dome keyboard and standard wireless optical mouse. They were okay. They worked. Ultimately, I wanted something better.

Finding a Better Mouse
I noticed that my boss would try out other mice, but ultimately return to his old trackball. He explained that it was more ergonomic and he found it easier to use. Unfortunately, the model he used had long been discontinued and regularly sold for over $300 on eBay. Too rich for me. But I figured there must be some modern equivalents.

So I went on a search. My initial requirements were simple. It needed to cost less than $50 and I didn't want to give up my scroll wheel, which seemed to be a commonly missing feature amongst trackball mice.

Logitech M570

My first stop was the trackball mouse everyone seems to go to when they ditch a regular mouse: the Logitech M570. It is a thumb style trackball with 3 buttons, a scroll wheel and a pair of back/forward buttons. The buttons and scroll wheel performed just like the other Logitech mice I had used. That meant the ball was the only thing I would need to get used to.

Unfortunately, this mouse has a relatively small ball that doesn't have much weight to it. Because of this, I had difficulty moving the pointer any distance by spinning the ball. I also had quite a bit of difficulty with accuracy. The pointer seemed to jump around a bit. To be fair, I think I must have a thumb impediment. I never could get it to do what I wanted it to do. I can't exactly blame that on the mouse. Even though I used it for over a month, I never really felt comfortable with it.

Pros:
  • Extra navigation buttons
  • Standard scroll wheel
  • Mouse buttons are operated with the usual fingers
Cons:
  • Small, lightweight ball tended to lift out of its place a bit
  • For me, movement was awkward with my thumb
Kensington Orbit with Scroll Wheel

The other mouse I tested was the Kensington Orbit with Scroll Ring which I was able to find on sale. The name is quite a mouthful. There is a previous version without a scroll ring simply called the Orbit. I'm not sure why they didn't just rename it when they added a scroll ring. Anyway, it's a center ball with two buttons and a scroll ring, which I thought was very intriguing. The ball is a bit bigger than the Logitech M570 and the buttons are noticeably firm.

I quickly adapted to using the trackball with my index and middle fingers, and the scroll ring seemed completely natural after the first few days. It took a short while to get accustomed to left-clicking with my thumb, which does present a bit of finger confusion if I need to use a regular mouse for some reason.

It was easy to spin the ball to bring the pointer from one end of a dual monitor setup to the other. I was able to accurately place the pointer where I wanted, and I found that I preferred the firmness of the buttons. This became my new favorite mouse after only a few days.

Pros:
  • Larger, heavier ball with smooth movement
  • Center ball that you move with your fingers (or whole hand) instead of your thumb
  • Smooth scroll ring
Cons:
  • Using your thumb for left click can result in a little finger confusion when switching to use regular mice for gaming or at another machine
  • Only the two buttons. It could use a third button or some navigation buttons
Conclusion

If I had less than $50 to spend on a trackball mouse, I would choose the Kensington Orbit with Scroll Ring. I prefer the middle ball, and the scroll ring is nice and smooth. Having only two buttons may be an issue for some people, but made little difference to me.

If, however, you prefer to operate the ball with your thumb, the Logitech M570 is an excellent choice for the price.

Chris Meyers is a software developer and writer. He enjoys writing software, playing with new technology and writing fantasy stories. You can read more of his stuff here: http://www.chrislmeyers.com

Free Software - Or Maybe Not?

So, I finally decided to splash out on some new Movie Maker or Video Editing software. Like most people probably would I opted to do a spot of research before I committed. I would rather have good free software if I can get it but I am also prepared to pay for it if required.

Anyone having gone through this painful exercise before will appreciate how time consuming it is. Firstly you have to beware of all those helpful folk who creatively explain how wonderful this or that software is - usually under a title such as "Top Free Video Editors" or "Best Free Movie Editing Programs" or similar enticing titles which ultimately end up with a bias write up and a referral link to the provider through their commission account URL.

Free Software - Or Maybe Not?
Sometimes it becomes quite clear that the writer has not even bothered to download and use the software. When they have used the software the bias is often always towards their best commission provider. This does not bother me too much.

What does bother me is the blatant advertising of products under the banner of "Free Software" which you either have to download to find that half the features do not work unless you opt for the full upgrade or when they imply "Free" they were referring to the 30 day trial.

Suffice to say that we all end up downloading tons of useless software only to have to uninstall it all again. I have made a conscious decision to no longer look at the free software unless it comes by recommendation. It simply is not worth all the trouble, deceit and broken promises.

Seriously, life is too short. If you want something then go straight to the branded products where the price is clearly stated, the support outlined in writing, and if anything is dubious then move on to the next big player. At least the branded goods have reputations they can ill afford to lose if they get things wrong.

We have all spent hours struggling with this install or that install which for one reason or another refuses to do what it is supposed to do. Our computers are all configured differently and we have a variety of programs of which any one could be causing a conflict with the new install. This is accepted. This is the norm.

However, when you are stuck, and you have reached the point where your PC is about to become airborne, you will think about contacting support and you will want that support to be there when you call.

HTML5 Mobile Application Development for Flawless App Performance

If you want an innovative and out-of-the box mobile app, then harnessing the potential of the cutting edge HTML5 technology is just the right answer. Today, it has become possible to develop feature-rich and business-centric mobile apps that are highly scalable and robust as well. In this manner, you can enhance the way your business is capable of interacting with your target audience.

Today, many companies are in the fray to offer innovative as well as highly interactive HTML5 mobile applications for various industry verticals. Such HTML5 mobile apps have all the necessary rich features along with elevated performance and latest technology trends. Besides they complement your business insights. Most HTML5 mobile app development companies have proven expertise in applications development, so that you also get value added services for your company or organization along with the best development practices.

HTML5 Mobile Application Development for Flawless App Performance
Today, because of the high levels of competition, companies offer cost effective services to ensure high Return on Investment (ROI) and also offer 24/7 technical support alongside. They have become extremely customer focused and offer the highest level of technical support through various complex communication systems.

Besides, such application development companies now hire expert developers who are proficient and dynamic in their work and outlook. They are provided the latest development tools as well as platforms so that they can ensure the production and delivery of client-centric mobile solutions using proven methodologies. Thus, by adopting best practices and following the highest international standards for development, such as ISO 9001 processes, high performance execution is achieved during the entire project cycle.

This has resulted in acceleration in the development of mobile apps using HTML5 as the preferred standard for developing cross-platform mobile applications. Since HTML5 is written in Java Script, it is capable of running in web browsers. Hence, it is seen as a favorite platform that can provide rich user experience demanded by new platforms.

Users can expect powerful audio and video support, increased device storage capabilities and advanced capabilities. Also, the incorporation of auto-updating in major browsers gives developers more confidence using the features offered by HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript. All this gives greater flexibility at lower costs.

Moreover, web developers are now capable of creating apps for all major platforms in one go, using advanced features available in modern smart phones. Native mobile app development is also possible using the familiar HTML5 and Java Script technologies.

Hence, HTML5 mobile application development allows developers to combine the stability and performance of native applications with the web in reach as well. HTML5 mobile app development makes it possible to provide users a fast, responsive, secure, and beautiful app for your product or service across multiple platforms.

With features such as cross platform compatibility, video and audio playback without third party plug-ins, and improved 2D and 3D effects, the HTML5 standard is now supported by all the latest version of mobile browsers. So, for developers who want to develop fully functional and beautiful apps that work flawlessly on mobiles, and yet do not want to code separately for each platform, HTML5 is their best choice.

Ania Maken is a article writer and internet marketer working in US based company Pacific App Design which offering services and solution relevant to HTML5 mobile application development and design by expert team of developers.

How to Create an Android App

A very simple and easy business model for making money online is to build an Android app.

Mobile apps are relatively simple to make when compared with PC software and distribution is also very easy thanks to the existence of mobile app stores that let people search for an easily download and buy your software.

Android in particular makes the process even simpler, thanks to the much simpler approval process for new apps compared with Apple and the lower cost for becoming a developer.

Getting Started - The Conventional Route

How to Create an Android App
When you first get started, you will most likely take the conventional route of using Android Studio. This is the main 'IDE' (Integrated Development Environment') that can provide you with all the necessary tools in one place and streamline the process with helpful tips, straightforward testing and the like.

This can be downloaded from the Android developers website and should come with the Android SDK included. That SDK is one of the key tools that you'll need - it's a set of instructions you can access that specifically relate to the capabilities of Android. You will also need the Java Development Kit (JDK).

From here you'll be programming in Java and writing code that refers to the Android SDK. Unfortunately, you'll likely find that this is all a little complex not only to use but also to set up.

For that reason, many people will decide to take other routes...

Other Options

There are several other options when it comes to building Android apps. One is to use 'app builder' software which will allow you to build apps without knowing any code. These are very limited in terms of what you can build though and they take away a lot of freedom.

A 'compromise' position then would be to use something like Basic4Android. Basic4Android is a tool that makes coding for Android much simpler and easier and even streamlines the testing process. If it's a game you're looking to make, then a similar options is to use Unity which will make it much easier.

Then of course you can always outsource the creation of your app, though it's often harder than you might expect to find a capable of coder.

The best option for a marketer interested in making money then? That would be to simply buy an app and then promote it! Find a good app that isn't selling much, email the creator and make it your own!

To read more articles on how to make a living with an Internet Business, please visit my site: http://internetbusiness-howto.com

Find Your Router IP Address Easily

Routers act as the mediator between your computer and broadband connection. It selects the best route to deliver your data packet to the host, boosting speed significantly. They are located at a gateway, the converging point for two or more networks. Broadband and wireless routers are the two most commonly used types of routers.

The IP address translates to the Internet Protocol address. Every router has one. It is a string of numbers that acts as an identifying label for the device participating in the computer network. Here's a list of the default IP addresses according to the brand.

· Linksys - 192.168.1.1

· Netgear and D-Link - 192.168.0.1

· Belkin and SMC - 192.168.2.1

It is necessary to know the router's IP address if you want to access the web-based configuration page. While there are websites listing the default router IP address, yours might have changed due to the following reasons. There might have been an infrastructure change on the ISP end. You might have updated the firmware, resulting in a change in the interface. There might have been an interception, where someone could have gained access to your device and changed the settings on your network. Unknown to you, there is a possibility it was changed during router setup.

A router works with two IP addresses. The external one is the numerical label that it uses to communicate across the Internet. On the other hand, the private one is the device identity on a local areas network.

Steps to Find Your Router IP Address

The router should be connected to an internet connection to get the IP address. You can use an Ethernet cable or do so wirelessly. This is a primary requirement.

A. Internal IP Address

· Step 1: Open up the "Start" Menu on your PC.

· Step 2: In the search box, type "cmd", you will see a listing with "cmd.exe". Click to open a Windows system dialog box. There is alternate Step 2. After clicking the "Start" Menu, click the "Run" command. In the dialogue box that appears, type "cmd" and press "OK". It will open the same, Windows System dialog box.

· Step 3: Type "ipconfig" and press "Enter"

· Step 4: This displays in front of you various values under Ethernet Adapter Local Area Connection. You have to check the numerical string listed as "Default Gateway".

On a Mac, the procedure looks like this:

· Step 1: Access the "System Preferences" section and click "Network" icon.

· Step 2: Along the left pane, you will see options such as "Wi-Fi", "Bluetooth Pan" etc.

· Step 3: If you are connected to the "Wi-Fi" network, the radio button shows green. In the right pane, the Status shows "Connected" and below you will read a sentence such as the following " Wi-Fi is connected to ______ and has the IP address _____"

If you are not very tech savvy and would like to skip the hassles of these two procedures, you can simply use a router detector software to find your router IP address online easily. You can also use Google to find out the same.

At RouterIPAddress.com you will find a comprehensive list of router configurations by brand and by model. You can look up the required information right here. Also, if there is a router that is not listed here, you can request for it to be added.

7 Tips to Increase Your Laptop's Battery Life

1. Turn On the Battery Saver Mode 
Every laptop is equipped with a battery saver mode or economy mode which puts the machine in a low power consumption state. The processor, memory, hard disk, etc. all start consuming less power by reducing their performance. This allows you to lengthen the time before the battery dies.

2. Reduce the Screen Brightness 
As with any electronic device including your mobile phone, you should lower the brightness of your laptop's screen. In fact, if the battery is about to die, lower it to the lowest setting. Most modern laptop screens consist of LEDs to provide the backlighting and hence, they do take up power.

3. Switch Off Unused Devices 
Unless you are using them, turn off the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth because these are radio devices which consume quite a bit of battery power. Additionally, you can also turn off unused peripherals like a high performance graphic card (you obviously won't need it to make a presentation), one or more USB ports (most laptops contain two to three ports, so you can turn off one), and any underutilized optical drives.

4. Lower the Resolution 
Modern laptops contain high resolution screens which draw a lot of battery power; reducing the resolution to a basic one when you wish to have more battery time is an efficient way to decrease the power consumption.

5. Turn Off the Keyboard's Backlight 
Unless you don't have a laptop with a keyboard that features a backlight, switching off the backlight helps to further increase the time before the battery runs out.

6. Close Any Unnecessary Apps and Processes 
Hardware is not the only component consuming your battery, it is the software too. So start by closing any programs running in the background; for example, processes related to sound, music players, video players, or cloud services can be safely closed.

7. Don't Let Your Laptop Overheat 
Do you use your laptop on your bed, blanket, or pillow? If so, chances are you risk damaging the battery and the internal components; excessive heat will not only cause damage, but will shorten the battery life as well. Therefore, place your laptop on a hard surface like a desk or a table and if you are feeling lazy, use a portable table like a lapdesk.

Furthermore, dust and debris accumulate on the ventilation ports, fans, and air vents of a laptop which blocks the heat from escaping. Blowing out the vents with compressed air helps in improving the performance and extending the battery life of a laptop.

Laptops are expensive, there's no tiptoeing around it; it's a lot of hard-earned cash out of your pocket. However, they're also incredibly useful and you're likely to have a lot of personal data stored on yours along with photos and videos you won't want to lose it. Unfortunately, accidents can and do happen. Strongly consider getting Laptop Insurance, from just £1.49 per month: https://row.co.uk/laptop-insurance

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