Craig Guest asked:


Satellite TV Seeker Exclusive Reports: Part II: Satellite TV for PC: Buying Satellite TV for PC.

(Continued from Part I: Satellite TV Seeker Exclusive Reports: Satellite TV and Satellite TV for PC: Great Expectations.)

For a copy of Part I, go to: www.satellitetvseeker.info or

write me: stsinfo@satellitetvseeker.info

The Series:

Satellite TV Seeker Exclusive Reports: Satellite TV for PC: Part I: Satellite TV and Satellite TV for PC: Great Expectations. (Now Available!)

Satellite TV Seeker Exclusive Reports: Part II: Satellite TV for PC: Buying Satellite TV for PC. (Now Available!)

Satellite TV Seeker Exclusive Reports: Part III: Satellite TV for PC: Disruptive Technology. (Coming Soon!)

Satellite TV Seeker Exclusive Reports: Part IV: Satellite TV for PC: Product Reviews. (Coming Soon!)

PART II: Buying Satellite TV for PC

Recall the “If” I referred to in Part I? No? Allow me to quickly review my earlier statement:

“But wait: Am I claiming here, that you now can legally take your TV experience with you and literally tune into TV where ever there is Internet Service, for only a one-time charge for software that in effect magically transforms your PC into a TV, without any further ado?

In a single word: Yes! In two words: It Works! In three: Yes, It Works! In four: Yes, It Works, If!(Stay tuned for more on the ‘If.’)”

Well, thank you all for your indulgence. Now I’m going to finish work on the above pronouncement in a number of ways:

There are 10 Important Steps to observe if you want a good PCTV purchasing experience, right off. You do, don’t you? No skipping Steps then please!

1. Know what you want. There are at least three kinds of Satellite TV for PC/PCTV Products/Services advertised on the Internet at this writing: Software, Hardware, and what I’m going to call Noware, for lack of a better description. (As I have tested only one Software Solution at this point, some of what is to follow will be a bit sketchy on the precise details.)

WARNING: The following Hardware Solution is not Satellite TV for PC delivered via the Internet.

Hardware: Untested Product: Commonly called TV Cards, Video Cards, or TV Tuner Cards. These devices convert live Satellite, Cable or Over/Off The Air (OTA) Antenna Signals, (arriving via a Coax Cable and F-Connector through this kind of device) and deliver the rectified Signals through your PC, for ultimate display on your PC Monitor; as very clear audio and sharp video images.

Here’s how these Hardware devices work: You prepare your PC by inserting a Video Card into the Mother Board of your desktop computer and connecting the male F-Connector input with an available source.

You then load the software that probably came with the Video Card, fire up your PC, launch your new converter system, and viola: TV on your PC, which you can watch and listen to live, and/or record for future viewing.

Similarly, ‘Black Boxes’ are available which, generally are stand-alone decoders. That hopefully means you don’t need any software at all for these devices to function. (This may be good news for you long-suffering MAC owners.)

Similarly, an external PCMCIA Cardbus or PC Video Card can be used to connect Laptops, that is, if you have such a slot available on your PC. Simply insert the Video Card into the appropriate slot, install the software, per manufacturer’s instructions, naturally; connect to your external TV Signal, and watch and/or record your TV favorites, right on your PC.

You can view a range of these devices at www.tigerdirect.com if this is what you expect from Satellite TV for PC.

Note: Having read some of the reviews on these types of Products, I have no doubt these devices work, and considering the rather low price tags, from reputable manufacturers, rather amazingly well.

Some of these Video Cards and ‘Black Boxes’ are available with their own remote controls, and can even do sophisticated tricks like expensive DVRs. Having shopped tigerdirect.com successfully in the past, I can recommend this resource.

But remember, if you choose this Hardware Solution, all devices of the kind require some outside source, i.e.: Signal Feed. The original signal must come in from Cable, a Satellite System, or OTA.

The Video Card or ‘Black Box’ merely acts (in concert with the inner workings your PC) as a descrambler, and your Monitor simply acts as a TV Screen.

Software: Tested Product: Satellite TV for PC Elite Edition 2006. This Product fell far short of my expectations, as you will see in Satellite TV Seeker Exclusive Reports: Part IV: Satellite TV for PC: Product Reviews.

Still, it proved to me that this technology has merit; and potentially, a lot of merit.

Really Important Advice: How to distinguish Hardware Solutions from Software

Whereas Online Hardware Video Cards and ‘Black Boxes’ are advertised without reference to Programming or Internet, you can usually and easily spot PCTV Software offerings simply by reading the advertising which often includes: Hype on the hundreds, even thousands of programs freely available from a large number of countries, broadcast over the Internet or “Online.”

Here’s how these Software Solutions work: After you have completed your Online purchase, you may be issued a key, directly or possibly by Email, which you then input at the appropriate time during initial Set Up. You then continue to install the Software, and this should be a short process. Finally, you launch your new Software and tune in! Done and dusted!

Almost as exciting as the experience your parents (or maybe you) had with the first radio and TV in the 20th Century! (Possibly more exciting, if this is what you expected!)

WARNING: The following Noware Solution may or may not be a genuine Satellite TV for PC delivered via the Internet.

Noware: Untested Service: Touted as “The Web’s Leading Streaming-Media Entertainment Service.” This “Service” is a complete mystery to me at this writing. No Software and no Hardware? Under $20 USD? How can this “Service” amount to anything more than a scam? I am intrigued!

Rest assured, I’m intent on testing this, what ever it is, thoroughly, and I will have a complete review for you in: Satellite TV Seeker Exclusive Reports: Part IV: Satellite TV for PC: Product Reviews.

2. Know thy quarry. Know how to track that which you seek. Software, Hardware, or Noware; you’re not likely to find this kind of Product or Service Solution at your local Radio Shack, or sitting quietly on the shelves at places like Best Buy. (However, I see Circuit City is starting to offer Video Cards and ‘Black Boxes.’)

But, so far as PCTV Software and Noware Service are concerned, for the time being, this PCTV phenomenon is an experience which is strictly going to be found Online; at least until the Internet Beta Testing is done.

I will have more on this topic in: Satellite TV Seeker Exclusive Reports: Part III: Satellite TV for PC: Disruptive Technology.

3. Shop ’til you drop. Do yourself an enormous favor: Shop Google, MSN and Yahoo!. (You can thank me later.)

Use each of these keyword phrases on each Search Engine: Satellite TV for PC, Satellite TV on PC, Satellite TV to PC. (Since these searches appear not to be ‘case sensitive’ don’t worry if you mis-enter a word, fail to capitalize, or even misspell ’satellite.’)

When you find your quarry, look especially for resellers offering: a. A 100% guarantee, and b. Support. The more forms of support, the better, and c. VeriSign or Thawte assurance seals on the (initial) Splash or Landing Page.

Be bold. Venture beyond the advertising page. Click on the ‘Order Here’ Link and initiate a trial purchase. This exercise can be quite revealing without compromising your privacy at all.

Note: Be sure your Firewall is up during all phases of shopping! Also, I use and recommend Ad-Aware to scrub the ‘cookie jar’ after my shopping sessions. You can get a personal copy of this very fine anti-spyware free.

Visit: www.lavasoftusa.com

Also, look now for some indication that ClickBank, or PayPal will be involved in the transaction. Either way, this would be a good sign!

As you shop initially, keep a record of the places you visit. There may be many Affiliates selling the very same article using different URLs, at different prices!

In the second phase of shopping, (still with us?) you will be reviewing the ads you pulled up and hopefully printed out, during your first outing.

Later, in Phase Two, when you “go in for the kill” and actually buy, keep an eye out for any odd questions. Limit your interaction to answering the fewest number of queries possible. Double check all entries!

4. Know Thyself. If you like to shop, super! This will be fun, free fun initially, except for your time. Otherwise, if you really don’t like to shop, I recommend that you wait just a bit for my Product Reviews. Then at least you’ll know what not to buy!

5. Know thy Equipment. Know your System requirements and capabilities: Software/Hardware Requirements (if any): Windows is generally supported, MAC is generally not.

PC Hardware Requirements: Make sure the Software/Hardware device you order is compatible with your computer. You will also need some type of Audio Visual Hardware or a Multi-Media equipped PC.

Software Requirements: You will possibly need MSN Media Player or similar, like RealPlayer freeware to utilize your PCTV.

Bear in mind, as you shop, you may want the same Solution, or possibly Solutions for more than one PC.

6. Phase Two Shopping. Firewall up! Credit Cards at the ready! Consider your payment methods: PayPal and Major Credit Cards are advised. Using PayPal, MasterCard or Visa Credit, etc.; is relatively safe. If things get complicated at some point, at least you have some recourse later.

Don’t use a Debit Card, unless you can control the spending limit! These kinds of cards are linked directly to your bank balance!

7. Paper Trail. Make a record of your transaction as you proceed to checkout. Print out each page as you progress. Pay close attention to the process. No need to rush. (You can thank me later.)

8. Software Download and Installation. After your transaction is complete, or product receipt is issued by Email, and your new Software is installed, get right to your first trial. Don’t rush though: Test when your software installation (if any) is complete, not before.

Usually, and I say this from other similar experiences, there is a Readme.txt (User Guide) and a small Set Up file provided, which you need to review carefully and save for later use.

I generally let any software load in default mode, keeping things simple, being sure to save all files to my Desktop so I can find them later.

Usually too, there is a learning curve involved, as with anything new. I suspect from reading the user guides I have so far seen, that at least some of this technology, and its documentation, originated from someplace like China? (I don’t know for sure, just a wild guess!)

9. Testing. I recommend testing your Software/Hardware at home and ‘in the field.’ The Hardware and/or Software you select should work everywhere in the World. You might as well be aware of any limitations as early as possible, right?

Software Solutions should work on any type Internet connection, from dialup to T3/DS3; Cable, DSL and Satellite Service, as well as wired or wireless connections, any place the Internet is available. After all, one of the tremendous advantages of Satellite TV for PC via Internet, is that it is ultimately 100% mobile!

10. Obtaining a refund. OK, so not everything is perfect in this World of Online Shopping! Despite your careful step-by-step approach, you don’t like your new Product/Service!

If you find you’re not satisfied, after your Testing, as I was not with Satellite TV for PC Elite Edition 2006, get all your money back ASAP! Reputable resellers (or intermediaries like ClickBank) will generally refund your money, straight away, no questions asked.

Less reputable resellers may try to ignore you, ask silly questions, by Email or on the phone, or otherwise create needless delays in the refund process. Once you decide, thumbs down, stick to your guns, as they say. Be reasonable, be patient, but don’t settle for less than 100% satisfaction!

If you have a bad experience, don’t be too disappointed. Remember, there are many other PCTV Products and Services out there.

If all else fails, and ‘you can’t get no satisfaction’: contact me! stsinfo@satellitetvseeker.info

And there you have it for now: More than enough to get you through from first base to home plate, safely. How was your experience? Did you get to skip Step 10? Excellent! I would appreciate your feedback in any case. Let’s have the real story. Good, bad or otherwise.

Best Regards,

Craig Guest

CEO, Satellite TV Seeker

stsinfo@satellitetvseeker.info

Fair Use Policy: This Article may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced in total, provided that the following resource is cited:

(See Resource Box.)

PS: Can’t wait for the next installment? You can get your advanced Exclusive Report: Satellite TV Seeker Exclusive Reports: Part III: Satellite TV for PC: Disruptive Technology; free, simply by requesting it!

Missed the first episode, Part I? Visit: www.satellitetvseeker.info Click: Article Page.

Jason Kay asked:


Stories of ordinary people becoming millionaires overnight with the help of some wonderful programs are flooding us from all directions and even though many of these stories are exaggerated at best and total lies at worst, there are many ways in which you can make money, even if you are not a unique talent. Well, I don’t mean that photography does not require talent, but even beginner photographers can make money by selling their photos. Most likely you will not make your first million selling photos, but this is a viable way to earn some extra cash. Photos are a product and as with all products, you need to know what to offer and where to sell it.

What You Can Sell

For those people, who have no idea about photography, a photo is just a photo, but for people who are familiar with photography and arts in general, there are separate distinct groups of photos. The most obvious distinction of photos is based on their content, but for the purposes of selling photos, this distinction is not as important as what the photo can be used for.

The two major uses of photos are for the Web and in print. Web photos tend to be low resolution and lower quality is acceptable for them, while print photos generally are high resolution and low quality is unacceptable. As a beginner photographer, you will most likely target the Web market first because the entry barrier there is not as high as with the printing market. Additionally, if your camera is not a high-end one, your skills in photo processing will hardly be able to compensate for this, so in this case, print photos are not an option for you because of technical reasons. This shouldn’t discourage you because the Web market is vast and there is a lot of space for beginners.

The main buyers on the Web market are Web designers, who make sites for their clients. For many Web designers it is much easier and cheaper to buy ready-made photos than to take the pictures themselves. A solo Web designer can make 10 or even more middle-sized sites a month, which means that he or she will need at least 200-300 photos and illustrations. This does not mean that you will be able to sell 200-300 photos a month to each Web designer you contact, but even if you manage to sell him or her 10-20 photos a month, or more realistically a batch of several hundred photos for him or her to use in the next year, then you can make a lot of money.

Similar to other arts, photography also has genres. Not surprisingly, photos of people, nature and cities sell best. Another category, which is especially popular with designers, is objects of different kinds. You can shoot a light bulb, a pen, some pills, or whatever object you choose, and this may be enough. Add some unobtrusive background to it and you get a cool photo for a Web site. But be careful with copyrights because not all manufacturers will be happy if you shoot their products and make money from this. Try shooting generic products, which have no visible branding.

Similar copyright issues apply to people. If you want to shoot people and you want to be on the safe side, ask them to sign a model contract, which clarifies all the issues in regard to copyrights and sales. Very often you won’t have to hire professional models and you can shoot your friends and relatives instead. Your models don’t have to be extremely beautiful because pictures of ordinary people also sell well. Shooting friends and relatives has one more advantage – they work cheaply or free.

Nature and urban photos are always in demand, but avoid photos which look as if they were taken by tourists because they simply look too unprofessional to be sold. Abstractions are also popular, so if you are creative with PhotoShop or another image processing program you can wake up the Picasso in you.

Where You Can Sell

The type of photos you have is one of the major factors in choosing your sales channels. Basically, the options to sell your photos are the following:

1. Stock photo sites. Stock photo sites are the most popular sales channel. Stock photos are photos you have already taken, i.e. you have in stock. You open an account with a stock photo site, upload your images and every time somebody downloads your photo, you earn a commission. Different sites have different policies, but it’s not unusual to earn $40 per photo each time it is downloaded.

If your photos are popular, it is not impossible to reach dozens of downloads per week. One of the prerequisites for success is to submit sought after photos and to use the right keywords in the descriptions of your photos. The best stock photo site I have found is Shutterpoint. They provide photographers an e-commerce store-front for selling photos, handle advertising and promotion, handle all purchase transactions, provide customer service, and securely deliver images to buyers. All of these features are provided for a very reasonable fee, and in addition, other members often provide valuable feedback on your photos. This is a great way to begin your career as a professional photographer.

2. Stock agencies. Stock agencies are similar to stock photo sites, but in addition to listing your photos, they consult buyers and handle all the legal and logistical matters. Stock agencies usually deal with professional photographers mainly but there are stock agencies, which are beginner-friendly. As with stock photo sites, you usually have to decide (if you have the choice of course) whether you want to sell exclusive rights or only per use rights.

3. Sell directly to newspapers and magazines. Although this is hardly the easiest way to sell your photographs, it is worth trying. Newspapers and magazines are a very tough market to get into but can be a very high paying one. For a start, you can try your local or community media.

4. eBay and similar auctions. Auction sites, such as eBay, are one more sales outlet you can try. Yes you really can earn decent income from selling photos on eBay. This is a good alternative if you sell other products in addition to photos, but even if photos are the only thing you sell, eBay and the other auction sites can do a lot for you. Make sure to avoid small and dark photos. Listings should be created which are descriptive and include realistic prices. Check the Completed Listings option when searching to see examples of photos which have sold.

5. Freelance sites. Unlike the other options listed up to here, freelance sites are generally a place for work for hire projects. This means that usually a buyer comes and asks you to make some photos especially for him or her, but very often there are buyers who offer to purchase your already made (or stock) photos as well.

6. Your own website. Even if the other options work great for you, having your own website is a valuable sales channel. You can offer everything you like – i.e. low resolution mockups for free, paid downloads, etc. The downside is that you need to market your site, otherwise you will hardly get much traffic and, respectively, sales. Search engine optimization is a must and if you are really serious about selling your photos via your website, you can even consider starting an affiliate program.

7. Free samples. These days advertisements are something one can hardly sell without. Instead of launching an expensive campaign, you can give photos away for free but keep your logo on them. This is a kind of advertisement and it will bring you new customers.

Mr. Software asked:


Data cleansing or data scrubbing ensures that the stored data is delivered absolutely accurately. While the process of data cleansing is in operation, records are continuously checked to verify its accuracy and consistency. If necessary, the outdated and incorrect information can be deleted as well. This system operates within a single set of record or between multiple data sets requiring merging or which may be working in unison.

Data cleansing ought to be an essential process in any organization that keeps consumer data. It allows the highest data quality by de-duping, and suppressing and also appending key details which are personal too. The accuracy of a consumer data base will erode at a frightening rate. Data cleaning identifies movers, duplicating records and enhances personal details. In its simplest form, the software would be like a singular person or more than one person who reads the set of records to verify their accuracy.

The typing and spelling errors can be rectified while the data which is improperly filed, labeled, incomplete or even missing can be completed through this software package. Data cleansing can also be performed by computer programming. A more complex data cleansing program might also be able to fill in a missing city based on correct zip code or convert prices of items in the data base to Euros instead of US dollars. This software is ideally suited for developing an updated mailing list which can be sent to clients for promoting / selling various products. The process is very important for the efficient management of data dependent business.

In case the clients have not recorded the correct phone numbers or the client’s e-mail addresses have not been formatted accurately, the automated e-mail system is unable to send information on the latest special deals or coupons. The software based data cleansing ensures that all the data recorded within a system is up-to-date and accurate so that product details can be forwarded to the proper destination.

In areas where two data systems are working together, data cleansing is more effective. In case a manufacturing company has multiple branches, but may be dealing with the same customers, the data in each branch has to be complete, accurate and similar. When customers update their phone numbers within one branch, the data at the other branches need to have the same set of information ensuring that all the branches have identical data bank. In such cases the software based data cleansing also guarantee updated, accurate and consistent data between different records.

Often when storing a huge data base, errors are bound to creep into the system. The objective of data cleansing is to minimize or eliminate such errors and to make the data base appear as meaningful and useful as possible. In the business world the pivotal rule is that incorrect data base could be damaging and detrimental to the company’s commercial activities. Hence, data cleansing should be a mandatory operation of any business set-up to maximize profits and ensure their message gets out to the intended recipients.

Mr. Software asked:


The importance of keeping your mailing list names and personal data up to date and accurate can not be understated. Billions of dollars are lost every year by large and small businesses because they ship correspondence to people who have moved, send duplicate mailings, mailings to addresses that do not exists and similar mistakes. By combining data and USPS software together the benefits will be significant.

Data Quality Software is the software that can convert the existing data into an integrated format by creating new fields, merging various files, and by summarizing and filtering it. The process “Data Quality” is the reliability and effectiveness of data, particularly in a data warehouse.

Data quality is much more than just records, fields and values-it’s about establishing business. From personal decisions, customer relationship to control of inventory, operations and even regulatory compliance, quality data forms the very foundation of a successful and flourishing enterprise.

Data quality assurance (DQA) is the method employed to verify the reliability and effectiveness of a data. Maintaining data quality requires going through the data periodically and scouring it. Generally this involves updating it, standardizing it, and de-duplicating records to make a single view of the data, even if it is stored in multiple variant systems.

Since data quality is so important from a business perspective, many large companies employ a data steward to be in charge of data quality. There are many vendor applications in the market to make this job easier.

It becomes easier to match your customer’s records with the help of this software. This improves the quality of your data. Usually computers trip over or ignore if the records don’t match. For instance a computer won’t know that Mac and Mack is the same person. The system is not designed to identify the slight variations in the characters, but data quality software knows this. It uses many other parameters to check the identity of two persons/names. The software also ensures that each customer has only one profile in your computer. This can have the added advantage of properly greeting a customer online when they log in. If certain criteria match, the system can anticipate that the person or group are affiliated and properly populate data.

How significant it is to have a Data Quality Software is we can understand by the following factual example: Gartner study says that poor quality customer data costs U.S. business an estimated $611 billion dollars a year in postage, printing, and staff overhead of reading data from operational systems.

The USPS is the least expensive way to ship letters and small merchandise in general in the USA. The USPS software and Data Quality software will enhance the profitability of every business. By maintaining the cleanest data records there will be less duplicate mailings, less returned mailings, a much stronger ability to sort potential customers and track results. In the challenging time the clean interface and ease-of-use of data quality tools makes is fast and a definite for all businesses looking to maximize their marketing dollars.

Mr. Software asked:


Your business needs PAVE Software solutions because it is a powerful tool to maximize your company’s profitability and maintain accuracy with your data and customer profiles. The PAVE software program has been developed in collaboration with the mailing industry to assess pre-sort software while determining the accuracy of the sorting address files according to the DMM standard. This software (PAVE) is available only to the software and hardware developers. Companies that design pre-sort software or develop pre-sorting equipment for re-sale or internal use usually avail of the PAVE software.

This program is a process which evaluates and verifies the pre-sort products manufactured by developers, however, the software does not guarantee acceptance of mail prepared by PAVE certified hardware and/or software personnel. Incidentally it, however does provide national approval of computer generated facsimiles of USPS postage statements, standardization of documentation and other pre-sort documentation.

The USPS defines a PAVE certified software product as a pre-sorting product with source codes specifically written to operate on a particular platform or operating system while being assigned a specific version number. Many products use different language compilers to process files within different operating systems or on different hardware platforms. In order to maintain the highest standards of quality assurance, PAVE certifies each product that operates on a particular platform with the correct version number.

One platform is tested on the basis of test files ordered while additional platforms would be tested randomly. PAVE software evaluates each platform of the pre-sort product separately and would issue a certificate for each platform that meets the PAVE accuracy standards. This mailer’s postal automation software prepares the client’s mailing list to meet USPS requirements for maximum discounts in mailing. Such PAVE certified software verifies and standardizes addresses for maintaining address accuracy.

This system eliminates duplicate records, postal re-sorts to the lowest rate possible and prints bar coded labels, tags and required postal forms. PAVE certified by the USPS guarantees highest level of address accuracy for correct delivery and assures direct mail savings. The top functioning highest quality mail management software program, PAVE, performs all the necessary tasks for complete mail preparation to maximize the client’s profits while ensuring time saving.

This most sought after and stable software consistently complies with all US postal service links, accurately corrects and validates addresses for improved mail delivery. It also identifies and removes costly duplicates in client’s data base while providing superb technical support even offering money back guarantees in case of non performance.

This software is an extremely handy tool for efficient management of data dependent business based primarily on consumer data bank. In the business world, incorrect data can be damaging to any company. If the addresses are inconsistent or inaccurate, the company suffers the cost of resending mails, losing customers and eroding its reputation in the competitive market. Direct mailing is a big business as certain products are more appealing to certain customers. A mailing list created by using this sophisticated software helps in a big way in targeting the right customers while validating records and its contents.

Hall Andrew asked:


As Internet has become an important business and home partner for information and resource needs, the connection to the Internet has also become a high demand industry. Nowadays, Internet connection has become part of regular household and business needs. Because of this, the telecommunications industry has introduced different kinds of Internet connection facility known as broadband. With broadband, you get the Internet connection needed for your household as well as business needs.

As demand gets high for broadband connection, it is best to know which among the broadband has the most efficiency and performance. Basically, you get the detail of the different features through the broadband provider or from available advertisements and promotions. You can also get your broadband through recommendations and contact from close contacts that have familiarity on particular broadband. However, you can do more evaluation if you read what others have to say about a particular broadband connection other than the providers and your closed contact. By getting as much feedback as possible, this can lead you to the best broadband that would suit your need.

In the Internet, there is a site that accepts and collects all broadband reviews from different sources who wish to participate. The site for broadband reviews is open to those who are willing to contribute reviews to particular broadband. Aside from reading available broadband reviews, you can also add review on the specific broadband as well as write review on other broadband which you are more familiar about. You can simply input new review on the particular broadband that you are familiar about. There is a directory arranged chronologically where you can place your review. Others can also read broadband reviews on the directory as they choose the letter from which the name of broadband starts with. With the exchange of broadband reviews, you can compare broadband functions, features, and relevant characteristics from various providers and choose the broadband that you prefer and need.

Different broadband has different features and speed for Internet connection. You can choose which among them has the most affordable regular rate and features that suit your needs, whether you want broadband for your house or business. With broadband reviews, you get to compare broadband from various sources based on their opinions and experiences. Reviews can be a good source for evaluations in owning the right broadband.

Aside from the broadband reviews which you can readily read in the site, you can also get the latest news regarding the industry. Here, you can get updated of the latest broadband and at the same time get information on broadband providers and what they offer. Moreover, you can also view advertisements from broadband providers through the site.

In conclusion, the broadband reviews do not only help you compare broadband that is vital for your decision in owning broadband, you also get more information about the broadband services, features and functions through the news and advertisement tabs in the site. With the information, you get to properly evaluate each broadband provider and match it with your needs. Once you do this process, you will be confident to choose the right broadband.

Chuck Lunsford asked:


The router is basically a simple portable tool, consisting of a very high-speed motor mounted vertically on a horizontal base plate. In this article I’ll cover the types of routers available as well as the safe way to use them.

Parts Of The Router

Motor – High-speed; oil bearings often in accordance with the owners manual.

Switch – Turns router on and off.

Adjusting Collar – Used to lock bit or cutter to cut at a desired depth. A good idea is to always do a practice cut first.

Collet Nut – Used to tighten the bit into place.

Bit – The business end of the router; should be straight and sharp.

Base – Level surface on which the unit stands. Wax occasionally for friction-free movement.

Collet – Holds the bit. Keep it free of dirt and woo d chips.

Handles – Grasp firmly when using.

The router has a chuck on the lower edge of its shaft that holds keen-edged cutting bits that can be extended below the base to cut grooves, trim edges, form recesses, produce mouldings, and otherwise shapes wood on which the router is used.

The power of the routers motor determines how deep and how fast the tool can cut through wood. A low-powered router, however, can do many of the jobs a high-powered router can do, providing it does them in stages. It can make a deep cut, for example, by means of a number of shallow passes.

The router, with its cutter bit operating, may be lowered into the work from above, then moved along the path to be shaped or cut, or it may move into the work from the edge. The bits are set for depth of cut by an adjustment on the router body.

If the bit is to make a large recess, as in a meat platter, it may be mounted on a piece of plywood with the cutter projecting downward through a hole in the plywood support. Or you can buy accessories that enable the router to follow templates or guiding edges on the work,

Use Of The Router

Grooving – Use straight bit. Set depth. Adjust router guide or straightedge at desired width. If work is narrow, clamp extra pieces on both sides to make the base wider.

Dadoing – A cut across the width of a board is called a dado. It is used to make slots for shelves.

Rabbeting – Use straight bit. Set depth. If end and edge are to be cut, do the end first (across the grain) to prevent edge chipping. Make large rabbets with several passes of the bit.

Plunging – Can use a variety of bits designed just for the purpose of cutting a hole in wood. This technique is commonly used to cut holes in door blanks.

With some experience, you will be able to cut designs freehand or even write your name.

As motor shaft, chuck, and bit revolve clockwise, you should move the tool from left to right. For safety remember that the router shaft and bit turn at extremely high speed and cut very fast. Be sure the bit is locked tightly in the chuck, and always keep your fingers clear of it. Never change bits or cutters or make adjustments unless the cord is disconnected (if you are using a cordless router simply remove the battery). Merely switching the tool off is not enough, as switches can be accidently bumped and turned on.

That’s all there is to it for now. I hope you have a better idea of how to pick and use a router. Choose the tool to suit your usage needs and above all be safe while operating it. In my next article I’ll cover some of the different router bits, their purposes, and how to change them.

Chuck Lunsford asked:


The router is one of the most versatile tools in the workshop. With the correct bits you can form edges, add decorative inlays and even make raised panel doors. Practice is the key to successful routing. However, the right bit is just as important. In this article I’ll offer a basic guide to ensure you choose the bits you need for the job.

Before you get started I’d like to offer some important tips to make things easier. First try to use sharp bits. They will retain their sharpness for a long time in normal use. A dull bit can damaged the work. Try to get the feel of the most efficient cutting movement. The bit should cut easily with only slight reduction in motor speed. Moving it too slowly through the wood may burn it and ruin the temper of the bit. Moving it too fast slows the motor and causes overheating. Practice on scrap wood and watch your performance carefully. The sound of the tool is an excellent guide, once you achieve efficient cutting. At the beginning, stop the tool frequently and check the cut for burned areas caused by too slow movements. It only takes a few minutes of practice to get the knack of using a router.

Router Bits And Their Uses

Dovetail – Creates strong joints for frame, shelves, bookcases, and cabinets.

Spiral – Edge smoothing and trimming of plastic laminate and fiberglass.

Combination Panel – Veneer trimming.

V-grooving – Lettering and sign work.

Straight, single flute – General usage for grooves, dadoes, and rabbets.

Stair routing – Stair tread bit for setting steps and riser grooves.

Rabbeting – Step-cutting edges for joints in cabinet doors and drawer fronts.

Cove – Decorative edges.

Chamfering – Angle cuts for concealed joints and decorative edges.

Beading – Decorative edges for veneered table tops, other furniture parts.

Straight – For wood and tile inlay in table tops and wooden game boards.

Roman Ogee – Decorative edges for furniture emulating previous time periods.

Veining – Decorative freehand, raised, or cut-in designs or letters.

Core Box – Fluting and reeding of flat surfaces.

As you can see the choice of the right bit seems a bit daunting. Fear not and start with simple projects and work your way into the more difficult jobs that require the use of several routers. With time and experience you should become adept at picking the right bits with little to no trouble.

Just as important in picking the right router bit is learning how to change them, adjusting the cutting depth, and using a router guide.

Inserting router bits: Disconnect router from the power supply. Using two wrenches (unless your router comes equipped with a locking device to prevent the shaft from turning) hold the lower nut in place and turn the collet until the bit is easy to remove. Insert the new bit; again hold the lower nut in place while tightening the collet nut. Make sure it is tight as the last thing you want is for the bit to come out while it’s turning at high rate of speed.

Adjusting the cutting depth: Place router on a flat surface. Loosen locking nut and turn the collar until the bit just touches the surface of the work. Slide the router to the edge of the work until the bit is just past it. Turn collar until the bit is at the desired depth. Lock collar and tighten locking nut.

What is a router guide? The guide keeps the bit at the exact desired distance from the edge of the work. The guide adjusts to and from the router base and is held in place by locking screws. These guides are available for most models.

By know you should have a basic understanding of the types of router bits and their uses, as well as some tips to help you along the way.. Just remember to take your time and watch your work area, and above all be safe.