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2007-08-18T05:37:00.001-07:00

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FREE SOFTWARE GALARY

FINANCIAL HELP SECTOR

WALLPAPERS DOWNLOAD - FREE

JENNA JAMESON -WALLPAPER DOWNLOAD

2007-08-17T23:00:00.000-07:00

Jenna Jameson (born Jenna Marie Massoli on April 9, 1974)is an American pornographic actress and entrepreneur who has been called the world's most famous porn star and "The Queen of Porn".She started acting in erotic films in 1993 after having worked as a stripper and glamour model. By 1996, she had won the three top newcomer awards from pornographic film industry organizations. She has since won more than 20 adult film awards, and has been inducted into both the X-Rated Critics Organization (XRCO) and Adult Video News (AVN) Halls of Fame.

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FREE WALLPAPER DOWNLOAD, PC WALLPAPER, BEST WALLPAPER

2007-08-17T12:48:00.000-07:00

WALLPAPER GALARY : PARIS HILTON

WALLPAPER GALARY : PAMELA ANDERSON

WALLPAPER GALARY : BRITNEY SPEARS

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2007-08-17T12:25:00.000-07:00

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PAMELA ANDERSON PHOTOS - FREE DOWNLOAD

2007-08-17T12:14:00.000-07:00

PAMELA ANDERSON - An Actress

In 1996, she appeared in a feature film, Barb Wire, as a character known as Barbara Rose Kopetski, which was mistakenly thought by some to have been her real name. The movie, a thinly-veiled futuristic remake of Casablanca, failed to achieve commercial success. During the filming of Barb Wire, Anderson suffered a miscarriage. In April 1997, she guest-hosted Saturday Night Live. During the beginning of the show, Anderson said, "You know, if you're nervous on stage, you actually should be naked!" She then began a striptease. Her breasts, however, were covered by a small flesh-colored bra and she also wore a crotch patch that was also flesh colored (though they were still blurred out for the sake of the joke). The segment became fodder for late-night comedians for the following weeks. She also appeared on one of two covers for the September issue of Playboy; the other cover pictured Jenny McCarthy

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PAMELA ANDERSON PICTURE - FREE DOWNLOAD

2007-08-17T12:07:00.000-07:00

PAMELA ANDERSON - JUST NOT ONLY A MODEL

After her move to Los Angeles, Anderson bleached her brunette hair blonde and underwent breast augmentation. In 1991, she landed a minor role on the United States's hit television sitcom, Home Improvement (1991-1997). Having gained viewer attention, she landed the role of C.J. Parker (1992-1997) on Baywatch, and left Home Improvement after its second season. Anderson was still modeling for Outdoor Life and appearing on the cover of the magazine each year. Her role as C.J. Parker gave her more popularity and gained her attention from international viewers. She returned to Baywatch for the 2003 reunion movie, Baywatch: Hawaiian Wedding. She also made appearances on The Nanny as Fran's rival, Heather Biblow.

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PAMELA ANDERSON

2007-08-17T11:53:00.000-07:00

PAMELA ANDERSON

In addition to PAMELA ANDERSON's fame from modeling and acting, Anderson has received a great deal of press attention for her well-publicized personal life. Her relationships have made headlines in gossip magazines for years. She married Tommy Lee, drummer of Mötley Crüe, on February 19, 1995 after knowing him for only 96 hours and the couple eventually had two sons, Brandon Thomas Lee (b. June 6, 1996) and Dylan Jagger Lee (b. December 29, 1997). During this time, she was known professionally as Pamela Anderson Lee. Anderson filed for divorce from him twice and reconciled with him twice, before the couple finally broke up for good. On February 25, 1998, Tommy abused Pamela and then was arrested. The next day, Pamela filed for divorce from him. Then, on February 28, 1998, the divorce was official for only two days of filing for divorce. Tommy was sentenced for six months in jail. In May 1998, he had to go to anger management therapy and pay off Anderson's legal fees. In March 2002, Anderson publicly stated that she had contracted the Hepatitis C virus from Lee (supposedly from sharing tattoo needles), and began writing a regular column for Jane magazine. In October 2003, Anderson jokingly said on Howard Stern's radio show that she does not expect to live more than ten or fifteen years, but this was misconstrued and taken seriously by many Web sites and tabloids. Tommy Lee denies having the disease.[citation needed] Today, Anderson and Lee are just friends.[citation needed] She however admitted to newspapers that she still often had sex with him since their divorce.

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FREE PAMELA ANDERSON WALLPAPER DOWNLOAD

2007-08-17T11:48:00.000-07:00

Pamela Denise Anderson

After graduating from Highland Secondary School in 1985, Anderson moved to Vancouver and worked as a fitness instructor. During the summer of 1989, Pamela went with her friends to a Canadian football game; at some point during the game she was shown on the stadium screen wearing a Labatt's t-shirt, causing the crowd to cheer for the twenty one year old Anderson. She was taken down to the field to get an ovation from the crowd. Labatt's immediately offered Anderson a modeling contract and she accepted. In late 1989, Pamela decided to model for Playboy magazine: she appeared on the October 1989 cover (credited as Pamela Anderson Ilicic) and decided to move to Los Angeles to continue her modeling career. She was the February 1990 playmate and has appeared in Playboy several times in the 1990s and more recently.

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FREE WALLPAPER DOWNLOAD PAMELA ANDERSON

2007-08-17T11:40:00.000-07:00

Pamela Anderson was born in Ladysmith, British Columbia, 90 km northwest of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, to Carol, a waitress, and Barry Anderson, a furnace repairman. Her great-grandfather, Juho Hyytiäinen, was Finnish, a native of Saarijärvi, and left Finland in 1908.Hyytiäinen changed his name to Anderson, because he wanted a Scandinavian name easier to pronounce for Americans.

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PAMELA ANDERSON WALLPAPER - FREE DOWNLOAD

2007-08-17T08:09:00.000-07:00

Pamela Denise Anderson (born July 1, 1967) is a Canadian-born American actress, sex symbol, glamour model, producer, TV personality, and author. For a time, she was known as Pamela Anderson Lee after marrying the drummer for Mötley Crüe, Tommy Lee. Anderson is popularly known for modeling and television acting in the 1990s and for her large breast implants.

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BRITNEY SPEARS ~ APPEALING

2007-08-17T07:57:00.000-07:00

Britney Spears was an accomplished gymnast, attending gymnastics classes until age nine and competing in state-level competitions. She performed in local dance revues and her local Baptist church choirs, and was auditioning for the Disney Channel The New Mickey Mouse Club by the time she was eight. Although she was considered too young to join the series at the time, a producer on the show introduced her to a New York City agent. Spears subsequently spent three summers at NYC's Professional Performing Arts School and also appeared in a number of off-Broadway productions, including 1991's Ruthless! In 1992 she landed a spot on Star Search, and though she won the first round, she lost in the second.Spears then returned to the Disney Channel for a spot on the New Mickey Mouse Club in Lakeland and was accepted.

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BRITNEY SPEARS PICTURE DOWNLOAD

2007-08-17T07:32:00.000-07:00

Britney Spears was born in McComb, Mississippi,and raised in Kentwood, Louisiana as a Southern Baptist. Her parents are James Parnell Spears, a building contractor, and Lynne Irene Bridges, a former grade school teacher. Spears' brother Bryan, is one of her managers, and her sister Jamie-Lynn, is an actress and singer. Her maternal grandmother Lillian Woolmore was an English war-bride,who met Spears' maternal grandfather Barnett O'Field Bridges in England during World War II, and subsequently migrated with him to the United States. Her paternal grandparents were June Austin Spears and Emma Jean Forbes.

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BRITNEY SPEARS WALLPAPER ~ FREE DOWNLOAD

2007-08-17T07:25:00.000-07:00

Britney Spears is best known for her studio albums, music videos, and songs such as "...Baby One More Time", "Oops!...I Did It Again", "I'm a Slave 4 U" and "Toxic", for which she won a Grammy Award.[3] In 1999, Britney released her first studio album ...Baby One More Time, In 2000 Britney released her second studio album Oops!... I Did It Again Spears' success as a singer led her way to high-profile advertising deals and endorsements, as well as forays into other forms of media, including film and reality television. Her third album, Britney was released in 2001 with her forth album In The Zone released in 2003. The Greatest Hits: My Prerogative was released in 2004.

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FREE PARIS HILTON PICTURES & PHOTOS

2007-08-17T07:17:00.000-07:00

PARIS HILTON-HOT TOPIC

Hilton was engaged to fashion model Jason Shaw from mid-2002 to early 2003. On May 29, 2005, she announced her engagement to Paris Latsis, a Greek shipping heir; the engagement was called off five months later. Thereafter, she began dating another Greek shipping heir, Stavros Niarchos III, but in May 2006, Hilton publicist Elliot Mintz informed the press Paris and Stavros had broken up. In an attempt to rediscover herself, Hilton imposed a ban on sexual activity for one year starting in July 2006. She told Regis and Kelly: "One-night stands are not for me. I think it's gross when you just give it up. Guys want you more, if you don't just hand it to them on a platter."

In July 2006, Hilton was photographed kissing her best male friend Brandon Davis, the man who "ranted against" Lindsay Lohan on national television, five days later.

In January 2007, Hilton's private life again created headlines with the launch of ParisExposed.com, a website that featured images of personal and medical documents, video, and other private material, allegedly obtained when the contents of a storage locker rented by Hilton were auctioned off due to lack of payment.CNN's Anderson Cooper 360 discussed footage obtained from the website which features Hilton using several ethnic slurs.On February 3, 2007 Hilton obtained a temporary injunction against ParisExposed.com, closing down the website for a short period of time before the site went back online.

In a June 11, 2007 phone interview from jail, Hilton told Barbara Walters that while serving time in jail, God has given her a new chance, and that she will no longer "act dumb."

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PARIS HILTON PICTURES ~FREE DOWNLOAD

2007-08-17T07:14:00.000-07:00

PARIS HILTON- A Model

Hilton began modeling as a child, appearing first in charity events.At 19, she signed with Donald Trump's modeling agency, T Management.Hilton has worked with modeling agencies such as Ford Models in New York, Models 1 Agency in London, Nous Model Management in Los Angeles, and Premier Model Management in London. She has appeared in numerous advertising campaigns, including Iceberg Vodka, GUESS, Tommy Hilfiger, Christian Dior, and Marciano. In 2001, Hilton began to develop a reputation as a 19-year-old socialite, being identified as "New York's leading It Girl" whose fame was beginning to "extend beyond the New York tabloids".

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FREE BRITNEY SPEARS WALLPAPER

2007-08-17T07:04:00.000-07:00

BRITNEY SPEARS ~ --OT & SWEET Britney Jean Spears

(born December 2, 1981, McComb, Mississippi) is an American pop music singer, songwriter, and dancer. Spears has sold over seventy-six million albums worldwide according to Time magazine.The RIAA ranks her as the eighth best-selling female artist in American music history, having sold thirty-one million albums in the U.S.

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FREE PARIS HILTON WALLPAPER DOWNLOAD

2007-08-17T05:32:00.000-07:00

PARIS HILTON - NEW RECORDS

Hilton founded Heiress Records, a sub-label of Warner Bros. Records, in 2004. She released her self-titled debut album, Paris, under the Heiress Records label on August 22, 2006. Although the album reached number six on the Billboard 200 for a week, its total sales volume has been low. Producers for Paris included Greg Wells, Kara DioGuardi, Jane Wiedlin and Scott Storch. Hilton collaborated with Fat Joe and Jadakiss on the song "Fighting Over Me." The first single from Paris, "Stars Are Blind," produced by Fernando Garibay, was released for download on June 20, 2006 and peaked at number eighteen on the Billboard Hot 100; "Turn It Up" and "Nothing in This World" followed as worldwide singles. While All Music Guide commented that the album was "more fun than anything released by Britney Spears or Jessica Simpson, and a lot fresher, too," critical reception as a whole was mixed.

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PARIS HILTON WALLPAPER DOWNLOAD

2007-08-17T05:14:00.000-07:00

HILTON-A NEW GEN

Hilton also amassed other television credits, guest-starring in episodes of The O.C., The George Lopez Show, Las Vegas, American Dreams and Veronica Mars. Furthermore, she appeared in several music videos, including It Girl by John Oates and Just Lose It by Eminem.

Moreover, Hilton made cameo appearances in several films, most notably Zoolander (2001), and Wonderland (2003). She landed minor and supporting roles in the feature films Nine Lives (2002), Raising Helen (2004), The Hillz (2004), and House of Wax (2005). Her role as Paige Edwards in House of Wax won the Teen Choice Award for "Best Scream" and earned her a nomination for "Choice Breakout Performance – Female".She also earned a nomination for "Best Frightened Performance" at the 2006 MTV Movie Awards. She landed her first lead roles in 2006 with the straight-to-DVD releases National Lampoon's Pledge This! (2006) and Bottom's Up (2006).

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PARIS HILTON WALLPAPER

2007-08-17T05:06:00.000-07:00

PARIS HILTON-An Actress

Hilton gained significant notoriety when she co-starred along with Nicole Richie, the adopted daughter of Lionel Richie, in the Fox reality series The Simple Life, which premiered on December 2, 2003. During the course of the season, Hilton and Richie lived with a family on their farm in rural Altus, Arkansas. The show, which was a major success for Fox, featured the two working at a variety of blue-collar jobs, making out with local men, and performing menial tasks associated with farm life. The pair's inability to appreciate or engage in the "simple life" was a central theme on the series.

Paris Hilton at the Cannes Film Festival in 2005.After the success of the first season, The Simple Life was followed by two more seasons on Fox. The network then canceled the show after a dispute between Hilton and Richie, but the show was subsequently aired by E! Entertainment Television for a fourth season. A fifth season premiered in May 2007 on E, with talks of a sixth season to follow suit.

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PARIS HILTON

2007-08-17T03:36:00.000-07:00

Paris Whitney Hilton (born February 17, 1981) is an American celebutante, businesswoman, model, actress and recording artist.

She is an heiress to a share of both the Hilton Hotel fortune and the real estate fortune of her father Richard Hilton.

Hilton rose to fame around 2003, when her sex tape titled 1 Night in Paris appeared on the internet one week before the reality series The Simple Life began airing in December 2003.

As an actress, she has appeared in several minor roles, most notably in the horror film House of Wax (2005). In 2006, she released her debut self-titled album Paris. Hilton has since garnered notoriety as a result of several legal incidents, the repercussions of which have caused Hilton to serve time in a correctional institution in 2007.

Paris Hilton Photos......

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TAX PREPARATION HELP

2007-08-17T03:05:00.000-07:00

TAX PREPARATION

Preparing taxes is often a confusing and a time consuming task for many people. There are numerous tax laws to consider for preparing even a simple tax return. Every year lawmakers add new tax laws and change existing ones. Changes in the personal life like marriage, new home, new baby, etc. will affect your taxes.

If you prepare your tax return personally, you need to identify all applicable tax laws and apply the correct one while calculating the taxes and while filling each tax forms. As a responsible citizen you are suppose to know and abide by all the federal, and the state and local tax rules. There are many options available to prepare and file your tax return correctly

Free Tax Return Preparation For You by Volunteers
Puzzled by the tax law or which credits and deductions to take? Need assistance with your tax return?

You may want to visit a volunteer site. The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program or the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Program offer free tax help if you qualify.

Trained community volunteers can help you with special credits, such as Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit, and Credit for the Elderly for which you may qualify. In addition to free tax return preparation assistance, most sites also offer free electronic filing (e-filing). Individuals taking advantage of the e-file program will receive their refunds in half the time compared to returns filed on paper – even faster if you have your refund deposited directly into your bank account.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA)
The VITA Program offers free tax help to low- to moderate-income (generally, $39,000 and below) people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Certified volunteers sponsored by various organizations receive training to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country. VITA sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations. Most locations also offer free electronic filing.

Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)
The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Program provides free tax help to people age 60 and older. Trained volunteers from non-profit organizations provide free tax counseling and basic income tax return preparation for senior citizens. Volunteers who provide tax counseling are often retired individuals associated with non-profit organizations that receive grants from the IRS.

As part of the IRS-sponsored TCE Program, AARP offers the Tax-Aide counseling program at more than 7,400 sites nationwide during the filing season. Trained and certified AARP Tax-Aide volunteer counselors help people of low-to-middle income with special attention to those age 60 and older.

Items you need to bring to the VITA/TCE Sites to have your tax returns prepared
Proof of identification
Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents and/or a Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration

Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return

Current year’s tax package if you received one

Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, from all employers

Interest and dividend statements from banks

A copy of last year’s Federal and State returns if available

Bank Routing Numbers and Account Numbers for Direct Deposit

Total paid for day care provider and the day care provider's tax identifying number (the provider's Social Security Number or the provider's business Employer Identification Number)

FREE ANTIVIRUS DOWNLOAD - NORTON, SYMANTEC, AVG, MCAFEE

2007-08-16T09:15:00.000-07:00

Antivirus software consists of computer programs that attempt to identify, thwart and eliminate computer viruses and other malicious software (malware).

Antivirus software typically uses two different techniques to accomplish this:

Examining (scanning) files to look for known viruses matching definitions in a virus dictionary
Identifying suspicious behavior from any computer program which might indicate infection. Such analysis may include data captures, port monitoring and other methods.
Most commercial antivirus software uses both of these approaches, with an emphasis on the virus dictionary approach.

A very uncommon use of the term "antivirus" is to apply it to benign viruses that spread and combated malicious viruses. This was common on the Amiga computer platform

In the virus dictionary approach, when the antivirus software looks at a file, it refers to a dictionary of known viruses that the authors of the antivirus software have identified. If a piece of code in the file matches any virus identified in the dictionary, then the antivirus software can take one of the following actions:

attempt to repair the file by removing the virus itself from the file
quarantine the file (such that the file remains inaccessible to other programs and its virus can no longer spread)
delete the infected file
To achieve consistent success in the medium and long term, the virus dictionary approach requires periodic (generally online) downloads of updated virus dictionary entries. As civically minded and technically inclined users identify new viruses "in the wild", they can send their infected files to the authors of antivirus software, who then include information about the new viruses in their dictionaries.

Dictionary-based antivirus software typically examines files when the computer's operating system creates, opens, closes or e-mails them. In this way it can detect a known virus immediately upon receipt. Note too that a System Administrator can typically schedule the antivirus software to examine (scan) all files on the computer's hard disk on a regular basis.

Although the dictionary approach can effectively contain virus outbreaks in the right circumstances, virus authors have tried to stay a step ahead of such software by writing "oligomorphic", "polymorphic" and more recently "metamorphic" viruses, which encrypt parts of themselves or otherwise modify themselves as a method of disguise, so as to not match the virus's signature in the dictionary.

Suspicious behavior
The suspicious behavior approach, by contrast, doesn't attempt to identify known viruses, but instead monitors the behavior of all programs. If one program tries to write data to an executable program, for example, the antivirus software can flag this suspicious behavior, alert a user and ask what to do.

Unlike the dictionary approach, the suspicious behavior approach therefore provides protection against brand-new viruses that do not yet exist in any virus dictionaries. However, it can also sound a large number of false positives, and users probably become desensitized to all the warnings. If the user clicks "Accept" on every such warning, then the antivirus software obviously gives no benefit to that user. This problem has worsened since 1997[citation needed], since many more nonmalicious program designs came to modify other .exe files without regard to this false positive issue. Thus, most modern antivirus software uses this technique less and less.

Other approaches
Some antivirus-software use other types of heuristic analysis. For example, it could try to emulate the beginning of the code of each new executable that the system invokes before transferring control to that executable. If the program seems to use self-modifying code or otherwise appears as a virus (if it immediately tries to find other executables, for example), one could assume that a virus has infected the executable. However, this method could result in a lot of false positives.

Yet another detection method involves using a sandbox. A sandbox emulates the operating system and runs the executable in this simulation. After the program has terminated, software analyzes the sandbox for any changes which might indicate a virus. Because of performance issues, this type of detection normally only takes place during on-demand scans. Also this method may fail as viruses can be nondeterministic and result in different actions or no actions at all done when run - so it will be impossible to detect it from one run.

Some virus scanners can also warn a user if a file is likely to contain a virus based on the file type.

An emerging technique to deal with malware in general is whitelisting. Rather than looking for only known bad software, this technique prevents execution of all computer code except that which has been previously identified as trustworthy by the system administrator. By following this default deny approach, the limitations inherent in keeping virus signatures up to date are avoided. Additionally, computer applications that are unwanted by the system administrator are prevented from executing since they are not on the whitelist. Since modern enterprise organizations have large quantities of trusted applications, the limitations of adopting this technique rest with the system administrators' ability to properly inventory and maintain the whitelist of trusted applications. As such, viable implementations of this technique include tools for automating the inventory and whitelist maintenance processes.

Issues of concern
The spread of viruses using e-mail as their infection vector could be inhibited far more inexpensively and effectively, without the need to install additional antivirus software; if bugs in e-mail clients, which allow the unauthorized execution of code, were fixed.
User education can effectively supplement antivirus software. Simply training users in safe computing practices (such as not downloading and executing unknown programs from the Internet) would slow the spread of viruses and obviate the need of much antivirus software.
The ongoing writing and spreading of viruses and of panic about them gives the vendors of commercial antivirus software a financial interest in the ongoing existence of viruses. Some theorize that antivirus companies have financial ties to virus writers, to generate their own market, though there is currently no evidence for this.
Some antivirus software can considerably reduce performance. Users may disable the antivirus protection to overcome the performance loss, thus increasing the risk of infection. For maximum protection the antivirus software needs to be enabled all the time — often at the cost of slower performance (see also software bloat).
It is important to note that one should not have more than one antivirus software installed on a single computer at any given time. This can seriously cripple the computer and cause further damage. This is not always obviously stated in terms of usage for these programs.
It is sometimes necessary to temporarily disable virus protection when installing major updates such as Windows Service Packs or updating graphics card drivers. Having antivirus protection running at the same time as installing a major update may prevent the update installing properly or at all.
When purchasing antivirus software, the agreement may include a clause that your subscription will be automatically renewed, and your credit card automatically billed at the renewal time without your approval. For example, McAfee requires one to unsubscribe at least 60 days before the expiration of the present subscription, yet it does not provide phone access nor a way to unsubscribe directly through their website. In that case, the subscriber's recourse is to contest the charges with the credit card issuer. Such recourse is likely to fail if in fact the subscriber had authorised the direct debit. Thus cancelling the credit card is the only option for a subscriber who can not cancel the automatic billing. (You can also call your bank and advise that there is no way to unsubscribe yourself, and by law they can cancel the payments due to fraud. They can do this as if there is no way to stop the payments by contacting the company directly then this is classed as fraud in the UK).

History
See also: Timeline of notable computer viruses and worms
There are competing claims for the innovator of the first antivirus product. Perhaps the first publicly known neutralization of a wild PC virus was performed by European Bernt Fix (also Bernd) in early 1987. Fix neutralized an infection of the Vienna virus. First edition of Polish antivirus software mks_vir started in 1987. Program was only available in Polish language version. Fall 1988 also saw antivirus software Dr. Solomon's Anti-Virus Toolkit released by Briton Alan Solomon. By December 1990 the market had matured to the point of nineteen separate antivirus products being on sale including Norton AntiVirus and ViruScan from McAfee.

Tippett made a number of contributions to the budding field of virus detection. He was an emergency room doctor who also ran a computer software company. He had read an article about the Lehigh virus were the first viruses to be developed, but it was Lehigh that Tippett read about and he questioned whether they would have similar characteristics to viruses that attack humans. From an epidemiological viewpoint, he was able to determine how these viruses were affecting systems within the computer (the boot-sector was affected by the Brain virus, the .com files were affected by the Lehigh virus, and both .com and .exe files were affected by the Jerusalem virus). Tippett’s company Certus International Corp. then began to create anti-virus software programs. The company was sold in 1992 to Symantec Corp, and Tippett went to work for them, incorporating the software he had developed into Symantec’s product, Norton AntiVirus.

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NORTON AVG MCAFEE

FREE K-LITE MEGA CODEC PACK DOWNLOAD

2007-08-16T09:06:00.000-07:00

The K-Lite Codec Pack has a couple of major advantages compared to other codec packs:
- It it always up-to-date with the latest versions of the codecs.
- It is very user-friendly and the installation is fully customizable, meaning that you can install only those components that you really want.
- It has been very well tested, so that the package doesn't contain any conflicting codecs.
- It is a very complete package, containing everything you need to play your movies.

There are three versions of the K-Lite Codec Pack: Basic, Standard and Full.
• K-Lite Codec Pack Basic contains only the most essential things. It contains everything you need to be able to play the most popular and widespread formats. It is small enough to fit on a single floppy. Also great for including on your movie CDs.
• K-Lite Codec Pack Standard contains everything you need to play all the commonly used formats. This package should be enough for the average user.
• K-Lite Codec Pack Full contains even more codecs. It also has encoding support for the various formats. This package is for power users and people who do their own encodings.

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FREE ADOBE ACROBAT READER DOWNLOAD

2007-08-16T08:48:00.000-07:00

Adobe Reader allows more securely view, print, search, sign, verify, and collaborate on PDF documents, online as well as offline, from your home or office. Reader has a completely redesigned interface, new tools, and new options for viewing information more efficiently. Access to an online, real-time meeting in seconds. Reader is integrated with Adobe Connect software, which enables users to instantly communicate and accelerate approvals with virtually anyone, anywhere, at any time. Add more security to your documents, forms, and drawings with digital signatures. Leverage Adobe LiveCycle Policy Server and the new Adobe Online Services Document Center to enforce access rights at the document level.

Version 8.1 includes several changes such as adding supports for Windows Vista, Precise CAD data (PRC), and Product Manufacturing Information (PMI), improving forms performance, and sending any PDF directly to FedEx Kinko's Print Online for printing.

DOWNLOAD FREE ADOBE ACROBAT READER

DAEMON TOOLS - FREE DOWNLOAD

2007-08-16T08:39:00.000-07:00

DAEMON Tools description
DAEMON Tools - Advanced application for multiprotection emulation
DAEMON Tools is an advanced application for multiprotection emulation.

DAEMON Tools is further development of the Generic Safedisc emulator incorporating all its features. This program allows running backup copies of SafeDisc (C-Dilla), Securom or Laserlock protected games.

Also included is a Virtual DVDROM drive (V386 STEALTH DVDROM) enabling you to use your CD images as if they were already burned to CD.

DAEMON Tools works under Windows9x/ME/NT/2000/XP with all types of CD/DVDROM drives (IDE/SCSI) and supports nearly any CD protection.

· DAEMON Tools needs a 1:1 Copy to run!!
· DAEMON Tools is used to RUN GAMES, NOT TO BURN THEM!!! Means emulation must be active while you want to play a game, not while burning the copy (except for you want to use DAEMON Tools' "fastdump" feature on a safedisc protected CD).
· If you want to run a copy protected application from an image mounted to a Generic DVD-ROM enabling the copy protection emulation(s) is NOT necessary!!
· Generic DVD-ROM is able to run nearly every protected or unprotected CD image (Safedisc, Securom, Laserlock, Lockblocks etc.) like it was the original CD! Just do an image file using one of the supported burning programs and mount it with Daemon Manager!

DAEMON Tools supports the following image files:
· cue/bin
· iso
· ccd (CloneCD)
· bwt (Blindwrite)
· mds (Media Descriptor File)
· cdi (Discjuggler)
· nrg (Nero)
· pdi (Instant CD/DVD)
· b5t (BlindWrite 5)

Limitations:
· DAEMON Tools is freeware ONLY for PRIVATE USE. If you use it in a commercial environment, for example your office or an Internet Cafe, you must register DAEMON Tools. One license is needed for every PC you run DAEMON Tools on. If you run our program on school or university PCs no further action is required.

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WINRAR DOWNLOAD-FREE

2007-08-16T08:27:00.000-07:00

WinRAR - at a glance

WinRAR is a powerful compression tool with many integrated additional functions to help you organize your compressed archives. WinRAR puts you ahead of the crowd when it comes to compression. Consistently creatinging smaller archives, WinRAR is often even faster than the competition. This will save you disc space, transmission costs AND valuable working time as well. WinRAR supports all popular compression formats (RAR, ZIP, CAB, ARJ, LZH, ACE, TAR, GZip, UUE, ISO and BZIP2). WinRAR is ideal for multimedia files. WinRAR automatically recognizes and selects the best compression method. The special compression algorithm compresses multimedia files, executables and object libraries particularly well. WinRAR allows you to split archives into separate volumes easily, making it possible to save them on several disks for example. WinRAR is also ideal, if you are sending data through the web. Its 128 bit password encryption and its authentification signature technology will give you peace of mind you are looking for. WinRAR is shareware, giving you the chance to thoroughly test it. The programm can be used absolutely free of charge for 40 days! WinRAR licenses are valid for all available language and platform versions. You can even mix versions just the way you want if you have purchased several licenses. WinRAR gives you all future UPDATES for FREE! Not like the competition that will make you pay again every one or two years.

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LINUX DOWNLOAD-FREE ~ RED HAT, MANDRIVA/MANDRAKE, SUSE

2007-08-16T08:18:00.000-07:00

Some facts about downloading Linux

Linux, together with a set of GNU programs, is an operating system. That is, Linux is not a single program or a suite of tools. Most "versions" of Linux, known as "distributions", are available to download free of charge. However, there are some things you should know about downloading and installing Linux:

First, you don't have to actually install Linux in your hard disk to use the Linux operating system. There exist several "versions" of Linux that can be downloaded and burned to a CD. These variants of the Linux operating system, known as "Live CD" versions, will boot Linux directly from the CD on systems that are capable of doing this. (most PCs manufactured in the last 7 to 8 years will allow this). Memory requirements vary, so please consult our list of Live CD distributions on our distributions page (choose the option 'Live CD' from the 'Category' menu). There are several popular Live CD distributions, such as MEPIS, Knoppix and Slax. Most major Linux distributors (SUSE, Mandriva, Ubuntu) also offer Live CD versions of their products.

If you're interested in running Linux indefinitely or permanently, you can also download versions designed to be installed on your hard disk. Here is some information you should know.

You should have a high-speed Internet connection (T3, T1, xDSL, cable modem). Trying to download a major vendor's version of Linux will most likely be a frustrating experience with a dial-up modem connection.
You'll need the ISO images or a DVD image for the distribution you want to download which you must then copy or "burn" into a CD or DVD.
If you already run another operating system, you must re-partition your hard disk in order to install a "standard" Linux distribution.
When you download Linux from the Internet. You are not entitled to that particular distributor's technical support. You will have to look for the documentation that you need in order to resolve any problems you might run into or seek appropriate help on websites or in other Internet forums.
In other words, if you don't have a high-speed connection to Internet or a drive that writes to blank CDs or DVDs, then downloading is probably not the best way for you to get a full-featured Linux distribution. You can, though, depending on your location, get Linux free in magazines or from retailers that will sell you a distribution on one or more CDs at very low cost. Distributions obtained in this way do not usually include documentation or support. There are also many books that include a Linux distribution.

If you don't know how to partition a hard disk or you have very little experience with installing and maintaining an operating system, you can still install Linux fairly easily by purchasing a boxed set. In this case, the cost of Linux system increases, but on the other hand, you will be provided full documentation, step by step installation instructions and in many cases free technical support for up to 90 days by phone or e-mail.

If you're still not quite sure you want to make the leap to Linux, you may want to at least get a feel for how it looks. This can be as simple as using your favorite Internet browser. Both OSDir.com and Linuxquestions.org have screenshot galleries that will give you an idea of the look and feel of many Linux distributions. This can be helpful when choosing which version of Linux is right for you.

Regardless of the way in which you obtain a Linux distribution, we at Linux Online feel that switching to Linux will be a positive experience. You will see your knowledge of computing increase at the same time as your productivity. You will be able to do much more with your computer and at a fraction of the cost of proprietary operating systems.

For more information, we also recommend you read our Linux Online FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) and our page: So You Want to Use Linux? which talks about Linux migration.

DOWNLOADS:

RED HAT MANDRIVA/MANDRAKE SUSE LINUX

FREE WINDOWS VISTA - DOWNLOAD VISTA (BITA)

2007-08-16T07:55:00.000-07:00

Windows Vista Home Basic

The good: Windows Vista Home Basic does improve some features within Windows XP; fewer system crashes than Windows XP; and Windows Vista offers better built-in support options.

The bad: Windows Vista Home Basic does not put Search on the desktop (it's buried within applications, within the Start Menu); no Aero graphics system in Home Basic; no new software yet written exclusively for Windows Vista; optimized only for the Microsoft Windows ecosystem (for example, RSS feeds from IE7 get preferential treatment); and little reason to leave Windows XP.

The bottom line: Windows Vista Home Basic is essentially warmed-over Windows XP, Windows XP SP3. If you're currently happy with Windows XP SP2, we see no compelling reason to upgrade. On the other hand, if you need a new computer right now, Windows Vista is stable enough for everyday use.

Windows Vista Home Premium

The good: Windows Vista Home Premium does improve some features within Windows XP; fewer system crashes than Windows XP; and Windows Vista offers better built-in support options.

The bad: Windows Vista Home Premium does not put Search on the desktop (it's buried within applications, within the Start Menu); no new software yet written exclusively for Windows Vista; optimized only for the Microsoft Windows ecosystem (for example, RSS feeds from Internet Explorer 7 get preferential treatment); Tablet PC support unnecessary; fax and scan support missing; and there are too many editions of Windows Vista.

The bottom line: Windows Vista Home Premium is essentially warmed-over Windows XP Home Edition. If you're currently happy with Windows XP SP2, we see no compelling reason to upgrade. On the other hand, if you need a new computer right now, Windows Vista Home Premium is stable enough for everyday use.

Windows Vista features

DIY Windows Vista
Need a road map for Vista? We've rounded up some simple tips and tutorials on the OS's most useful new features. Check out our video how-tos, tips, online classes, forums, and more. Read more

Put Vista in your living room
If you are looking to put Vista in your living room, we've reviewed three home theater PCs that might fit the bill, and we anticipate seeing many more introductions in this category as the year progresses. Read more

Windows Vista performance: What to expect
CNET Labs tested two laptops with XP and Vista to see how performance differs between the two operating systems. Read more

CNET Learning Hub: Windows Vista
Find Windows Vista tutorials, tips, and classes with CNET experts. Read more

Windows Vista's half-cocked firewall
The new Windows Firewall in Windows Vista allows outbound connections by default. How is that providing two-way firewall protection? Read more

That $200 Windows XP Service Pack called Vista
Most of the touted security enhancements in Windows Vista don't appear in the Home Premium and Basic versions, and what's there could have fit into a free Windows XP Service Pack instead. Read more

Security Bites Podcast: Windows Vista
Microsoft is finally unleashing Windows Vista for consumers. One of the software giant's messages is that the operating system upgrade boosts PC security. But is it enough to warrant buying a new Windows version? Listen to the podcast

CNET Labs tests the first Vista systems
While most vendors were still putting the finishing touches on their refreshes and introductions, HP and Toshiba were the first two manufacturers to get us working units for review. HP served up a Pavilion tablet and a totally unique all-in-one desktop, while Toshiba's first Vista laptop is a beautifully crafted convertible tablet. See how they performed.

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SOFTWARE INVESTMENT

2007-08-16T07:34:00.000-07:00

Software Investment Guide

Welcome to Oracle's Software Investment Guide. Buying software, like any other business expenditure, is an important aspect to effectively managing IT costs. To that end, a thorough understanding of a company's pricing and licensing practices can help you make informed decisions regarding software purchases. We are committed to keeping our customers informed. We have introduced this Software Investment Guide to facilitate your comparison of licensing alternatives.

Message to our valued customers:
Some typos were inadvertently left in the Software Investment Guide dated October 7th, 2003. If you have downloaded that version, we invite you to download the updated October 15th, 2004 version. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

DOWNLOAD SOFTWARE INVESTMENT GUIDE

Opportunties for Enterprise Software Investments
I had the opportunity to spend a few hours today at an Intel Capital event for their portfolio companies and VC friends. While a great way to network with fellow investors and meet new companies, I particularly enjoyed a talk given by Chris Thomas, Intel's EStrategist, on the future of software in the enterprise. While none of the ideas were new, I liked how he laid out the major themes in computing and software in a well-thought out presentation.Here are some of my notes from that discussion.Chris' view is that we are moving towards a service-oriented world, where enterprises can tap applications and resources on demand and on the fly. Yes, we have heard this theme over the last few years in a number of different incarnations. In fact, I got a chuckle from Chris' list of marketing slogans from all of the large vendors trying to trademark their specific vision on the service-oriented world (N1, on-demand, etc.). Anyway, despite the hype of SOA (service-oriented architectures), it is beginning to happen, it is real, and it is still early. As we move into this world of SOAs, there will be tremendous opportunities for software investment as enterprises consolidate, modularlize, and virtualize their data centers. Chris highlighted the 5 buckets or themes that mattered to him:1. Software and data delivered as services-think ASP model, think modular, software components that perform a specific task, which can be used as building blocks and combined with other components via web services to solve a specific business problem-this will be the new way to build software and go-to-market-he gave an example of how AT&T used a combination of hosted software vendors and their APIs to deliver an order routing solution for a customer in 2 weeks instead of 9-12 months-a side note - as we move into an increasingly global world, no need to worry about software piracy since you can't steal a service but you can steal sofware2. Hardware as a virtualized resource-view hardware as one set of services-manage capacity on demand-new hardware=new software opportunity3. Autonomic data sources (RFID, tags, smart sensors)-Chris gave an estimate that an average retail store could have up to a terabyte of data from RFID alone-think about the opportunities here to process, filter, store, and understand all of this data-how will all of this data flow through the network in an optimal way?\-once again, more investment opportunities in software4. Occasionally connected usage (Intel's mobile theme)-performance of offline and occassionally connected usage much better than always-on-opportunities include power, performance, software that works online and offline (go to back to theme #1 above, ASP model)5. Services cross firewalls (security)-if we move to this service-oriented world where partners, machines, and applications access data on the fly, there will be tremendous need for securityChris' bottom line was that asynchronous XML messages are what makes this service-oriented world possible. We are just at the beginning phases, a new architecture is needed and with that comes new and interesting opportunities for software investments. I totally agree here as most of the service-oriented talk from many of the large tech vendors is still a pipe dream and more marketing than fully functioning product. In addition, most enterprises are experimenting with various aspects of the above themes but far from prime-time in terms of deployment........ BY Ed Sim.

FREE SPAM BLOCKER SOFTWARE DOWNLOAD

2007-08-16T07:23:00.000-07:00

Owning a spam blocker has never been more important. The current flood of spam into all of our inboxes grows more frustrating every single day. Spam is such a small word but causes such huge problems for both business and home users. Whether you call it spam, junk mail or unsolicited commercial email (UCE) the end result is the same; an inbox full of useless junk.

Choosing a spam blocker can be confusing for both beginners and advanced computer users. Every day another company release another spam blocking utility. Where do you start? Which one is best for you? The purpose of this site is to educate and inform you as to which spam blocker would suit you most.

You don't think spam is really a problem? Consider this. By 2006 research indicates that the average computer user can expect to receive 5,000 pieces of spam per year. This is a conservative estimate. The real figure is at least 5 times as high. Do you really want to have to sift through 25,000 pieces of junk email? Why not let a spam blocking utility or web based service do the work for you?

Why is there so much spam? Spam exists because Internet users support it by purchasing goods from junk mailers, clicking on the links they send you and providing your email addresses on online forms, in forums and in newsgroups. Spam exists because it is a highly profitable business for those sending out the junk email.

The more positive, affirmative action you take against spammers by deleting, blocking and/or blacklisting them the less spam you will receive. Spam can be defeated.

It doesn't matter what email application you use there's a spam blocker out there to suit your needs regardless of whether you're tied to a desk or travelling the world you can still block spam effectively and quite easily. For those of you on a tight budget there are also plenty of free spam blockers that you can download for personal use.

This site also has tons of information on the history of spam and other spam related articles for your entertainment and reading pleasure.

If you're looking for an immediate solution to your spam problems without doing a lot of research and reading there are 3 products - any one of which will take care of 99% of your spam problems.

SpamArrest
If you need a portable spam fighting solution where you won't always have access to a PC then the challenge response based system offered by SpamArrest will suit you perfectly. SpamArrest combines a webmail and spam filtering solution for ease-of-use. This is my current tool of choice for fighting spam as it offers portability but can also be easily integrated with your current email software. This is my current tool of choice for fighting spam.

Qurb
If you're looking for an affordable and effective spam blocking program that integrates seamlessly with your Outlook or Outlook Express setup then Qurb is the answer. Internationally recognized as a superior solution for stopping spam dead in its tracks Qurb is a great antispam solution.

Mailwasher Pro
If you want to scan your email before it ever arrives on your PC then Mailwasher Pro is the perfect solution for you. Most other spam blockers first have to download the mail to your PC before doing anything. Mailwasher Pro allows you to preview incoming mails and delete or bounce the ones you don't want to receive. Mailwasher Pro is a simple, effective solution to spam that doesn't depend on having Outlook or Outlook Express installed.

A good starting point where you can learn about the basics of spam is the Introduction section. Find out what Spam Blockers are available to you and proceed to read all about them under the Spam Blocker Reviews. Finally, don't forget to visit the articles section and learn about some of the Anti Spam Techniques in use today.

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SOFTWARE PROJECT MANAGEMENT TRAINING

2007-08-16T06:52:00.000-07:00

Products and Services > Project Management > Software Project Management Training
Articles:
Software Project Management Training
Choosing the Right Course

Product Descriptions:
Managing Software Projects
Leading Software Projects
Six Sigma Software Project Management
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Software Project Management Training

PS&J Software Six Sigma offers a full line of project management training tailored to the needs of software development. Our courses encapsulate 50 years of hands on experience with software project management across multiple application domains including aerospace, industrial automation and controls, financial services, medical instrumentation, telecommunications, and consumer electronics.

All of PS&J Software Six Sigma's courses are about managing real world software development. They are not focused on project management technique. Training that covers only the mechanics and generalities of project management cannot provide the level of depth and understanding that project managers require in order to address the unique issues influencing software development today. Although we provide comprehensive explanations of estimating algorithms, earned value, risk management, and all the traditional topics, our focus is always managing software development. Your managers learn how to dramatically improve the probability of bringing their software projects to a successful conclusion.

Managing a software development program differs from managing many other efforts because the product is essentially intangible until it reaches system integration and test. Managers often rely on the word of their developers or team leads in order to track progress. Frequently, they are given an overly optimistic assessment of program progress, only to be surprised by reality at a future date. Often, this leads to a situation where the project is 90% complete with no real end in sight.

Many experienced managers are unsuccessful at managing software programs because they don’t understand the fundamental cause and effect relations of the software development process. They try to directly manage the results, such as cost and schedule, rather than manage the underlying causes. These managers don’t have very much leverage over their projects, because they don’t know the right points to which to take effective corrective actions. Frequently their actions are counterproductive.

PS&J Software Six Sigma's management courses confront this problem head on by teaching our students the basic economics of the software development process. Our students are successful because they learn the cause and effect relationships that control development process, and, ultimately, project performance. They learn how to avoid common pitfalls, collect the right metrics, generate realistic plans, recognize problems early, and exploit the points of maximum leverage in the software development process by taking timely and effective corrective actions. We provide our students with specifics on effectively managing all the key software development sub-processes, helping them strike a balance between an environment with too little structure and one with the high process overheads common in many CMM level 3 organizations.

The effect is to transform our students’ approach to management. The net result is empowerment as their focus shifts from tracking and reporting actuals to managing performance. When effective processes are combined with pro-active management, we frequently see initial estimates that are accurate to 20%, “estimates to go” that are accurate to 5%, and productivity improvements of 20% to 50%.

► Overview ◄
There is a wealth of information on project management. But unfortunately, we have come to realise that only a small fraction applies to software project management. This course is about new practices and new ideas project managers ought to consider to make their software development projects succeed. What makes software development in project management? Why did the traditional approaches to project management used in other industries fail in software endeavours? This course will include a critique of the “thermostat model” of management of WBS (Work Breakdown Structure), Gantt and PERT charts, and much of the common wisdom represented in the PMBOK, for example. We will look at how a new breed of techniques and tools are emerging, more suited to software development, with iterative development and agile methods: XP, Scrum, Lean Development, Adaptive development, RUP, and how to reconcile the new with the old.

"He that will not apply new remedies must expect old evils." (Francis Bacon, Essays, 1561-1626)

► Intended For ◄
Software developers moving into a team leader or project management role. Software project managers who want to move from traditional approaches to agile processes. Software project managers preparing a PMP certification. Experienced project managers with little or no experience in software development.

► Prerequisites ◄
Some practical experience of software development projects.

► Objectives ◄
At the end of the course the participants will have a complete view of the role of a software project manager, and of the multiple activities it entails. They will have a framework to reason about the planning and running of a software project, and some handle on some of the specific techniques applicable to software.

► Content ◄
This course is organised into 12 modules:

Managing software projects

Types of software projects
What makes a software project different and difficult
Software project management and software development process
The PMBOK
CMMi
Introduction to the Rational Unified Process® (RUP) framework
Introduction to Agile techniques
What do software project managers manage?

Managing risks
Defining success and failure
What is a risk?

Taxonomy of software project risks
The project risk list
Introducing iterative development to better manage risks
Risk management in Agile projects

Managing time
Software development lifecycle
Phase and iterations in RUP®
Project estimations, from COCOMO to Use Case points
Phases and iteration planning
Managing time in Agile projects

Managing quality
What is software quality?
It’s relationship with software testing
Process quality and product quality
Reviews and inspections
Assessing quality
Measurements

Managing objective and scope
The feature/cost/time dilemma
Managing requirements and requirements creep
Earned value systems and burn-down charts
Time boxing
Scrum.

Managing complexity
Software project management and software architecture
The architect and the manager
Project dynamics
Keeping track of decisions and rationale
Programme management and portfolio management

Managing changes
Types of changes
Defects and enhancements
Classification and priorities
Project backlog
Tracking changes

Managing software assets
Software as an asset
Configuration management
Software reuse
Intellectual property issues; licences, patents, open-source.

Managing people
Skills and competencies
Role versus individuals
Team structure, distributed team
Intercultural factors
Hiring, compensating, rewarding, firing, and other HR issues
Software development ethics

Managing external stakeholders
Software acquisition; iterative or progressive acquisition
Outsourcing and offshoring.

Managing the software process
Just the right process
Process implementation project
Roles of an SEPG, and software process improvement
Post-mortem and retrospectives.

Managing software projects: wrap up
Putting it all together
Sources of information

FREE SOFTWARE DOWNLOAD

2007-08-16T06:30:00.000-07:00

This article is about free software as used in the sociopolitical free software movement; for non-free software distributed without charge, see freeware.

Clockwise from top: The logo of the GNU Project (the GNU head), the Linux kernel mascot Tux the Penguin, and the FreeBSD daemonFree software is software that can be used, studied, and modified without restriction, and which can be copied and redistributed in modified or unmodified form either without restriction, or with restrictions only to ensure that end users have the same freedoms as the original authors.

To make software available as free software, the software has to be accompanied by a software licence saying that the copyright holder allows these acts (a free software licence), or be in the public domain, and the human readable form of the program (or source code) must be made available.

The free software movement was launched in 1983 to make these freedoms available to every computer user.

Everyone is free to sell copies of free software, to use it commercially, and to charge for distribution and modifications. Because anyone who has a copy may distribute the software at no cost, the software generally is available at no cost. Free software business models are usually based on adding value such as support, training, customisation, integration, or certification. However, free software does not allow for common business models that depend on a user having no choice but to pay for a license in order to lawfully use a software product.

Software that is not free is known as proprietary software or non-free software

Naming
Main article: Alternative terms for free software
The term, "free software", was coined by Richard Stallman and the Free Software Foundation in the early 1980s.

Free software and "freeware" should not be confused. Freeware is software made available free of charge. From the late 1990s onward, some alternative terms for free software came into common usage, including "open source software", "software libre", "free, libre and open-source software" ("FLOSS"), and "free/open-source software".

The FSF recommend using the term "free software" and never "open source software" due to the conflicting aims of (in particular the open source community's lack of emphasis on software freedom) "Libre" is used to avoid the ambiguity of the word "free". However, this term is mostly used within the free software movement.

History
Main article: History of free software
In the 50s, 60s, and 70s, it was normal for computer users to have the freedoms provided by free software. Software was commonly shared by individuals who used computers and by hardware manufacturers who were glad that people were making software that made their hardware useful. In the 70s and early 80s, companies started to use copyright to prohibit sharing software, and they began using technical measures such as only distributing binary copies to prevent computer users from being able to study and modify the software.

In 1983, Richard Stallman launched the GNU project after becoming frustrated with the effects of the change in culture of the computer industry and users. Software development for the GNU operating system began in January 1984, and the Free Software Foundation (FSF) was founded in October 1985. He introduced a free software definition and "copyleft", designed to ensure software freedom for all.

Free software is a huge international effort, producing software used by individuals, large organisations, and governmental administrations. Free software has a very high market penetration in server-side Internet applications such as the Apache web server, MySQL database, and PHP scripting language. Completely free computing environments are available as large packages of basic system software such as the many GNU/Linux distributions and the FreeBSD OS. Free software developers have also created free versions of almost all commonly used desktop applications such as web browsers, office productivity suites, and multimedia players. It is important to note, however, that in many categories, free software for individual workstation or home users has only a fraction of the market share of their proprietary competitors. Most free software is distributed online without charge, or off-line at the marginal cost of distribution, but this is not required, and people may sell copies for any price.

The economic advantages of the free software model have been recognised by large corporations such as IBM, Red Hat, and Sun Microsystems. Many companies whose core business is not in the IT sector choose free software for their Internet information and sales sites, due to the lower initial capital investment and ability to freely customize the application packages. Also, some non-software industries are beginning to use techniques similar to those used in free software development for their research and development: scientists, for example, are looking towards more open development processes, and hardware such as microchips are beginning to be developed with specifications released under copyleft licenses (see the OpenCores project, for instance). Creative Commons and the free culture movement have also been largely influenced by the free software movement.

Definition
Main articles: The Free Software Definition, Debian Free Software Guidelines, and Open Source Definition
To help distinguish libre (freedom) software from gratis (zero price) software, Richard Stallman, founder of the free software movement, developed the following explanation: "Free software is a matter of liberty, not price. To understand the concept, you should think of 'free' as in 'free speech', not as in 'free beer'"More specifically, free software means that computer users have the freedom to cooperate with whom they choose, and to control the software they use. The GNU Manifesto contains language that gives evidence of Stallman's initial confusion with the usage.

According to Richard Stallman and the Free Software Foundation, software is free software if people who receive a copy of the software have the following four freedoms:

Freedom 0: The freedom to run the program for any purpose.
Freedom 1: The freedom to study and modify the program.
Freedom 2: The freedom to copy the program so you can help your neighbor.
Freedom 3: The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements to the public, so that the whole community benefits.
Freedoms 1 and 3 require source code access, because studying and modifying software without its source code is highly impractical. Access to annotated source code relieves these problems.

Other groups have published their own definitions which describe an almost identical set of software. The Debian Free Software Guidelines is one, and the Open Source Definition is another.

The free BSD-based operating systems, such as FreeBSD, OpenBSD, and NetBSD, don't have their own formal definitions of free software. Users of these systems find the same set of software to be acceptable, however, rather than advocate the use of copyleft free software licences, they see copyleft as being merely tolerable. Instead, they advocate permissive free software licences which allow others to make software based on their source code and then not, in turn, also distribute the source. Their view is that this permissive approach is more free. The Kerberos, X.org, and Apache software licences are substantially similar in intent and implementation. All of these software packages originated in academic institutions interested in the widest possible technology transfer (University of California, MIT, and UIUC).

Examples of free software
Main articles: List of open source software packages, Portal:Free software/Categories, and :Category:Free software
Notable free software:

Operating systems: Linux, BSD, Darwin, and OpenSolaris.
GCC compilers, GDB debugger and C libraries.
Servers: BIND name server, Sendmail mail transport, Apache web server, and Samba file server.
Relational database systems: MySQL and PostgreSQL.
Programming languages: Perl, PHP, Python, Lua, Ruby, and Tcl.
GUI related: X Window System, GNOME, KDE, and Xfce desktop environments.
OpenOffice.org office suite, Mozilla and Firefox web browsers, and the GIMP graphics editor.
Typesetting and document preparation systems TeX and LaTeX.
ogg: free software multimedia file type that can function like an mp3 or mp4.
The Free Software Directory is a free software project that maintains a large database of free software packages.

Free software licenses
Main article: Free software licenses
All free software licences must grant people all the freedoms discussed above. However, unless the applications' licences are compatible, combining programs by mixing source code or directly linking binaries is problematic, because of licence technicalities. Programs indirectly connected together may avoid this problem.

Most free software uses a small set of licenses. The most popular of these are:
the GNU General Public License
the GNU Lesser General Public License
the BSD License
the Mozilla Public License
the MIT License
the Apache License
Free Software Foundation and Open Source Initiative both publish lists of licenses that they find to comply with their definition of free software and open-source software respectively.

List of FSF approved software licences
List of OSI approved software licences
These lists are necessarily incomplete, because a license need not be known by either organization in order to provide these freedoms.

Apart from these two organisations, the Debian project is seen by some to provide useful advice on whether particular licenses comply with their Debian Free Software Guidelines. Debian doesn't publish a list of approved licenses, so its judgements have to be tracked by checking what software they have allowed into their software archives. That is summarized at the Debian web site

However, it is rare that a license is announced as being in-compliance by FSF or OSI and not the other (the Netscape Public License used for early versions of Mozilla being an exception), so exact definitions of the terms have not become hot issues.

Permissive and copyleft licences
The FSF categorizes licenses in the following ways:

Copyleft licenses, the GNU General Public License being the most prominent. The author retains copyright and permits redistribution and modification under terms to ensure that all modified versions remain free for as long as the author wishes.
BSD-style licenses, so called because they are applied to much of the software distributed with the BSD operating systems. The author retains copyright protection solely to disclaim warranty and require proper attribution of modified works, but permits redistribution and modification in any work, even proprietary ones, again, for as long as the author wishes.
Public domain software - the author has abandoned the copyright. Since public-domain software lacks copyright protection, it may be freely incorporated into any work, whether proprietary or free. Importantly, software released thus goes completely out of control of the author, who, even if he subsequently so desires, cannot impose any restriction on its use.

Impact
Free software played a part in the development of the Internet, the World Wide Web and the infrastructure (and subsequent debacle) of dot-com companies. Free software allows users to cooperate in enhancing and refining the programs they use; free software is a pure public good rather than a private good. Companies that contribute to free software can increase commercial innovation amidst the void of patent cross licensing lawsuits.

Under the free software business model, free software vendors may charge a fee for distribution and offer pay support and software customization services. Proprietary software uses a different business model, where a customer of the proprietary software pays a fee for a license to use the software. This license may grant the customer the ability to configure some or no parts of the software themselves. Often some level of support is included in the purchase of proprietary software, but additional support services (especially for enterprise applications) are usually available for an additional fee. Some proprietary software vendors will also customize software for a fee.

Free software is generally available at little to no cost and can result in permanently lower costs compared to proprietary software. With free software, businesses can fit software to their specific needs by changing the software themselves or by hiring programmers to modify it for them. Free software often has no warranty, and more importantly, generally does not assign legal liability to anyone. However, warranties are permitted between any two parties upon the condition of the software and its usage. Such an agreement is made separately from the free software license.

There is debate over the security of free software in comparison to proprietary software, with a major issue being security through obscurity. A popular quantitative test in computer security is using relative counting of known unpatched security flaws. Generally, users of this method advise avoiding products which lack fixes for known security flaws, at least until a fix is available. Some claim that method counts more vulnerabilities for the free software, since their source code is accessible and their community is more forthcoming about what problems exist.

Free software advocates rebut that closed source programs do not have published flaws, but flaws could exist and are possibly already known to malicious users. The ability to view and modify the software provides many more people who can analyze the code, and possibly have a higher rate of finding bugs and flaws than an average corporation. Having access to the source code also makes creating spyware far more difficult.

Controversies
Binary blobs
Main article: Binary blobs
In 2006, OpenBSD started the first campaign against the use of binary blobs, binary large objects, in kernels. Blobs are usually freely distributable device drivers for hardware from vendors that do not reveal driver source code to users or developers. This restricts the users' freedom to effectively modify the software and distribute modified versions. Also, since the blobs are undocumented and may have bugs, they pose a security risk to any operating system whose kernel includes them. The proclaimed aim of the campaign against blobs is to collect hardware documentation that allows developers to write free software drivers for that hardware, ultimately enabling all free operating systems to become or remain blob-free.

The issue of binary blobs in the Linux kernel and other device drivers motivated some developers in Ireland to launch gNewSense, a Linux distribution with all the binary blobs removed. The project received support from the Free Software Foundation

BitKeeper
Main article: BitKeeper#License concerns
Larry McVoy invited high-profile free software projects to use his proprietary versioning system, BitKeeper, free of charge, in order to attract paying users. In 2002 a controversial decision was made to use BitKeeper, a proprietary software product, to develop the Linux kernel, a free software project. The following excerpt from a Newsforge editorial by Richard Stallman illustrates why this proved to be a major source of controversy.

The free software movement has said »Think of free speech, not free beer« for 15 years. McVoy said the opposite; he invited developers to focus on the lack of monetary price, instead of on freedom. A free software activist would dismiss this suggestion, but those in our community who value technical advantage above freedom and community were susceptible to it.

A free kernel, even a whole free operating system, is not sufficient to use your computer in freedom; we need free software for everything else, too. Free applications, free drivers, free BIOS: some of those projects face large obstacles ─ the need to reverse engineer formats or protocols or pressure companies to document them, or to work around or face down patent threats, or to compete with a network effect. Success will require firmness and determination. A better kernel is desirable, to be sure, but not at the expense of weakening the impetus to liberate the rest of the software world.

Following the reverse engineering of BitKeeper's protocols, McVoy withdrew permission for gratis use by free software projects. After this, Linux kernel community decided to develop and use Git, which is free software.

Patent deals
Main article: Software patents and free software
In November of 2006, the Microsoft and Novell software corporations announced a controversial partnership involving, among other things, patent protection for some customers of Novell under certain conditions.

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1 HOUR LOAN PAY DAY

2007-08-16T02:31:00.000-07:00

Can you imagine getting a same day payday loan? If you think that its impossible then let me blow you bubble by telling you that it really is possible these days. Well, it’s only possible if the full-length 24 hours is what you deem to be a day then this kind of loan would really fit your standards. A lot of people have been commenting that it is now tough to obtain a same day payday loan that pays the same afternoon or morning the moment you applied for it. Normally, your emergency would have to wait for a full 24 hours before it gets settled for it’s the only time when your loan would get to be deposited to your account.

So how do payday loan companies escape this bogus advertising? The secret is the technical definition of a full day which is 24 hours. This payday loans save you from pawning personal property or from borrowing cash from friends or your family. These loans can be at your hands within 24 hours upon the submission of your application, if you supplied the lender all the details he needs.

Payday loans are also known deferred presentments, cash advances, and deferred deposits or check loans.

Handing over of loans
The loan is deposited into the borrower’s checking account, which is the information that you gave to the lending agency while you were applying for the loan. There are actually 3 choices for the repayment of your loan. One is that you pay the amount in full and the finance fees. The second one is that you pay the partial amount of your loan and the finance fees. The last one was extending your due date up to the next pay day while paying the extra charges.

The uninformed black community, military personnel or some people with a meager fixed income; these citizens are the ones belong to the bracket of workers earning less than $ 50,000 a year. Lately some critics have been considering placing a restriction on the annual percentage rates of payday loans for military staffers. The limit has been settled to be 36% that is attributed to them acquiring low credit ratings when they don’t get to pay their loans on their deadlines. It’s much like a domino effect because as they don’t pay their loans on time their security clearance is withdrawn which leads to them not being installed to the battlefield.

Back then not all states employ payday loans, but now most of the states adapted the concept making payday loans a booming option as the market of payday loans swiftly dominates the whole country. Old American’s often encounter hardships in providing for their necessities especially with the fact that they have lox fixed incomes. This is so apparent with the medical problems suddenly arise and that is where the problem sets in. more often than not these seniors find it hard to obtain small loans with cheap rates which gives them the expensive payday loans as a best option.

In taking the actual payment of the borrower, it’s either the borrower himself writes a check that is equivalent to the borrowed amount and the additional charges. While some other companies foster the system of “automatic deduction” agreement. In this agreement as the client signs the terms and conditions he allows the lending agency to deduct automatically from his account all his loans.

15 YEARS FIXED MORTGAGE RATES

2007-08-16T02:09:00.000-07:00

15-year Fixed Rate Mortgages
How To Save Half On Interest Costs

Save $100,000 on mortgage interest costs! Sound impossible? Not really. An old-time mortgage that is once again proving popular allows homebuyers to so just that. It is the 15-year fixed-rate mortgage that lets homebuyers own their homes free and clear in 15 years. And, while the monthly payments are somewhat higher than a 30-year loan, the interest rate on the 15-year mortgage is usually a little lower, and importantly - the homebuyer pays less than half the total interest cost of the traditional 30-year mortgage. The purpose of this page is to help prospective homebuyers explore the 15-year fixed rate mortgage - a new option for saving on total mortgage interest costs.
Who It's For
The 15-year fixed rate mortgage has proved popular with two very different groups of homebuyers. First, it enables young homebuyers with sufficient income to meet the higher monthly payments to pay off the house before their children start college. They own more of their home faster with this kind of mortgage. Other homebuyers, who are more established in their careers, have higher incomes and whose desire is to own their homes before they retire, may also prefer this mortgage. The 15-year fixed rate mortgage gives them additional financing options using the house's equity. For example, they can easily take out a second mortgage if they want to make use of the equity in their home. But you need not fall into either category to appreciate the savings the 15-year fixed rate mortgage affords homebuyers. Let's take a closer look at some of the pros and cons of this type of mortgage and what savings you may expect.

Advantages
The 15-year fixed rate mortgage offers the qualified consumer five big advantages.

You own your home in half the time it would take with a traditional mortgage.
You save more than half the amount of interest of a 30-year mortgage. On a $75,000 mortgage at 9.5 percent, you save more than $95,000.
Lenders usually offer this mortgage at a slightly lower interest rate than with 30-year loans - typically 0.5 percent to 1.0 percent lower. It is this lower interest rate added to the shorter loan life that realizes the savings for 15-year fixed rate borrowers.
Fixed rate means exactly that - no matter where mortgage interest rates go, the payments for this mortgage stay the same from the first to the last. This helps many borrowers plan their budgets with more certainty. They know that their monthly payments will not increase (or decrease) and throw their financial planning off.
15-year mortgages can be insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and the Veterans Administration (VA), and with private mortgage insurance.

Disadvantages
The disadvantages associated with a 15-year rate mortgage are really the qualifiers that will tell consumers if this is the mortgage for them.

The monthly payments for this type of loan are higher than those for a 30-year mortgage, roughly 10 percent to 15 percent higher per month.
Because borrowers pay less total interest on the 15-year fixed rate mortgage, they lose the maximum mortgage interest tax deduction.
Compare Them Yourself
At right is a comparison of a $75,000 mortgage with terms of 15 and 30 years. We used a 15-year mortgage at a half percent lower rate, which is typical in today's market. As you can see, the 15-year mortgage saves more than $95,000 over the traditional 30-year loan.

30-year at 10 percent 15-year at 9.5 percent
Monthly Payment (Principal and Interest) $ 658 $ 738
First Year Interest Cost $ 7,481 $ 7,023
Mortgage Balance $ 74,583 $ 72,625
Fourth Year Interest Cost $ 7,336 $ 6,244
Mortgage Balance $ 73,052 $ 63,991
Total Interest Cost Over the Life of the Loan $ 161,942 $ 65,970
Difference From 30-year Total $ 0 $ 95,972

HELP

Purchase Price / Estimated Value
Please enter the contract price of the property if this is a purchase transaction, current home's estimated value if refinance, or the "as completed" value of the property if this is a construction loan.

Occupancy
Select how your property will be occupied.
Investment Property is a property that is not occupied by the owner and in most cases produces income or is held for gains from appreciation.
Second home, or vacation home, is different from an investment property as it is not rented, but used occasionally by the owners. If you rent out your vacation home for any period of time at all, it's investment property.

Loan Amount
Please enter the amount you want to borrow. If you need help in estimating how much you can borrow, click here

Loan Type
Select the loan type you desire.
Conventional loan is any mortgage loan other than an FHA, VA or an RHS loan.
FHA loan is a loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Most of the FHA programs are designed for first time home buyers and low to moderate income borrowers. FHA loans have lower down payment requirements and are easier to qualify than conventional loans. FHA loans cannot exceed the statutory limit.
VA loan is a home loan guaranteed by the U.S. Veterans Administration. VA-guaranteed loan is available to eligible veterans and unmarried surviving spouses who can show entitlement through a Certificate of Eligibility. Eligible veterans may be able to purchase a home with no down payment and no cash reserve. The VA establishes the maximum loan amounts and eligibility requirements.

Loan Purpose
Please select the purpose for which you are requesting a loan.

Purchase/Rehab is a mortgage loan that combines home purchase and rehabilitation in one loan. It allows you to improve or repair your home at low first mortgage interest rates.
Refinance/Remodel is a mortgage loan to refinance and modernize your home. It allows you to make home improvements, renovate your home, or remodel a home that has been damaged by fire, flood, or earthquake at low first mortgage interest rates.
Rate/Term Refinance, or "No Cash" Refinance is when you only get enough money to pay off your existing loan plus closing costs and no more than that (you may also include the second mortgage if it is more than a year old). For example, if you refinance a property only to change the term of the loan, remove the mortgage insurance, or reduce the rate.
"Cash-Out" Refinance is when the amount of money received from the new loan exceeds the total of the outstanding liens on the property, including first mortgage, second mortgage, lines of credit, closing costs and prepaid expenses. It's called "Cash-Out" because the borrower receives additional cash that can be used for any purpose.
Second Mortgage -- an additional mortgage placed on a property -- can be used for a variety of reasons: debt consolidation, home improvements, the purchase of an automobile, educational purposes, and so on.

Total Gross Monthly Income
Please enter the total monthly income for all persons applying with you.
You can count as income not only your steady employment but also:
Overtime bonus and commissions (average for one - two years);
Net income from self employment;
Social security, veteran's benefits and retirement;
Alimony, child support and income from public assistance programs;
Workmans's compensation or permanent disability payments;
Interest and dividend income;
Rental income after deducting expenses and debt payments;
Income from trusts, partnerships, professional corporations and so on.
The income can be derived from several sources, but it must be supported by documentation and have a high likelihood of continuation.
For your convenience, we have provided a worksheet to help you in determining your qualifying income.

Total Monthly Debt
Your regular monthly debts and obligations may include monthly payments on:
Other real estate loans;
Installment loans (bank loans, auto loans, tuition loans, etc);
Revolving accounts;
Child support and alimony paid to a former spouse.
Include only debt obligations that won't be paid off within the next 10 months. Do not include current rent or other housing expenses, such as utilities, telephone, insurance, etc. Also do not include payments on rental real estate loans that have been deducted from rental income.
For your convenience, we have provided a worksheet to help you determine your monthly debt.

Income Documentation

Can you document your income?
Once you apply, a lender provides you with a detailed list of documentation required to approve your loan. With Easy / No Doc loans little or no documentation is provided to substantiate the borrower's income. These loans are mostly for self-employed borrowers, and are a solution for many borrowers who have income from sources that are hard to verify.

Credit Grade
A borrower will typically fall into one of five categories: A, A-, B, C, or D. Several factors contribute to the credit grade such as past payment history, your credit score, debt ratio and amount of downpayment. The more serious the credit problems, the further the grade decreases.
We have compiled a guide to help you estimate your credit grade -- Credit Grade Guide

First / Second Mortgage Balances
If this is a refinance transaction, second or third mortgage loan please enter your current balance on first and/or second mortgages, if applicable. Your lender can provide an up-to-date report on the amount you owe on your home loan.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CREDIT CARDS

2007-08-16T01:53:00.000-07:00

Welcome to The Card Guide
Welcome to CardGuide.co.uk, a UK credit card comparison site. Listed below are some of the most popular types of credit card offers in the UK, from balance transfer credit cards to cash back offers. Whatever you are searching for, we will have something suitable for you.

If you wish to transfer your current credit card balance to an introductory 0% balance transfer offer we have a host of offers that will suit. Normally, these offers now have a balance transfer fee or charge associated with them.

A popular credit card choice is now a 0% credit card which offers a 0% interest rate on any purchases that you make, great for any spending spree.

If you are one of the fortunate few that manage to clear their credit card balance every month, a cash back credit card may be the right choice for you.

We have the latest credit card news and are packed full of useful articles on choosing and using your next credit card.

The Credit Card Lowdown
It is over 40 years since credit cards were first launched in the UK, Barclaycard being the first and, at the time the only card, in. Initially the bill having to be paid off in full each month so it was more like a charge card. The credit limit at first was £100.

Today you can choose from over 1,500 credit cards with intense competition among card providers. There are cards to suit users of every description, financial background and with any credit history. Virtually anyone can own a credit card owner these days, making life more convenient for everyone. A credit card enables you to borrow money for nearly two months without having to pay interest on it. By using your cash wisely in that time you could actually make money at the same time as you’re borrowing it.

The most sensible credit card users pay off their bill in full each month so they’re avoiding any interest charges. Even if you can’t do that there are deals available to enable you to take your credit-free period to much longer than the 50-60 days available as standard. These deals can be 0% interest on purchases lasting for as long as a year, or more prevalent are deals that allow you to transfer an outstanding debt from one card to another and get 0% interest for a year or more. Sadly, there is usually a balance transfer fee of up to 3% attached.

If possible it is really best to use a credit card as a convenience – to buy goods or services with it, and to pay off the balance in full when it’s due. You’ll then have to pay no interest, but you’ll have delayed paymentyou’re your purchase.

Something you won’t get from cash are valuable rights to protect many of your purchases with a credit card. Any purchase you make with a credit card from £100 to £30,000 will give rights under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. It means that when you make a purchase with your credit card, you have a contract with both the vendor and the issuer of the card, and they have equal liability should anything go wrong. Thus, you could take action against either of them to receive compensation if necessary, for example if a company goes bust before you get your goods.

Some cards give you free purchase protection, which covers you against items bought on the card being lost, stolen or damaged with a period of typically 100 days from purchase.

Another benefit some cards offer is price protection. If you see an item after you’ve bought the same at a cheaper price, you can claim back the difference. Claims can be from £10 to £1,000, but may be subject to a small excess. You may also get free extended warranties or different types of travel insurance with your card.

Applying for credit cards is fairly straightforward, but if you’re interested in a balance transfer you’d be wise to plan for it in advance. Card providers will check information held about you by credit reference agencies before approving your card. Your application form must tie up with what’s on your credit history, so there’s no point in exggeration or being “economical with the truth” just to try and get a card.

Get Yourself A Decent Credit Card
There are some big-name credit cards that might charge the earth for you to have the privilege of carrying their name in your wallet. Most of them are not worth the extra fees. But what makes a card worth its salt? And what steps should you take in choosing the right card?

Firstly you need to make sure you get a rate and the features that suit your needs. You certainly do not want high standard interest rates or ridiculously high charges for withdrawing cash, or other, hidden fees. Another apparently enticing feature is a low monthly minimum repayment (MMR). This is not a financially healthy choice as the MMR can be less than the interest due on the card, so your debt will continue to mount up – even if you spend no further money on your card! Don’t get a credit card with an MMR of less than 2.5%. The mounting debt will only benefit the card provider – not you in any way. If ever there’s a possibility that you might have to pay the MMR, because of your difficult financial circumstances, then choose a card with an MMR of 4% or 5% - the highest you can get. In a survey carried out in summer 2006, the following were some of the more popular card providers with cards having an MMR of only 2%:The AA, Barclaycard, Cahoot, Co-operative Bank, Egg, Goldfish, Halifax, Lloyds TSB, Marbles, Morgan Stanley and Smile.

Common Credit Card Mistakes
With credit cards now outnumbering people in the UK you would be right to assume that not everyone in this country uses their credit cards either correctly or wisely. But what are the most common mistakes that credit card holders make when using their credit cards?

In the circumstances that you have a weak credit rating and an outstanding credit card balance, you would be sensible to apply for a 0% balance transfer card. These make interest-free credit easy. If you can’t pay your credit card bill off in full, then a transfer to a 0% balance transfer card is a good way to bring your outstanding bill down to zero. These first came into being over six years ago, and have changed a lot since then. It is important to know what you getting into, how much the transfer fee is, how long the zero percent interest lasts, and critically, to avoid making any other purchases on the new card, because they will NOT be at zero percent.

Quick Balance Transfer Guide
Balance transfers allow card holders to transfer the money they owe to their existing credit card to another, usually at a special rate of interest. The new credit card company pays off the old credit card debt and transfers it to the new card. This article will tell you how to play the game.

Another way that card companies make money is to get you to take out payment protection insurance. It is a waste on money – avoid it. It can increase the cost of your credit card spending by about 9.15% each year – and that’s even if you pay off your credit card bill in full every month. This insurance is supposed to meet your monthly repayments if you have an accident or are sick, or unemployed and cannot work. It would also pay off your balance if you were to die. Sadly, the true cost of providing this insurance is only around 3% of your bill – not 9.15%. Avoid this type of insurance.

Payment Protection Cover For Your Credit Card - Is It Worth The Cost?
Payment protection cover states quite clearly what it is but what are the ins and outs of the policy and is it worth considering taking out payment protection cover on your credit card.

Just possessing a decent credit card that will not rip you off is not the full answer of course. It is up to you to control your spending. In this debt-ridden society that Britain has become that is difficult. Ultimately people have to be responsible for their own actions – and their own spending.

MORTGAGE CALCULATOR REFINANCE BREAKEVEN

2007-08-16T01:24:00.000-07:00

How long will it take to breakeven on a mortgage refinance? That depends on a multitude of factors. These factors include your current interest rate, the new potential rate, closing costs and how long you plan to stay in your home. Use this calculator to sort through the confusion, and determine if refinancing your mortgage is a sound financial decision.

Definitions
Original mortgage amount
Original amount of your mortgage.

Appraised value
The appraised value of your home when you purchased it.

Current term in years
Total length of your current mortgage in years.

Years remaining
Number of years remaining on your current mortgage.

Income tax rate
Your current income tax rate.

Calculate balance
To let the calculator determine your remaining balance, based on your original loan information and years remaining, check this box. To enter your own amount, leave this box unchecked.

Current appraised value
The current appraised value of your home.

Loan balance
Balance of your mortgage that will be refinanced.

New interest rate
The annual interest rate for the new loan.

New term in years
Number of years for your new loan.

Loan origination rate
This is the percentage of the new mortgage that is paid to the lender as the loan origination fee. Typically this fee is 1% of the loan balance.

Other closing costs
Estimate of all other closing costs for this loan. This should include filing fees, appraiser fees and any other miscellaneous fees paid.

Points paid
This is the number of points paid to the lender to reduce the interest rate on the mortgage. Each point costs 1% of the new loan amount.

Current payment
Your current payment is the sum of principal, interest and PMI (Principal Mortgage Insurance). Because refinancing does not affect your insurance or taxes, they are not included here.

New payment
Your new payment is the sum of principal, interest and PMI.

Monthly PMI payment
Monthly cost of Principal Mortgage Insurance (PMI). For loans secured with less than 20% down, PMI is estimated at 0.5% of your loan balance each year. Monthly PMI is calculated by multiplying your starting loan balance by this percent and dividing by 12. When the equity in your home exceeds the percentage required for PMI, your PMI payment drops to zero.

Monthly PI payment
Monthly principal and interest payment.

Breakeven monthly payment savings
The number of months it will take for your monthly payment reduction to be greater than closing costs.

Breakeven PMI & interest savings
The number of months it will take for your interest and PMI savings to exceed your closing costs.

Breakeven total savings after-tax
The number of months it will take for your after-tax interest and PMI savings to exceed your closing costs.

Breakeven total savings vs. prepayment
This is the most conservative breakeven measure. It is the number of months it will take for your after-tax interest and PMI savings to exceed both your closing costs and any interest savings from prepaying your mortgage. The prepayment amount used in this calculation is the amount that you would have to spend on closing costs.


Enter loan amount:		ex. 100000
Enter months:		ex. 360
Enter interest:		ex. 6

Powered by: EMARK

INSURANCE LIFE QUOTE UNIVERSAL

2007-08-16T01:03:00.000-07:00

Life Insurance
Life insurance is an essential part of financial planning. One reason most people buy life insurance is to replace income that would be lost with the death of a wage earner. The cash provided by life insurance also can help ensure that your dependents are not burdened with significant debt when you die.
When you buy life insurance, you want a policy which fits your needs without costing too much. Your first step is to decide how much you need, how much you can afford to pay and the kind of policy you want. Then, find out what various companies charge for that kind of policy. If you compare Surrender Cost Indexes and Net Payment Cost Indexes of similar competing policies, your chances of finding a relatively good buy will be better than if you do not shop.

Three Basic Kinds of Life Insurance
Regardless of how fancy the policy title or sales presentation might appear, all life insurance policies contain benefits derived from one or more of the three basic kinds shown below. Some policies due combine more than one kind of life insurance and can be confusing.

Term Life Insurance
Endowment Life Insurance
Whole Life Insurance
Variable Life Insurance
Universal Life Insurance
Variable Universal Life Insurance

Term Life Insurance
Term insurance is death protection for a term of one or more years. Some companies are offering policies with terms up to thirty years. Premiums on term insurance remain level during the life of the policy. Term Insurance has no cash value account. Death benefits will be paid only if you die within that term of years. Term insurance generally provides the largest immediate death protection for your premium dollar.
Some term insurance policies are renewable for one or more additional terms even if your health has changed. Each time you renew the policy for a new term, premiums will be higher. You should check the premiums at older ages and the length of time the policy can be continued.
Some term insurance policies are also convertible. This means that before the end of the conversion period, you may trade the term policy for a whole life or endowment insurance policy even if you are not in good health. Premiums for the new policy will be higher than you have been paying for the term insurance.

Life Insurance "Endowment"
An endowment insurance policy pays a sum or income to you, the policyholder, if you live to a certain age. If you were to die before then, the death benefit would be paid to your beneficiary. Premiums and cash values for endowment insurance are higher than for the same amount of whole life insurance. Thus endowment insurance gives you the least amount of death protection for your premium dollar.

Whole Life Insurance
Whole life insurance gives death protection for as long as you live. The most common type is called straight life or ordinary life insurance, for which you pay the same premiums for as long as you live. These premiums can be several times higher than you would pay initially for the same amount of term insurance. But they are smaller than the premiums you would eventually pay if you were to keep renewing a term insurance policy until your later years.

Some whole life policies let you pay premiums for a shorter period such as 20 years, or until age 65. Premiums for these policies are higher than for ordinary life insurance since the premium payments are squeezed into a shorter period.

Although you pay higher premiums, to begin with, for whole life insurance than for term insurance, whole life insurance policies develop cash values which you may have if you stop paying premiums. You can generally either take the cash, or use it to buy some continuing insurance protection. Technically speaking, these values are called nonforfeiture benefits. This refers to benefits you do not lose or forfeit when you stop paying premiums. The amount of these benefits depends on the kind of policy you have, its size, and how long you have owned it.

A policy with cash values may also be used as collateral for a loan. If you borrow from the life insurance company, the rate of interest is shown in your policy. Any money which you owe on a policy loan would be deducted from the benefits if you were to die, or from the cash value if you were to stop paying premiums.

Variable Life Insurance
Variable life insurance, provides permanent protection for you and death benefits to your beneficiary upon your death. The value of the death benefits may fluctuate up or down depending on the performance of the investment portion of the policy. Most variable life insurance policies guarantee that the death benefit will not fall below a specified minimum, however, a minimum cash value is seldom guaranteed. Variable is a form of whole life insurance and because of investment risks it is also considered a securities contract and is regulated as securities under the Federal Securities Laws and must be sold with a prospectus.

Universal Life Insurance
Universal Life insurance is a variation of Whole Life. The insurance part of the policy is separated from the investment portion of the policy. The investment portion is invested in bonds and mortgages, the investment portion of Universal Life is invested in money market funds. The cash value portion of the policy is set up as an accumulation fund. Investment income is credited to the accumulation fund. The death benefit portion is paid for out of the accumulation fund. Unlike Whole Life Insurance, the cash value of Universal Life Insurance grows at a variable rate. Normally, there is a guaranteed minimum interest rate applied to the policy. No matter how badly the investments go by the insurance company, you are guaranteed a certain minimal return on the cash portion. If the insurance company does well with its investments, the interest return on the cash portion will increase.

Variable-Universal Life
Variable universal life insurance pays your beneficiary a death benefit. The amount of the benefit is dependant on the success of your investments. If the investments fail, there is a guaranteed minimum death benefit paid to your beneficiary upon your death. Variable universal gives you more control of the cash value account portion of your policy than any other insurance type. A form of whole life insurance, it has elements of both life insurance and a securities contract. Because the policy owner assumes investment risks, variable universal products are regulated as securities under the Federal Securities Laws and must be sold with a prospectus.

Rates and coverage vary form state to state. Shop around on your own and talk to an independent insurance agent to make sure you get a plan that's right for you. It's amazing how much rates may vary from company to company for the same coverage.

For more information or a quote on life insurance click here.

125 SECOND MORTGAGE

2007-08-15T15:59:00.001-07:00

"Reduce your monthly payments! Save money and be back in control of your debts." That's the pitch you hear for second mortgages that allow you to borrow up to 125% of the value of your home. And as more people see their credit card debts creep up, they're wondering if this type of loan could be the answer to their problems. So let's take a look at the 125% second mortgage.

What makes these loans look so attractive? They claim a couple of benefits. First, the interest rate charged is lower than on a credit card account. And rates have trended upward on credit cards. Even with good credit it's not unusual to be paying 15% or more on your credit card balance.

The other lure for borrowers is that the second mortgage comes with a lower monthly payment. They typically run 15 to 30 years. So borrowers are only repaying a little bit of the principal each month. It's not unusual for someone who has credit card balances to reduce their monthly payment by one third if they transfer to a second mortgage.

Finally, potential borrowers are reminded that some or all of the interest expense could be deductible from their federal income taxes. Pretty tough combo to beat, right?

Well, maybe not. Take a good, hard look at what's happening. To begin with, most companies that issue second mortgages will charge you to borrow money. And, they're not bashful about asking for it. For instance, one company offers a rate of 12.25% (13.9% APR). But to get that rate you need to add 10% to the amount borrowed. If you want a lower rate, you'll pay even more.

Let's look at an example. Suppose five years ago you bought a home for $100,000. You put down 10% and took an 8% mortgage. We'll further assume that the home has appreciated and is now worth $110,000.

But lately you've been running up a few credit card debts. Actually more than just a few. If you add them up it totals about $30,000. So what happens if you use a 125% second mortgage to consolidate those debts?

To start you'll pay a $3,000 premium to borrow $30,000. And if you add the $33,000 in new debt to the balance you still owe on your first mortgage, you now owe $118,500 on a home that's worth $110,000. But that's not much more than the house is worth. Well within the 25% that the mortgage company would lend you. No problem, you think.

On the plus side, you have reduced your payments. Depending on how much interest the credit card companies were charging you could be saving $250 each month in minimum payments. So that's good.

Now for the downside. You're stuck in your home. Forget about moving or refinancing for lower rates. Even assuming that the house appreciates 3% each year, if you continue to make the minimum payments on both mortgages it'll be 2 years before you owe less than the house is worth.

Selling it is even tougher. Your real estate agent will want a 6% commission. You'll need to make payments for four years to be able to sell it and pay the commission. And you'll walk away with empty pockets. If you'd like a 10% down payment for your next house you can plan on making those payments for 6 years before you put your house on the market.

And that's if home prices go up. There's no guarantee of that. There have been many times when real estate prices slumped for a few years. In that case you could be stuck in your house forever.

Next, let's look at the amount of interest that you'll pay. Yes, the credit cards do carry a higher rate. But because you pay them off more quickly you only end up paying about half as much in interest expense. On a loan this size you could write checks for an additional $10,000 to the mortgage company over the life of the loan.

There is a way to reduce that. Switch to the second mortgage and continue to make the same monthly payments as before. Instead of making the $354 payment required by the second mortgage, continue to make payments of $600 each month. You'll return to a positive equity position in just 15 months. In about 4 years you'd be able to sell your house, pay the real estate commission and still have 10% down for your new house.

So what's the bottom line? Second mortgages work best if three conditions are met. First, that the second mortgage doesn't hit you with an overly large origination fee. It's hard to come out ahead when you add 10% to the amount you already owe.

Second, you need to plan on paying off the second mortgage as quickly as possible. If you pay just the required amount each month you'll be giving away a lot of money in interest over the years.

Thirdly, you'll need to have self-discipline. Just because your credit cards show a zero balance doesn't mean that you have extra credit to use. Your new goal should be to pay off the entire account balance each month. Consider anything less to be a failure. Letting your account balances to creep up again is the first step to financial disaster.

If all three of these conditions aren't met, a second mortgage is a bad idea. And one that has you borrowing more than the value of your home is especially dangerous. Don't look at this as a way to reduce your monthly payments.

On the flip side, if you can lower your interest rate without paying a large origination fee and will continue to make the same payment every month, a second mortgage can be a way to reduce the cost of your debt.

You'll surely hear more ads encouraging you to consolidate your loans into a second mortgage. And they'll make it sound easy and safe. But, the wise consumer will consider all the possible consequences before you sign the contract.

100 HOME EQUITY LOAN

2007-08-15T15:43:00.000-07:00

Fixed rate and affordable monthly payment
Enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing exactly what your payment will be each month. No rate hikes, no surprises. Simplify your life with one payment on the same date each month, instead of managing multiple bills with due dates scattered throughout the month.

Rate reduction
To structure your loan with the lowest possible monthly payment or lowest possible interest rate, you have the option of choosing a loan that has points and/or prepayment charge to lower your rate. (Not available in all states.)

Tax advantages

The interest you pay on your Premier Equity loan is often completely tax-deductible. Most other forms of credit don't offer any tax deduction. Consult a tax advisor about the specific tax benefits available to you.

Consolidate debt or get the cash you need
You can use your home equity loan to consolidate your high-rate credit cards, loans, or other expenses. Plus, you can get the cash you need for home improvements or upcoming expenses, all with one easy payment. With rates lower than most credit cards, what are you waiting for?

A choice in loan term
10, 15, 20, 25 and 30-year loans are available.

No origination fees
You'll pay no application fee and no origination fee.

Convenience

Applying for a Premier Equity loan couldn't be easier. You can submit all the necessary information by email, phone, and fax. We'll do the rest. In most states, we can even arrange for an agent to come to your home when it's time to sign your final loan documents.

DEBIT CARDS

2007-08-15T13:48:00.000-07:00

Use your debit card for....
Shopping
ATM transactions
Getting cash
Immediate banking By the year 2000, two-thirds of American households will have a debit card. Debit cards are expected to rival cash and checks as a form of payment. With the debit card, you are using your own money, not the issuer's money.

Debit cards are also known as check cards. Debit cards look like credit cards or ATM (automated teller machine) cards, but operate like cash or a personal check. Debit cards are different from credit cards. While a credit card is a way to "pay later," a debit card is a way to "pay now." When you use a debit card, your money is quickly deducted from your checking or savings account.

Debit cards are accepted at many locations, including grocery stores, retail stores, gasoline stations, and restaurants. You can use your card anywhere merchants display your card's brand name or logo. They offer an alternative to carrying a checkbook or cash.

Do you have a debit card?

You may not realize that you have a debit card. Many banks are replacing their standard ATM cards with upgraded ATM cards with a debit feature. You may also receive in the mail what looks like a credit card when in fact it is a debit card.
What is the difference between a debit card and a credit card?

It's the difference between "debit" and "credit." Debit means "subtract." When you use a debit card, you are subtracting your money from your own bank account. Debit cards allow you to spend only what is in your bank account. It is a quick transaction between the merchant and your personal bank account.

Credit is money made available to you by a bank or other financial institution, like a loan. The amount the issuer allows you to use is determined by your credit history, income, debts, and ability to pay. You may use the credit with the understanding that you will repay the amount, plus interest if you do not pay in full each month. You will receive a monthly statement detailing your charges and payment requirements.

What you should know about debit cards:

Obtaining a debit card is often easier than obtaining a credit card.
Using a debit card instead of writing checks saves you from showing identification or giving out personal information at the time of the transaction.
Using a debit card frees you from carrying cash or a checkbook.
Using a debit card means you no longer have to stock up on traveler's checks or cash when you travel.
Debit cards may be more readily accepted by merchants than checks, especially in other states or countries wherever your card brand is accepted.
The debit card is a quick, "pay now" product, giving you no grace period.
Using a debit card may mean you have less protection than with a credit card purchase for items which are never delivered, are defective, or were misrepresented. But, as with credit cards, you may dispute unauthorized charges or other mistakes within 60 days. You should contact the card issuer if a problem cannot be resolved with the merchant.
Returning goods or canceling services purchased with a debit card is treated as if the purchase were made with cash or a check.

Two types of debit cards

"On-line" debit cards: These cards usually are enhanced ATM (automated teller machine) cards which work the same as they would in an ATM transaction. It is an immediate electronic transfer of money from your bank account to the merchant's bank account.

To access your account at a store terminal, you must punch in your personal identification number (PIN), as you would at an ATM. The system checks your account to see if it has enough money available to cover the transaction.

"Off-line" debit cards: These cards usually look like a credit card and resemble a credit card transaction. The merchant's terminal reads your card, identifies it as a debit rather than a credit card, and creates a debit against your bank account. However, instead of debiting your account immediately, it stores the debit for processing later -- usually within 2-3 days.

Most, but not all, transactions are verified to see if there are adequate funds. Instead, of using a PIN number, the customer must sign a receipt, as he or she would with a credit card.

The "on-line" and "off-line" distinction may not matter to you unless:

your financial institution charges transaction or monthly fees.
you prefer the security of a PIN-required transaction.
you prefer that both options not be on one card.

Seven tips for responsible use of debit cards

If your card is lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to your financial institution.
If you suspect your card is being fraudulently used, report it immediately to your financial institution.
Hold on to your receipts from your debit card transactions. A thief may get your name and debit card number from a receipt and order goods by mail or over the telephone. Your card does not have to be missing in order for it to be misused.
If you have a PIN number, memorize it. Do not keep your PIN number with your card. Also, don't choose a PIN number that a smart thief could figure out, such as your phone number or birthday.
Never give your PIN number to anyone. Keep your PIN private.
Always know how much money you have available in your account. Don't forget that your debit card may allow you to access money that you have set aside to cover a check which has not cleared your bank yet.
Keep your receipts in one place -- for easy retrieval and better oversight of your bank account.

Be aware!

While some issuers give customers separate cards for ATM and on-line transactions and another for off-line uses, others combine the two on one card. If your card handles both off-line and on-line debits and the store accepts both, you will choose the function when you use the card. If you choose "debit" on the merchant's terminal and "swipe" your card through, the transaction will be done on-line and you will be asked for your PIN. If you choose "credit" on the terminal and swipe your debit card through, the payment will be off-line and you will be asked to sign the sales slip.

What if my debit card is lost or stolen?

Just as your money may be stolen and your credit cards may be lost or fraudulently used, a debit card may be lost, stolen, or used without your knowledge. As a cardholder, you need to know the extent of your protection.

Government regulations require debit card issuers to set a maximum liability of $50 if the debit card is reported lost or stolen within two days of discovery. Liability increases to $500 if the lost or stolen debit card is reported within 60 days. Neglect to notify the bank of the theft within 60 days after a bank statement is sent, and you could lose everything in your checking and overdraft accounts.

Check with your financial institution about your liability. Many issuers offer consumers better protection than what is required in government regulations. One type of check card offers consumers "zero liability" in cases of fraud, theft, or other unauthorized card usage if reported by the cardholder within two business days after discovery. After the two-day period, the cardholder could be liable for a maximum of $50. Some other cards limit consumers' liability for fraudulent use of stolen debit cards to $50.