Online guitar tuner and iOS app

The guitar has to be one of the most popular musical instruments, so much so that kids learn to play it at such a young age. Even before you get going you need to know how to tune it, thankfully this process has been made much easier thanks to the online guitar tuner from Gieson, as well as the Acoustic Guitar Tuner app from Inner Four, Inc

The thought of an online tuner is ideal for those who do not wish to buy a dedicated one or have forgotten theirs when they are out. Do not worry if you do not have an Internet connection when you are out, as there is also a Mac and Windows version for you to download and use offline. It has never been easier to tune a guitar by ear.

For those of you who know how to play a guitar you will understand all of the settings on the online tuner, to us it is all foreign. You can set it on auto or manual, as well as set the amount of delay you need. This tool is very comprehensive, as there are a number of different tuner modes to choose from.
If you would rather use an app, then you should try out the Acoustic Guitar Tuner, as this is the most popular kind of guitar. There is no charge for the app, so much better than having to purchase a real tuner. All you need to do is press down on each string to hear the tone. The app supports all iOS devices so get downloading now. For those of you who are unable to play a guitar, then why not visit the Google home page today, as they have a great interactive doodle for you today, more details can be find in one of our previous posts.

Facebook cartoon profile picture campaign fights violence against children

Facebook is being invaded by cartoon pictures, have you noticed it? If you haven’t noticed the invasion then let me ask you this question: where were you in the last few days? The present cartoon pictures invasion happening to Facebook is a proof of how easy it is to get things go viral in social networks like Facebook; just a paragraph of well-crafted words posted on a wall is sure to get people into something. We’ve seen in the past few months some campaigns on Facebook like the ‘I Like It On’ sexy status updates and the ‘color of the day’ status update go viral and we can expect more of this kind of campaigns get into FB in the coming months.


Facebook cartoon profile pics have taken over Facebook the past few days. Millions of Facebook users are changing their profile pics to pictures of cartoon characters, and many people are asking, “Why is everyone’s Facebook picture a cartoon?” Facebook cartoon profile pictures are everywhere in the news.


The origin of this campaign is not known but there are a couple of Facebook fan pages that pushes this campaign. There are also those who do not believe in the campaign, they see it as something silly, as silly as the ‘I like it On’ campaign. Others think that many cartoon characters depict violence on children so the campaign is not fitting for the cause.


Although the campaign was reported to have started in November in n Greece and Cyprus, the "game" has changed and the current Facebook campaign is to set Facebook profile pictures to cartoon images. Here's the message being spread on walls everywhere: "Change your Facebook profile picture to a cartoon character from your childhood and invite your friends to do the same. Until Monday, Dec 6th of 2010, there should be no human faces on Facebook, but an invasion of memories! This is for a campaign against violence on children."


Which theory do you believe about the Facebook cartoon profile pic frenzy? Or maybe there's a new campaign coming through next day? 

Facebook Profile Trends: Cartoons from the '90s on the Rise

The need for television entertainment is strong; however, a blast to the past can sometimes be stronger. With the marriage of television and the Internet, the union has created a new way to portray oneself. For example, many people who use Facebook will use an avatar instead of a real photo of themselves. The same is true of many other social networking websites as well. However, on Nov. 16, an unofficial "Facebook Cartoon Profile Picture Week" began. The trend apparently started in Cyprus and Greece and hoped to erase "human photos" for that time.

Why Cartoons from the '90s?

Cartoons from the '90s were some of the greatest cartoons ever made and most of those same shows are still going strong today in 2010. In fact, of the 20 most popular '90s cartoons of which include "Pinky and the Brain" (1995 to 1999), "King of the Hill" (1997 to 2009), "SpongebBob Squarepants" (1999 to present), "Family Guy" (1999 to 2002 and 2005 to present), "Futurama" (1999 to 2003), and "Beavis and Butt-Head" (1993 to 1997), 19 of them still run at least once a day on any given cable channel. While most of these popular cartoons were aimed towards the "older generation" of the time, many were cross overs geared towards teens and young adults. Some, such as "Animaniacs" (1993 to 1998) and "Bobby's World" (1990 to 1998), were aimed at elementary school children and typically had a moralistic purpose.

The original '90s cartoon

The original '90s cartoon, though it did not start in the '90s, is The Simpsons; the longest running cartoon in prime time network television history. This cartoon started Dec. 17, 1989, and set the bar for all cartoons to come. This popularity created the "need" for people to become "Simpsonized," or a way to make a cartoon rendering of themselves using Simpsonize Me as a base for the resulting avatar. Another popular cartoon,South Park (1997 to present), also has its own cartoon conversion website called "South Park Studio." Using the same concept as the Simpsonize Me website, users can create South Park characters of themselves using various features of the cartoon characters married with their own features.

Since these two websites popped up in the late '90s, other sites began to offer the same services, and software people can download and use on their computers, although most are not based on specific cartoon characters. For instance, AvatarGenerator.org is a website anyone can go to and pick a cartoon avatar and then edit it based on personal preferences. With the availability of most services free, it is easy to pretend to be someone, even if only online. The freedom to be someone else for a time is liberating and another of the reasons the Facebook '90s cartoon avatar trend is on the rise, not to mention that most of Facebook's users now were the targeted audiences of '90s cartoons.

NASA scientists find Arsenic-Based Bacteria

Arsenic and deep space? NASA scientists Thursday served up a poison-munching microbe as a model for life on alien worlds.Researchers report in the journal Science the discovery of a bacteria in a mud sample from California's salty Mono Lake that is the first-known organism to use arsenic in its basic metabolism and genes.

The finding would add deadly arsenic to the six basic elements believed needed for life — carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur and phosphorus. The six elements are such a fundamental tenet of biochemistry that finding a critter living on arsenic was a big surprise.

Researchers in Mono Lake, California, have discovered a microorganism (pictured) that uses aresnic instead of phosphorous to thrive and reproduce. The latter, as far as terrestrial life is concerned, is a buildng block of life along with carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur, all integral to our DNA and RNA. Arsenic, meanwhile, is generally considered poisonous -- but "chemically it behaves similarly to phosphate," apparently making for a good substitution. In other words, NASA's proven that life can be made with components different than our current assumptions, both locally and beyond the stars. Seems entirely logical, if you ask us.

Skyline Movie Review, Seriously in trouble

Seem that this film get so much critics,  like Entertaining for some of the right reasons (great visuals, solid action) and many of the wrong ones (laughable acting, gaping lapses in logic, and the most altogether bonkers ending of the year), Skyline is a fun film—but not really a good one.

Megan Lehmann over at the Hollywood Reporter gave it a pretty bad D rating. She stated, “Beyond the dazzling “first contact” sequences seen in the trailers, Skyline is a spasmodic and incoherent shambles hampered by an astoundingly stupid screenplay.” 

Watch this video,

5 Reasons to Drive People to Your Facebook Page

Having reached the 500 million member mark recently, there is no doubt that Facebook is the giant of social media. Many businesses and brands have "ridden the wave" of Facebook, and have started a page just to keep up with the digital Joneses.


But why Facebook?


A good question, especially if your business already has a fairly dynamic website. So if you have conversion points, dynamic content, consumer feedback forums, commenting features, etc. you might be wondering what benefits Facebook could offer in the digital space. Although the website may have all the right moving parts, there are still reasons to have a Facebook page.


1. It can help measure the strength and engagement level of your brand.


In much the same way that you know someone is interested enough to take the time to fill out an e-mail subscription form or comment on a blog, having people "Like" you on Facebook validates the fact that you have a strong brand that people are interested in. Similar to an e-mail subscription, it shows that people are interested enough in your content that they are willing to opt-in to receiving updates.


2. They can share their own stories and content.


While forums are a great place for people to discuss specific topics and share ideas, they do not have nearly as strong of a foothold in the digital arena as Facebook. Because people are already comfortable using Facebook, they are more likely to share photos, videos, and stories about your business on your page than in a forum.


3. It makes sharing content from your website and blog easier.


E-mail subscriptions are an excellent way to measure conversions and build an e-mail list, and I in no way whatsoever disagree with their usefulness. However, some people prefer to receive their information on Facebook rather than deal with e-mails. When someone Likes your page, it gives you another opportunity to share your content with your audience in a setting that they are already comfortable in.


4.It increases visibility.


First, Facebook pages show up in Google searches, increasing your search results presence. Furthermore, Google indexes public updates from Facebook Pages. The popularity of Facebook coupled with the indexing of links posted to a business Facebook Page provides additional link juice for your website. This, in turn, increases the likelihood that your website will populate higher in search results. (Zappos.com, considered to be a true social media success story, dominates the first page when searching for Zappos.


Secondly, when someone Likes a Facebook page it shows up in their friends' news feeds. This spreads the word that your Facebook page exists, and other people on Facebook may check out your page.


5. It allows you to interact with your fan base.


And finally, Facebook provides a channel for you to truly interact with the people that Like your business. So make sure to interact with them! When someone asks a question, make sure to answer them. When someone posts some photos, comment on them if appropriate. And when someone has something to say about your business or brand, be it good or bad, you have a chance to respond to them in the public eye.


Facebook has changed over the years, and time has shown that the ways in which people use Facebook is in constant flux. However, it has become clear that Facebook isn't going away anytime soon. So if you're already on Facebook, drive people to your page for these reasons and more. But if you want people to stay on your Facebook page, make sure to be Like-able!


Certainly there are more reasons to have a Facebook page, and we'd love to hear your suggestions and thoughts on Facebook!


Joe Recomendes is the Social Media Content Manager for Walker Marketing


The original article can be found at The Walker Marketing Blog


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_Recomendes

Which is the past, Charlie Chaplin or us?

Its a suprise when I look into this picture, and almost shock and get heartattack when I discover the video on u tube, a woman talking on the cell phone, caught inside Charlie Chaplin's film, "The Circus" on 1928 .


As we all know, there were no cell phones back in 1928. However, an Irish filmmaker, named George Clarke has discovered something rather unusual in extra footage from Charlie Chaplin’s film.

“The Circus” was filmed back in 1928, when technology wasn’t even close to what it is today. However, as you can see in the video footage below, a woman appears to be talking on a cell phone during the filming of the movie. If this really is in fact a cell phone, there really is no explanation unless this women is a time traveler….. Right?

Twitter and Facebook have been buzzing all day, with people trying to determine if the device that the woman appears to be talking into is really a cell phone.

Even if it were a cell phone, how on earth would she be getting a reception on it? If she was a time traveler from the future, her cell phone still would not operate without the infrastructure that exists today. That is of course, unless this women could have traveled to 1928 from a point in time beyond today, when cell phones could operate without cell towers.

These are all simply theories. Other theories explain that the device is not a cell phone, but simply an old-fashion hearing aid. Perhaps, the woman was having trouble with her hearing aid device, and is talking in order to see if she can hear herself properly. So far this theory seems to be the most believable we have heard so far.

What do you think. Did the filming of Charlie Chaplin’s film really catch a woman from the future talking on a cell phone, or is there a better explanation?

Source : thenewsofttoday.com

Verizon CDMA iPhone 4 Pictured?

Leaked pictures of what is reportedly the mythical CDMA iPhone 4 have surfaced. According to the leak, the device is already in the DVT (design verification test) stage, and made an appearance in a repair shop in Vietnam loaded with the Inferno test firmware that Apple uses, bearing the model number N92DVT. If the leak is legitimate, the device sports a micro SIM card slot, supporting rumors that the phone will be a dual-mode device, providing global roaming, or perhaps even becoming an every-carrier model that may replace the existing iPhone. If the recent leaks are accurate, Apple is already nearly done with the CDMA iPhone as it has already reached the final stage of testing with a launch on Verizon expected to arrive early next year.


Source : Ubergizmo.com

How to Build Mobile Web Blogs on Mobile Phones

Just like web blogs, Mobile Web Blogs are meant to keep the world updated about your recent or current condition, status, events, happenings or anything that you want to share with the people. And, with the popularity of mobile phones at peak, today a lot of people use Mobile Blogs for different purposes. For example- a photographer uses it for uploading his pictures; a business uses it to promote its products or services, and so on. This practice enables businesses to interact directly to their target customers and thereby increase sales and profit; plus establishing their identity in people's mind.

Research shows that mobile phone usage is a hot trend in the market; it is used for various purposes, like sending, SMS, e-mails, and the latest trend, 'browsing'. Experts suggest that to prevail in the market, a business must possess a mobilized website (Mobile Website). In a mobile, Internet works much like it does in a computer or laptop. The only difference is that, here the screen is small. When the user requests for a Mobile Blog or any page, it is retrieved from the web and then converted into a format compatible for a mobile phone.

There were times when designing a mobilized blog was an arduous task, considering the limited features of mobile phones, but things have changed as Smart Phones like iPhone and Blackberry have conquered the mobile phone market. Actually, designing of a Mobile Web Blog is extremely easy and expects systematic strategy from the web designers and further take few things into account, like general behavior of the user, current trends, challenges, and more. A web designer should further ensure that the Mobile Blog works smoothly with all types of Smart Phones and mobile browsers.

Conventional websites are formatted to be compatible with mobile phone screens and at the same time, simplicity is ensured by the web designers. To add a flavor to the blog, various advanced features are added, such as touch screen option, scroll down, one-touch access, and omitting minor spelling mistakes. In addition to this, the use of white space is given immense care while designing a Mobile Web Blog that decides the readability of the entire page.

Mobile Content Management System, Creating Mobile Sites, Mobile Site Builder, Build a Mobile Site. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Subhash_Prajapati

Yahoo.com suspended for a while.

Lately, world reporting that Yahoo.com having a little problem with the server. It include accessing yahoo mail, yahoo mail sign in. For an unspecified time, Yahoo's home page simply displayed a plain text "Server Hangup" message in the browser. Other Yahoo features, such as Yahoo Mail, Calendar, Sports, News, and Finance appeared to not be affected by the outage.

When the site came back up, some users reported to eWEEK that for a span of time, the local news they were accustomed to seeing on the Yahoo home page was news from another city, and that the usual rotation of 32 top news stories was whittled down to four.
There are reports that Yahoo Mail is still working, despite issues accessing Yahoo.com. Seems that maybe this problem happened only for some place only, or maybe all. 

Apples iPad will become Verizon Wireless Best Seller

Verizon Wireless announced Thursday that all of its retail store will begin selling Apple's iPad start at Oct. 28. This have become a speculation that the new partnership could pave the way for an iPhone for eager Verizon customers. A Verizon Wireless spokesman declined to comment on whether an iPhone partnership is in the offing.


Interestingly, consumers won't have access to the iPad 3G. Instead, if you want one from Verizon, you could buy an iPad Wi-Fi version plus a Verizon MiFi mobile hotspot. The hotspot uses Verizon's 3G network and generates a Wi-Fi hotspot that you can then use the iPad with. From the press release:

Verizon Wireless will offer three bundles, all featuring an iPad Wi-Fi model and a Verizon MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot, for a suggested retail price of $629.99 for iPad Wi-Fi 16GB + MiFi, $729.99 for iPad Wi-Fi 32GB + MiFi and $829.99 for iPad Wi-Fi 64GB + MiFi. Verizon Wireless is offering a monthly access plan to iPad customers of up to 1GB of data for just $20 a month. In addition, Verizon Wireless will also offer all three iPad Wi-Fi models on a stand-alone basis.

There have also been reports of the iPad going on sale at Wal-Mart, Target and even Sam's Club. 

HTC Hd7 new and trendy, best among the best with latest technologies inside

The HTC HD7 is by far the largest of the new HTC 7 smartphones, with a 4.3-inch touchscreen which is the biggest screen among the three handsets here. The HD7 is thinner than HTC's Windows Mobile-based HD2. It has a 5-megapixel camera and one part of the back of the camera acts as a stand in case a user wants to set the phone down and play Xbox Live, or watch videos or mobile TV on it. The HD7 will be available in the U.S. only from T-Mobile, from Bouygues Telecom in France and from Telefónica elsewhere in Europe. In Asia, it will be available from operators in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan.




Windows Phone 7 also offers the ultimate mobile Microsoft Office experience. The Office hub allows customers to view and edit Word, PowerPoint and Excel documents as well as creating notes in OneNote Mobile that sync wirelessly online. Meanwhile the HD7's 16GB memory, the largest of any Windows Phone 7 smartphone, ensures the Music + Video hub will always have something to enjoy including movies, music and TV. The huge memory's also ideal for photos and HD video.




HTC HD7 Specifications

Size: 122 x 68 x 11.2mm
Processor: 1GHz Qualcomm QSD 8250
Memory: 16GB
Screen: 4.3in 16m colour 480 x 800 WVGA multi-touch TFT LCD
Camera: 5 megapixel camera with dual LED flash, HD video recording
Connectivity: Quad band GSM, Dual band WCDMA Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Sensors: G-Sensor, Proximity Sensor, Ambient light Sensor, Digital Compass
Other features: A-GPS, micro-USB charger, built-in kickstand, 3.5mm stereo headphone socket

Google Car On the Street: Driverless

The automatic car uses a video camera, radar sensors and laser beams to “see” the movement of cars around it and react accordingly. In addition, the maps implemented within it use the car to navigate roads and arriving at its destination.


The automatic car uses a video camera, radar sensors and laser beams to “see” the movement of cars around it and react accordingly. In addition, the maps implemented within it use the car to navigate roads and arriving at its destination.Nexus One Car Dock - By Google / HTC

Anti Virus Protection and Site Monitoring from McAfee

McAfee is one of the oldest and most well known names in computer protection services. One of their most recently released antivirus products is VirusScan with Site Advisor. This antivirus software system provided protection from computer viruses, spyware and hacking and advises the user when they are going to access a webpage that is high risk. It updates automatically, offers free technical support and a 30 day trial with a money back guarantee. If you and your family want to surf the web, communicate and shop online; and know that you have security, then McAfee Virus Scan Plus with Site Advisor is a system you should explore for your next antivirus protection service.McAfee Total Protection 2011 3-User

McAfee Virus Scan offers several security features in one product. Among these are:

*Virus Protection: By blocking, removing and keeping viruses from accessing your computer.

*Spyware Protection: Your personal and financial information is protected from spyware threats by blocking those programs from accessing your computer. By keeping others out, your stored personal information is safer and protects you from increased risk of identity theft as well as the time consuming task of repairing damages to your credit.

*Hacker Protection: Access to your computer is limited and this antivirus software protects and conceals your information by limiting their access while you are using the internet.

*Surf the Web Safely: With McAfee's unique Site Advisor rates proprietary web sites and alerts you if you are on a site that is high risk.

*Automatic, continuous updates: Your security product is only as good as its most recent update. This system works continuously and automatically updates its system and your computer with detection software. When new downloads are available, they are free for subscribers.

*Improves your Personal Computers Health: This software works to keep your computer free of threats as well as everyday computer clutter that occurs as a result of Internet access.

With the most recent improvements to McAfee Virus Scan the system is streamlined allowing the security features to perform faster while requiring less of your computer's resources. This allows you to maintain the high level of protection many people associate with McAfee products as well as continue to use their computer during scheduled scans and keep this software working in the background efficiently.

McAfee Virus Plus is $39.99 for a one year subscription. This software is so sure you will be satisfied with the downloaded they offer a money back guarantee. If for any reason you are not 100% satisfied with this McAfee product, just notify them within 30 days and they will refund your purchase. Additional protection for more than one computer or the McAfee Internet Security Suite 10-1 software protection program is available for $49.99 for one year, up to three computers.

Free technical support is available online, including Virtual Technician, chat and e-mail. A response to a request for technical support was received within twenty minutes of sending. This antivirus software is easy to purchase online, download, install and configure your personal control settings. In just a few minutes your antivirus and antispyware protection can be working efficiently on your personal computer.

McAfee Virus Scan subscription offers one year of protection from viruses, spyware and hackers. Protection occurs continually, automatically, and efficiently. New updates are available whenever new threats are discovered making it easy to ensure that you have the latest protection available to keep your personal and financial information safe.

Lisa Carey is a contributing author for Identity Theft Secrets: prevention and protection. You can get tips on Identity theft protection, software, and monitoring your credit as well as learn more about the secrets used by identity thieves at the Identity Theft Secrets blog. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Carey

iPad Advertising, Condé Nast 5 best practices.

The publisher recently completed a survey and a series of interviews of people who downloaded apps for its GQ, Wired, Vanity Fair and Glamour magazines. A goal was to give both editors and advertisers a better understanding of who was looking at the apps, how much time they were spending with them and what they liked and didn’t like about the experience.

Based on its findings, Condé Nast’s five recommendations about iPad Advertising are: to take advantage of functionality, to provide clear instructions on how users should engage with an app, to supply additional information but avoid repurposing creative assets used for other media, to remember to tell a story and to lead users “down the purchase funnel.”

Survey respondents indicated that they responded positively to the additional functionality of the iPad. With that in mind, Condé Nast suggests that advertisers include “compelling and unique experiences” with video, photo galleries and links to Web sites—especially links that enable users to directly purchase the featured product.

See more Apple iPad Tablet (32GB, Wi-Fi)

What Is A Facebook Poke?

Have you ever been poked on Facebook and wondered exactly what it meant? Well, in this article, we will take a look at the meaning of a Facebook poke. It might just mean much more than you think.

Whenever I go on Facebook, I see a little portion of the screen saying that people have poked me. Facebook claims that a poke can be used “to say hello” to your friends. Thus, I see this poke feature on Facebook as a way that my friends are saying, “Hello, I am thinking about you and I miss you.”

Thus, I think a Facebook poke feels pretty good.

Facebook For Dummies

After you receive this Facebook poke, you then have the option of poking back. This could be translated as a way of saying, “Thanks for thinking of me. I feel the same way.”

However, this is just the surface meaning of a Facebook poke, but if we dig deeper, we may find that a Facebook poke means much more.

Such was the case with my friend Bob.

Bob recently asked me, “Richard, what does a Facebook poke mean to you?”

I said, “It’s an acknowledgement, a friend saying hello.”

He claimed that sometimes it can mean much more and proceeded to tell me a story.

Long ago, Bob had been good friends with a girl named Alexandra. Alexandra and Bob often took their relationship passed the friendship level but it never changed into a full blown relationship. Thus, after some time, Alexandra met someone and ended up marrying this man and invited Bob to the wedding.

As it happens when people lead different lives, Bob and Alexandra stopped communicating with each other on a regular basis pretty quickly and then not at all. In fact, they went five years without really talking to one another at all.

And then, Bob received a Facebook poke from Alexandra out of the blue. After not communicating for five years, Alexandra suddenly initiated communication.

Bob wondered about this sudden Facebook poke. Was this just an acknowledgement or was there something more to the story?

Well, it turns out, after Bob checked Alexandra’s Facebook profile, she was single again. Bob decided to poke her back and see where things led.

In the end, Bob and Alexandra began dating and now they have plans to marry each other.

Thus, while a Facebook poke is often just an acknowledgement, it can sometimes say a whole lot more!

Facebook Marketing: An Hour a Day

By: Richard Tyler

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Is Norton Antivirus 2011 better than the old one?

Symantec's Norton Internet Security 2010 has proved that it is one of the best antivirus firewall software programs there is. Its promise to focus more in providing overall protection has been fulfilled effectively time and time again. After a year, Norton introduce the 2011 version.




In Norton Antivirus 2011, Norton gives people blazing installs and quick scans, useful system-managing tools and security extras like the capability to scan your Facebook wall for malicious links, and most importantly, extremely high ratings in threat detection and prevention. With a 30-day trial that has no other restrictions, anybody who's willing to pay for Windows security should check out these two suites. With provided feature like Norton Safe it stops you from browsing a page which is not safer. It more often adds a safe icon to major search engine results indicating the site is safe or not. It also protects you from Facebook spam attacks and been prevented by been attacked by virus on your Facebook Profile. Proactive performance option alerts you when a certain program is slowing down your pc so that you can make changes to improve the performance. So you will come to know what program is consuming what amount of memory.


Norton Internet Security 2011 and Norton AntiVirus 2011 are now available for purchase in the U.S. through various retailers and the Norton online store . Norton 2011 products support Microsoft Windows XP (32-bit) Home/Professional/Tablet PC/Media Center with Service Pack 2 or later, Microsoft Windows Vista (32-bit and 64-bit) and Microsoft Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit) both for Starter/Home Basic/Home Premium/Business/Ultimate editions. Norton Internet Security and Norton AntiVirus 2007 or later users with a valid product subscription are eligible to receive the latest product updates via the subscription service model.


Get a Norton Antivirus 2011 - 1 User, or Norton Antivirus 2011 - 5 User for better protection.

Solar Power versus Generator - the Choice By Anna Hart

As I write this in early 2007, the controversy over global warming has heated up (pun intended), and people are taking another look at solar power versus generator. For those living outside the power grid, the second look may save not only the green in the rain forest, but also the green in the bank.

Many who live "off the grid" in isolated locations have traditionally relied on generators for electrical power. Others have installed generators for back-up, emergency electrical power. Neither thought there was a choice, but now there is a choice: solar power versus generator.

In this article, we look at the choice. Which is more economical; more convenient; more environmentally friendly? Should you make the change.

Solar Power versus Generator - Cost

The cost of solar power versus generator is much less over the long term.

The initial cost of a solar power system will be greater than that of a generator system. This is often the reason people install a generator rather than choose solar power. One must look beyond the initial cost, however, to get the full comparison of solar power versus generator.

* Solar power, once installed, has little maintenance or further expense. There is no fuel to purchase, since the sun's energy fuels the system.

* Generators are not so. After installation, a generator will require regular servicing by a professional every 6 months. Generators require fuel - a cost that is constantly increasing. Moving generator parts must be replaced from time to time due to wear and tear.

Solar Power versus Generator - Convenience

Convenience is another factor to consider when looking at solar power versus generator power. Solar power is much more convenient than generator power.

* Solar power may be less convenient to purchase and install, since it is not as widely available as generators. This is due to the currently small market for solar power. As the market increases, however, this will be less of a problem. Solar power systems have no moving parts to wear out or need lubrication. Once installed, solar power requires little attention. The user can almost forget it.

* Generators are widely available, so convenient to purchase and install. Convenience decreases after installation, though. A generator must be monitored frequently to be sure sufficient fuel is available. It must be refilled often when used as a regular source of power. Fuel must be ordered and delivery taken - or fuel must be hauled by the owner. The system must be serviced twice a year. This servicing will include filter changes, an oil change, a tune up, and complete inspection of the entire unit. Worn parts must be replaced.

Solar Power versus Generator - Efficiency

The solar power versus generator battle includes the matter of efficiency, too. Which is more cost-effective? The facts seem to point to solar power.

* Solar power is received in through the panels, free of cost, and stored in batteries. It is ready for use when needed, but in times of reduced usage, the power remains in storage.

* Generators run constantly, regardless of the amount of power being used at a given time. As they run, they consume costly fuel. When power usage is reduced in bright daylight, generators must continue to run.

Solar Power versus Generator - Dependability

Some argue that, in comparing solar power versus generator, we must compare the dependability factor. In this area, they claim, generators win.

* Solar power is very dependable in locations that have bright sunlight 300+ days of the year. In areas with less sunlight, or during periods of cloudiness and storm, solar power is less dependable. The system will continue to provide power from charged batteries, but will eventually go dead. Having said that, it must be noted that Germany, which has far fewer sunny days than most of North America, is said to have much higher usage of solar power. The problem of dependability seems not that big.

* Generator systems do not depend on sunlight. They do, however, depend on fuel. If storms or some other disaster hinders one from replenishing the fuel supply, generators also become useless.

Solar Power versus Generator - Eco-friendliness

Finally, eco-friendliness must be considered in any discussion of solar power versus generator. That is, which is kinder to the environment: solar power or generator? The obvious answer again is solar power.

* Solar power has no emissions when working. There is no pollution involved in fuel production - no greenhouse gases. It is totally clean. Solar power uses a renewable energy source.

* A big drawback to generator use is still the matter of emissions and the environment. Generators are usually run on diesel fuel, and diesel fuel is produced from a fossil fuel. There are emissions in the production of the fuel, and also in its use. Diesel generators are a major source of air pollution and high sulfur levels in North America. Exposure to diesel generator exhaust can lead to health hazards.

Solar Power versus Generator - the Solution

For most people, the resolution of the solar power versus generator debate is to install a hybrid system. Using solar power as the main energy source will save money. The fuel is free. Solar power is convenient, efficient, and eco-friendly. What it lacks in dependability can be made up by having a small back-up generator for prolonged cloudy periods.

My Choice

When I compare solar power versus generator, I definitely have to choose solar power. It is clean, free, quiet, and peaceful.

Get a solar charging kit: Sunforce 50044 60-Watt Solar Charging Kit

©2007, Anna Hart. Anna Hart invites you to read more of her articles about solar power at http://www.solar-energy-connection.com. Anna has also posted articles on that site about solar power for homes. If you want basic information about solar power for the home, you won’t want to miss her article on the subject. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anna_Hart