Southern New Jersey Overlook

We all know that the Internet provides a tremendous means for the advertising of our products and services. However, it also has it's risks, when engaging in any transaction involving money, for scams and fraud.

There are many steps that everyone can take to minimize those risks.  Several web sites provide practical steps to help you protect yourself against becoming a victim and resources you can access should you encounter a possible scam or fraudulent situation.

The following discuss steps you can take to avoid Scams and Fraud, both on and off the Internet:
Craigslist: Avoiding Scams and Fraud on the Internet
Fight Identity Theft - Learn How To Avoid Scams and Fraud
SEC: How to Avoid Internet Investment Scams
Financial Aid: Scholarship Scams;  also FTC: Scholarship Scams
Fraud.og:  Internet Fraud; Elder Fraud; Work-At-Home Scams
IRS: Tax Scams - How to Recognize and Avoid Them
Foreclosure Scams - There will always be someone that wants take your money.
CNN/Money: Four Scams - How to Avoid Them
OnGuard.gov: Spam Scams(also, Social Networking parent guide, online shopping tips and more)


Click here for additional security related articles
 
 
 
Visit my web site for our additional services and experienced support: LawrenceYerkes.com
   
and visit BestProperties-NJ.com to learn more about our commercial services and resources.   
  
Copyright 2007 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved. 

I can (vaguely) remember when I was a child and the encyclopedia salesman used to come door-to-door promoting the World Book Encyclopedia or Encyclopedia Britannica as an important investment for a family.  They weren't cheap, so most people could only afford one set, if at all.  Retail stores, especially larger grocery chains, would offer special promotional programs where you could get the first volume or two (usually Index and Letter A) for free and then pay a small amount each week as the next volume installment became available -- until you had the complete set.  However, if you missed a week or the store run out of copies you could never finsh completing the set.   It seemed that many homes that I went into had the first few volumes of the set, so if a school or interest topic didn't fall between volumes A and C, you were in trouble if you didn't have easy access to a public library.

Now, with the proliferation of information on the Internet, you can have access to your very own reference library, containing not one, but several fullencyclopedia sets, plus dictionaries, thesauruses and a wide range of other informational resources, without requiring any more physical space than taken up by your personal computer.  And the price is right!

Here is your personal starter library set of references:
 

Subtitle: The Senior's Guide to Moving and Downsizing

I recently received a promotional copy of the book "Moving in the Right Direction", by Bruce Nemovitz.  Nemovitz is a Milwaukee area Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) and Certified Senior Adviser (CSA).   His soft cover book was written to help people transition from family homes to senior oriented housing.

The 78-page book is an easy read covering the basic issues that all seniors face when considering a downsize from their present homes -- perhaps loaded with years of fond memories -- to a more suitable form of housing that will better serve them in their senior years.

This guide provides practical information and identifies the major questions that need to be asked to help make that decision of whether to move, or not.  It then outlines how best to carry out that decision and minimize risks.  Featured topics include:

1. Downsizing a large household,
2. Overcoming anxiety and procrastination,
3. Assessing whether to fix up a home or sell "as is",
4. Locating professionals for every step of the moving process,
5. Working through family issues,
6. Finding the right type of housing.

This guide makes an extremely difficult task less confusing for those moving -- as well as caring family members and those who have a supportive role -- to successfully "move from a memorable past into a bright future".


Click here for more information about the book on Amazon.com
 
 
 
Visit my web site for our Seniors Advantage services and experienced support: LawrenceYerkes.com
   
and visit Besthomes-NJ.com to shop for the latest New Jersey Real Estate property listings (Residential, Commercial, Multi-Family, Farm, Land).   
  
Copyright 2007 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved. 

The Federal Reserve recently published their latest issue of the Beige Book.  It is available online.

The following is a brief list of it's overall (national) summary findings (using data as of April 16th):
   
1. Economic activity expanded at modest or moderate growth, since the last report.  Regarding economic growth: New York reported it was steady, Minneapolis reported is was firm, while Dallas had moderately strong growth.

2. Retail sales were generally positive, with mixed vehicle sales. 

3. Tourism was generally positive.
 
4. Activity in the service sector continued to increase across most districts, especially with for firms serving business customers.
 
5. Manufacturing was slow, with weakening for those manufactures supporting the residential construction industry.
  
6. Commercial real estate markets continued to be active with robust commercial construction activity.
 
7. The housing market continued to weaken, with flat or declining sales in many districts. although Boston noted improved residential markets with increased sales volume. 
   
8. Several districts experienced little or now growth in overall lending, however, San Francisco reported generally solid loan demand.  Reports of weakening residential mortgage offset any increases in commercial and industrial lending up and offsetting.  
 
9. Agricultural conditions were mixed.  Activity in the energy and exploration remain at high levels since last survey.
 
10. Most districts noted continued tight labor markets, especially for skilled workers with resulting faster wage growth but only modest growth in wages overall.   pressure on increasing wages, although most districts experiencing only moderate increases. 
 
11. Consumer prices were generally stable, with some districts having modest increases.  Most districts reported rising prices for inputs and energy.  Alternative energy industries growing, especially in solar and wind technologies.
 
  
Note: This represents the national summary for ALL districts combined.  The report also provides more detail on each item summarized nationally, as well as reporting by each district on all items.
 
 
 
Visit my web site for additional services and support: LawrenceYerkes.com
   
and visit BestProperties-NJ.com to learn more about our commercial services and resources.   
  
Copyright 2007 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved. 

Mark your calenders for upcoming annual Medford community events that you and everyone in your family will njoy!
 
* 'Blast from the Past' Classic Car Show
Saturday, May 19th  (Rain Date May 20th)
Main Street, 10:00am - 4:00pm
click here for past photos of this event!
Check out some great cars that have been beautifully restored and maintained.
Over 300 antique, classic & muscle cars will line Main & Union Streets, plus food, 50's music.
 
* Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony
Monday, May 28th
Main Street, 11:00am
Pay tribute and remember those that gave their lives for us!
(Kids, decorate your bicycle and join in the parade.)
 
* Art, Antiques & Music Festival
Sunday, June 3rd
Main Street, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
sponsored by Historic Medford Village Association
Walk down Main Street and enjoy the outdoors with street vendors, entertainers, artists, jugglers, music, artwork, food, crafts and more.  Something for the whole family.  A great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.  Our family has always looked forward to this event.

* Vietnam Veterans Memorial Dedication
Freedom Park, Thursday, June 14th, 7:00 pm
sponsored by Medford Twp. Council
Honor the memory of those who served and gave their lives.
Click here for my article, with pictures, about Medford's "Moving Wall Memorial" event that occured last year.


Click here for additional Medford Township schedule of events.

Click here to Discover Medford, New Jersey



For real estate resources, help and support services in acquiring or selling properties in Medford, Burlington County and surrounding South Jersey areas, Visit my web site: LawrenceYerkes.com
  
and visit Besthomes-NJ.com to shop for the latest New Jersey Real Estate property listings (Residential, Commercial, Multi-Family, Farm, Land).   
 
Copyright 2007 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved. 

The Township of Mount Holly is the seat* of Burlington County.  It's history goes back to before the American Revolution.  There are buildings still standing from the era.   (Click here for an online walking tour of Mount Holly historical buildings provided by the Mount Holly Collaborative.)
 
Besides being the center of government for Burlington County, Mount Holly also is home to Virtua Memorial Hospital and medical complex, many professionals, businesses and specialty shops, as well as a branch of Burlington County College which provides development support for individuals and business, including career planning and business startup services.  
 
Mount Holly provides convenient access to major shopping centers and transportation routes, as well as to McGuire AFB and Fort Dix.
   
Mount Holly has a mix of housing properties, from townhouses and row homes to the grand structures that line High Street.   Mount Holly properties provide a lot of value for the money.   
 
For those that can benefit from close proximity to county governmental services and centers of power, Mount Holly provides commercial and retail sales and leasing opportunities.  It is also has the added benefit for businesses of being designated an Urban Enterprise Zone, allowing them to take advantage of various economic incentives.


See the Mount Holly Historical Society web site for more information about the many historic sites and landmarks in Mount Holly.
 
Visit Main Street Mount Holly for information about current events, dining and entertainment, performances, art, shopping (antiques, specialty, arts and crafts, collectibles, decor, gifts and more!)



* Seat is the center of authority, the capital of a governing or administrative region -- in this case a County Seat.
 
 
 
For additional real estate resources, help and support services in acquiring or selling properties in Mount Holly and Burlington County, visit my web site: LawrenceYerkes.com
  
and visit Besthomes-NJ.com to shop for the latest New Jersey Real Estate property listings (Residential, Commercial, Multi-Family, Farm, Land).   
 
Copyright 2007 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved. 

Medford, New Jersey (actually the municipality of Medford Township) and it's surrounding areas is a great place to live, work, build a business and raise a family.  Because it is such a desirable location, it experiences a high, steady demand for property -- which maintains it's value as a good investment with long-term appreciation.  

With excellent schools, strong community involvement and athletic programs, growing places of worship, easy access to great recreational facilities, high caliber educational institutions, cultural and historical sites and events, seemingly unlimited fine dining opportunities, shopping and financial centers, the greater Medford area contributes much to enabling your enjoyment of life to the fullest.
 
There are a variety of homes in Medford Township (as well as the Medford Lakes Borough, located physically within the borders of Medford Township).  Prices for single family homes, unless they are extremely small or need work, tend to start in the $200,000's and go on up from there, depending on the neighborhood, condition, size and amenities, location on a lakefront and age.  The average house probably falls within the $300 to $500 thousand price range. 
 
Since most homes are usually well maintained, age alone is not a reliable indicator for determining relative value of properties, as they often are completely remodeled or upgraded.   Buildable residential lots are limited and usually priced $200,000+ per acre, so most new home construction tends to be in the $700,000's and above.  Some smaller units, such as duplexes or condos, are available, but limited in number and location.  

Medford Village, which is the original "town" part of Medford Township, contains many historic homes.  All of Medford Village along with all of Medford Township and Medford Lakes Borough share the same Zip Code: 08055.   In the Village (as well as in Medford Lakes), most lot sizes tend to be smaller, enough for the house and a small front and back yard, while as you go away from "town", lots tend to be wooded and larger, a half acre to an acre in size.
 
Medford has a mixture of homes, with public water and sewer service or with private well and/or septic systems, depending on distance from treatment plant.  (Medford Lakes has public sewer with private wells.)  [Click here for all currently available homes for sale.]
 
There are several resources on my site that highlight and discuss the advantages of Burlington County, in which Medford, NJ is located, as well as links to local information, including governmental services, events, sightseeing suggestions, school reports, community communications an more.  Please feel free to take advantage of them and get to know Medford, NJ and it's surrounding areas.

Important Resources for Medford, New Jersey
Medford Township - Official Web Site
Discover Medford
Medford Lakes Borough - Official Web Site (a separate municipality located within Medford Township's)
Medford Township Articles - additional related articles in my blog
Medford Lakes Articles - additional related articles in my blog
Welcome to Burlington County
Welcome to South Jersey
Welcome to the Delaware Valley
Local Resources (local, county, state and region information and services)
Search Residential Properties for Sale in Medford / Medford Lakes
 
 
 
For additional real estate resources, help and support services in acquiring or selling properties in Medford, Burlington County and surrounding areas, Visit my web site: LawrenceYerkes.com
  
and visit Besthomes-NJ.com to shop for the latest New Jersey Real Estate property listings (Residential, Commercial, Multi-Family, Farm, Land).   
 
Copyright 2007 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved. 

Because of the broadcast of his international concerts on local PBS TV in the Delaware Valley, Andre Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra is fairly well known and popular in the region.  I must confess that while I was aware of this Dutch born violinist and his orchestra, I have never watched a complete show on TV or purchased any of his recordings.  However, this past weekend, I was given a set of free tickets to attend his concert at the Boardwalk Hall (the original Convention Hall) in Atlantic City, as the original ticket holders could not make it because of the bad weather (heavy rains).
 
I enjoy music and have fairly eclectic music tastes, so I did not want to miss an opportunity for a new musical experience and accepted the tickets on short notice.  Since it was over a weekend with poor weather and a light schedule, it was easy for me to adjust my plans.  However, it was not as easy to convince my wife to come along with me.  Eventually, she begrudgingly went as I could not identify any one else on short notice who would like to go.  So we left, with little time to spare before the concert was to start...
 
It's an easy drive from our home to Atlantic City.  (The average drive time from anywhere in the South Jersey to Atlantic City is about an hour or less. Even from anywhere in the Delaware Valley, it's close enough to make visits just for the evening.)  When we arrived at the Boardwalk Hall, I dropped my wife off and then drove to one of the high-rise casino parking lots a few blocks down because parking is usually cheaper than immediately around the concert area, and this time was no exception.   I quickly walked back down the boardwalk and joined my wife just as the concert was getting under way.

I've included some links below to Andre Rieu web sites so you can obtain some background about him personally (his father was a classical orchestra conductor and he's classically trained), his musical goals and his talented orchestra.  If you've seen any of the PBS airings of his concerts, they give you a realistic view of how he conducts himself live on stage.  He is a good musician, but he is an excellent and precise showman.  The staging and sound is excellent.  The lighting is very hot, highlighting the orchestra and the colorful dresses of the many females musicians and singers, which made it difficult to get a photo with my cell phone camera due to the bright lights. 

There is great deal of humor (even some prat falls), showmanship and variety throughout the festive program, plus the 10,000+ member audience participated with singing, clapping and even some dancing on the main floor aisles when a couple of waltzes were played.  Rieu is known in Europe as the Waltz King, but his shows include only a few waltzes at most, with a mix of symphonic, opera and light modern classics from the movies or musicals, such as the Phantom of the Opera.  The show went quickly, lasting over two hours with a 15 minute intermission, and concluded with a 20 minute encore set after which he left with the people wanting more.  It was a thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable experience.    It was hard to decide which I enjoyed more, the 3 tenors who sang individually and together, the lady singers, the orchestra soloists, including the ones who played the zither (The Third Man Theme), oboe, clarinet(and bagpipe) and trumpeter.  They are all talented professionals from throughout the world.

The ultimate judge, my wife, who was very reluctant to come as she does not usually like those types of concerts, said that even she enjoyed it.  An older gentleman, sitting behind me, who was a big fan and owned a CD and/or DVD copy of every recording Andre has ever made, was in obvious delight throughout the concert and exclaimed that it was everything he had hoped and expected it to be.   While Rieu may not draw a large younger crowd set in America, he is trying to make classical music more accessible to the masses.  He takes some criticism for making classical music less heavy and more fun, but his international success with large audiences at concerts and millions of CD and DVD sales has confirmed that there is a place for his services.

Atlantic City's historic, but renovated state-of-the-art Boardwalk Hall is a great venue for comfortably experiencing concerts with a good sound system and a clear view of the stage from any seat.  It's location in Atlantic City allows for easy access from anywhere in South Jersey or Delaware Valley.  Parking is plentiful at the hall or at nearby casinos.  You can usually get in and out very quickly or come early to enjoy dining, shopping and other diversions nearby.

Rieu, who by the way speaks at least 6 languages, is currently on his 2007 tour and will be visiting many cities in North America.  Don't miss out on the opportunity to see a talented group of musicians and singers present beautiful music in a festive and enjoyable atmosphere.

More information about Andre Rieu and the Johann Strauss Orchestra:
Andre Rieu official site
Andre Rieu - Wikipedia
Andre Rieu Translations - Information Site by a fan
More About Atlantic City:
Boardwalk Hall - Atlantic City
Atlantic City - Concerts and Other Entertainment
 
 
 
Visit my web site for additional services and support: LawrenceYerkes.com.
  
and visit Besthomes-NJ.com to shop for the latest New Jersey Real Estate property listings (Residential, Commercial, Multi-Family, Farm, Land).   
 
Copyright 2007 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved. 

If you're one of those that can't get enough TV programming via your regular local or cable TV services, fear not... There are plenty of sites that allow you to watch classic TV shows and movies online... many for FREE!

Here's a list of sites that allow viewing of full length classic TV, movies and related streaming video on the web or provide a directory of available viewing content:

Streamick.com - Streamick.com provides broadband internet TV service where users connect to the major internet broadcasters and watch free live internet TV.  Streamick is a user-built website that provides link and direct feeds to ALL the existent free, working web TV stations in English language available on the Internet. Each television channel must pass through a validation process in order to be included in the directory.

wwiTV - World Wide Internet TeleVision portal - Directory of over 3000 live and on demand online TeleVision broadcasts (bandwidth: From 28.8Kb/s to 2000Kb/s).

In2TV - AOL Television - Watch for free (with short commercials) all your classic TV show favorites from The Adventures of Superman and Wonder Woman to CHiPs, Kung Fu, Welcome Back Kotter, Gilligan's Island and La Femme Nikita.  Full set of first season programs available for several TV sitcoms and shows.  Also other video clips, movies, -- some for fee.

RetroVision - Internet TV - streaming classic TV and movies. Categories include horror and science fiction movies, drama and cop shows, cartons, western movies and comedy (see also related Web Ranger's Saturday Picture Show).

LikeTelevision (alt. link) - Classic TV and movies - view online for free; paid membership allows download of free and additional movies, additional viewing options.
 
NASA TV - Live Events, News and Special Event Programs, Regular Daily Schedule (Public and Media Channels), NASA Television Education Channel, NASA Television Video File (Public and Media Channels).

America Free TV - Free Internet TV at Standard Definition (Broadcast Resolution): Classic movies, Sci-Fi, Comedy, Independent Films.  Some mobile/wireless streaming video.
 
OMN - OpenMarketNetwork - download, watch and listen to educational and public service programs. Video and audio content. Requires installing a free OMN viewer to watch video content. (Some premium content charges a fee.)

TV News Archive - Vanderbilt University archive of TV News from ABC, CBS, NBC, and CNN.  Note: You can search their extensive database for free and that it why it was included here, but unless you are an educational institution, you must request copies of the broadcast be duplicated or complied, then mailed to you, for which there is a fee.
 
TV Land - watch selected old and new TV shows, clips and commercials on the TV Land cable channel's web site.
 
Kulack's Woodshed - Kulak's Woodshed is an "Independent, Out of Pocket, Acoustic Music, Singer/Songwriter, Multi-Camera Video Recording Studio and 50 Seat Listening Room, in California. Performances are Webcast Live. Archived Songs 24/7."  (Included here because it's somewhat unique.)
 
MovieFlix - MovieFlix.com is a broadband movie provider that has developed and maintains a library of over 3,000 full-length movies, short films, independent films, television shows and more in over 30 popular categories.  Registration may be required. There is also a paid membership version for access to premium content and special services.

ClassicMovies - some free viewing of clips from their classic movie and TV show catalog. Give it time to load. Requires QuickTime.

TV Guide - Online video hotlist, with a good list of online video sites by source.

Where to watch Television online - a links directory of leading sites for watching TV, movies and other streaming video online for free. This is regularly updated with ratings and comments.

Web TV list - provided by RadioFreeWorld.com of Online Stations, Channels, Shows, Videos, and Web Cams.
 
 
Local TV Online Program Guides: Zap2it, TitanTV
 

If the above links aren't enough to fill up your time, click here for additional BreakTime resource articles.

 
 
Visit my web site for additional services and support: LawrenceYerkes.com
  
and visit Besthomes-NJ.com to shop for the latest New Jersey Real Estate property listings (Residential, Commercial, Multi-Family, Farm, Land).   
 
Copyright 2007 by Timon, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 

With April 15th tax filing deadline almost upon us (actually April 17th because of 15th falling on a weekend), here are several news items from the IRS that hopefully will help you...

IRS Offers Several Tax Payment Options - IR-2007-85 - Pay as much as you can by the due date of April 17 in order to minimize any additional interest and penalties on the balance due.

IRS Urges Taxpayers to e-file Extension Requests By April 17 Filing Deadline - IR-2007-82 - The IRS urges taxpayers who need additional time to complete their tax return to submit their request for an automatic extension electronically by April 17.

IRS Offers Last-Minute Tips for Taxpayers - IR-2007-81 - With the April 17 tax filing deadline close at hand, the IRS offers some tips for those still working on their paper tax forms.

Telephone Excise Tax Refund - You can request this tax refund - just make sure what you're requesting is accurate.

Hybrid Cars and Alternative Motor Vehicles - Information on hybrid cars, including the certified car models and the amount of the tax credit or deduction for each. Frequently updated.
 
Tax Relief in Disaster Situations - Tax relief provisions for disaster situations.
 
 
Source: IRS


 
Visit my web site for additional services and support: LawrenceYerkes.com
  
and visit Besthomes-NJ.com to shop for the latest New Jersey Real Estate property listings (Residential, Commercial, Multi-Family, Farm, Land).   
 
Copyright 2007 by Timon, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 

The Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) has established it's first new credential in 25 years, the Accredited Commercial Manager (ACM) certification.  It is geared for managers of small to mid-size commercials properties.  The requirements are that applicants must manage a property portfolio of at least 20,000 SF and have a minimum of 12 months of commercial real estate management experience.  This can also be considered a stepping stone to IREM's Certified Property Manager (CPM) designation (requiring 120,000 SF at one site or 80,000 at two or more sites for office or retail, 300 units at one site or 100 units at five or more sites for multifamily), giving you access to it's resources, prestige and network of U.S. and international chapters.
 
According to the IREM, it's new Accredited Commercial Manager certification gives you increased market visibility and credibility with owners, investors, and employers. Earn the Accredited Commercial Manager certification and also become a member of IREM - the real estate management industry's premier professional association. You'll be connected to the organization, including a local IREM chapter, and guaranteed access to the industry's leading resources, tools, and information.
 
IREM serves both the multi-family and commercial real estate sectors.


Source: The RCA Report.  (If you are a member of the REALTORS Commercial Alliance (RCA), part of the NAR, you received a hard-copy. If you are not a member of RCA and actively involved with commercial real estate brokerage, I encourage you to join.) 
  
  
 
Visit my web site for additional services and support: LawrenceYerkes.com
   
and visit BestProperties-NJ.com to learn more about our commercial services and resources.   
  
Copyright 2007 by Timon, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 

The recent RCA Report had an article entitled, "Value -- outside the box".  (If you are a member of the REALTORS Commercial Alliance (RCA), part of the NAR, you received a hardcopy. If you are not a member of RCA and actively involved with commercial real estate brokerage, I encourage you to join.) 

It states that besides updating the lobby and amenities or upping the rents to increase asset value it has identified three creative solutions to adding value outside of the box...

1. Raising the Roof increases height and usage area of existing structures at lower costs than new construction and within shorter time frames.  There is also environmental benefits due to less debris. 
 
2. Making it Greener (and in compliance with LEED standards) gives you a competitive advantage at minimal or virtually no incremental costs and makes it more attractive for mainstream lenders and investors, as well as tenants.
 
3. Keeping it Connected by establishing in-building wireless connectivity, including hard to access areas like underground garages, is a desired amenity that not only benefits the tenants, but the building operations as well. The security and safety benefits are further enhanced when the wireless system is connected to a local public safety network and easy installation of video cameras in trouble areas.  It also serves as a back-up when hardwiring is severed.  There are additional operation cost savings when using wireless devices and systems that enable energy-savings.  Some of those that have made that investment are experiencing less vacancies at top-market rents.

Visit my web site for additional services and support: LawrenceYerkes.com
   
and visit BestProperties-NJ.com to learn more about our commercial services and resources.   
  
Copyright 2007 by Timon, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 

LEGACY SOFTWARE:

For those that will be running legacy (designed for pre-Vista Windows) software in Windows Vista, I've generally found that unless the program requires specific hardware for which there are no Vista-compatible drivers, most will run in Vista, but may cause Vista to go into a "Windows Vista Basic" mode. The basic mode shuts off the Aero visual elements of Vista.  Vista will warn you it is doing this, then switch back to your regular Vista display mode (using Aero visual elements) after you exit the program.


BTW, for those still running Windows XP, here are a few blog articles for getting the most out of Windows XP, including running legacy DOS programs (especially your favorite DOS games, plus printing from DOS programs), tips, tweaks. etc.  Some of these solutions for Windows XP may also apply to Vista (or will eventually have corresponding solutions that work in Vista): Windows XP - Tips
 
 

Click here for some related Microsoft Windows articles
  
 
 
 
Visit my web site for real estate services and support: LawrenceYerkes.com
  
and visit Besthomes-NJ.com to find the latest New Jersey Real Estate property listings (Residential, Commercial, Multi-Family, Farm, Land).   
 
Copyright 2006 by Timon, Inc. All Rights Reserved.    Windows Vista Start Logo Trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

[Note this is an update to a prior post: "Windows Vista Coming Soon - Should I Be Considering It?]

Windows Vista has been shipping.  If you have bought, or plan to buy a new Windows-based personal computer (PC), chances are it will come with a version of Windows Vista already installed.    
 
If you are in the proces on deciding whether or not to upgrade your current system, a great deal of consideration needs to take place before taking on an upgrade to Vista.   Some of the important points that you need to consider are highlighted in my prior post (click here to read).
 
As I stated previously, "Ultimately, a decision to upgrade to Windows Vista, if not otherwise included as part of a new system purchase, will be based mainly on a desire to benefit from the enhanced software/hardware security and networking features, Vista friendly Office 2007 release, and to take better advantage of the processing power of the upcoming multi-CPU and 64-bit computer systems."

Once you have purchased and are using a version of Windows Vista, then you will be more concerned with putting it to good use and maximizing it's performance.  

I have been running Vista Ultimate, which includes all features from the other versions.  From my current experience I can make the following suggestions:

1. Memory - to run Windows Vista effectively, while you can run the basic versions in 512MB of main memory (RAM), you should install at least 1.5GB of RAM.  (Current cost: under $200).

2. Some of the Vista versions, such as the home edition, come with the Windows Media Center, which allows you, among other things, to play DVD movies.  Without it, you either need to upgrade to a version that does (usually more than $100), or you will need to buy a 3rd party software add-on that will allow you to play DVD movies (usually under $50, but as low as under $20 for just basic DVD control features).  I went with the Windows Vista upgrade path -- but, if I had it to do over again, and I did not need any of the other multimedia features provided by Windows Media Center, I would go with the 3rd party solution.

3. While the Windows Aero display capability/user interface has some neat features and is great eye candy, the current version has minimal practical benefits that result in any real productivity enhancements.  I'm regularly switching between Vista and XP systems, don't miss Aero when in XP, though enjoy I it when in Vista.  However, you will need the minimum of 1.5GB of RAM to run Windows Aero comfortably.  And you will need a graphics card that has been Vista certified.

Here are some resources for maximizing Vista performance and your experience with it:
FoxNews: Windows Vista -- How To Maximize Performance
Vista - Tips, Tricks and Tweaks
Windows Vista Tips
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Page
CNET Online Course: Windows Vista Basics
 

See also my prior post: Microsoft Windows Vista and Office 2007  
 
 
   
Visit my web site for real estate services and support: LawrenceYerkes.com
  
and visit Besthomes-NJ.com to find the latest New Jersey Real Estate property listings (Residential, Commercial, Multi-Family, Farm, Land).   
 
Copyright 2006 by Timon, Inc. All Rights Reserved.    Windows Vista Start Logo Trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

According to a recent CNet article, Las Vegas' success with establishing hydrogen as one of it's primary sources of energy is encouraging other communities to take a serious look at doing the same thing within their own areas.

Las Vegas has built a hydrogen generation station to run it's fleet of hydrogen fueled vehicles. The station is completely sustainable, using solar energy as it's energy source for making hydrogen from the electrolysis of water. It actually collects more solar energy than it needs in 24 hours, so it sells the excess to Nevada's electrical grid.

According to Las Vegas officials, there are several benefits of using hydrogen: improved air quality, more energy independence  and creating new business for the economy.

Click here for full article about a community's use of Hydrogen as an energy source


Additional hydrogen related references:
Hydrogen Energy Center
DOE: Energy Kids Page - Hydrogen
DOE: Hydrogen Program
PES - Hydrogen Technologies
NREL - Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Research
The Hydrogen Economy
International Association for Hydrogen Energy
Guru's Lair - Hydrogen Library (links)
Hydrogen, Fuel Cell and Energy Links
Hydrogen (element)
Hydrogen Atom
Isotope Table
Whence Comes The Atom's Energy




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