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Tips and Tricks
Media Independence
Here are some ideas that can help you better enjoy work and leisure time and gain some much-needed media independence:1. Get a digital camera
Between visiting family, traveling the globe, and everyday activities, you have many moments to capture. If you're still capturing those moments on film, it's time to upgrade. Digital cameras offer numerous benefits over their film counterparts, most notably the ability to review pictures immediately after you take them, deleting the ones you don't like, and saving the ones you do.
2. Decide when you watch TV
You likely remember some revolutionary electronic breakthrough in your lifetime. Adding a Home Theater PC (or HTPC) can be a great alternative to DVRs that cable companies sell, as they have all the same great features and easy-to-navigate on-screen guides, like TiVo, and can be used to surf the web, check email, and even video chat with friends and family from the comfort of your living room!
Of course you can still record hours and hours of your favorite programming and watch it anytime you'd like, or with a lower cost option like Netflix, you can stream HD video on demand straight to your TV.
If you still have CDs, then you're ready for an upgrade. MP3 and other similar digital formats have transformed the way we buy and listen to music. Digital music players can store entire music collections and are smaller and more portable than a CD or tape player. Simply import tunes from your CDs or purchase and download songs or entire albums from an online music store.
3. Take the music with you
If you still have CDs, then you're ready for an upgrade. MP3 and other similar digital formats have transformed the way we buy and listen to music. Digital music players can store entire music collections and are smaller and more portable than a CD or tape player. Simply import tunes from your CDs or purchase and download songs or entire albums from an online music store.
Being Energy Savvy
simple tips to help families save electricity - and money:- Look for the label: The EPA's ENERGY STAR label quickly identifies energy-efficient appliances and electronics.
- Automate it: Automated technology to control electricity and air conditioning can translate into big savings. Start with a programmable thermostat.
- Get the facts: Most people don't like to read their owners' manuals, but manuals are full of energy saving ideas. Read your manual to ensure you are taking full advantage of all the energy-conservation capabilities available with your electronic devices.
- Centralize it: Make it easy to turn off electronics when they are not in use by plugging them into power strips. Surge protectors make it easy to turn off multiple electronics all at once, and protect your expensive equipment in the case of any unexpected fluctuation in power (lightning, water, and blown transformers all have the potential to harm delicate electronic components if not properly protected)
