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While the World Wide Web expands, more and more individuals are getting online for all of their necessities and for their enjoyment. Online games are just one of the many different ways to enjoy the internet. But, there is a newer trend happening right now. Instead of just throwing our attentions to online gaming atmospheres, we can also allow our children to enjoy the wider world of entertaining online. But, is it safe? And, even if it is, should we allow our children to be using online gaming at all? Is it any better than them sitting in front of a television?

Many parents simply do not have the time to monitor all the activity their children are having online. All parents need to know that there are many predators online that are seeking out our youngsters. But, there are ways to prevent them from coming near to our children. For example, in online gaming rooms, you can easily disable chatting and interaction. You can also disable instant messages as well. Yet, an even more effective manner for protecting our children while they are online is to simply keep the computer they will be using right in the living room, the kitchen or in any area that is open where you can see what’s going on just by turning your head. When parents are aware of what is going on while their children are online, they can keep their children better protected. And, its never too soon to talk to your children about stranger danger even on the computer.

Okay, but what about the gaming? Should we allow our children online to play games?

It is important to break down some age levels here. For children who are young, it is essential to allow them time to learn about computers, but you need to do it in a one on one situation. In these cases, there are many games that are actually quite beneficial for them to play. Many games can teach reading skills, math skills, and many other aspects of learning. And, because it is fun, kids simply love to do it. They enjoy the colors, the sounds, and the idea of playing with Mommy or Daddy. Its a great time for some bonding as well.

Then, we can look towards the older age. Those who enjoy cartoons on television will love the games that focus around these topics. And, you’ll find many games that do. Online games like these can help with motor skills and computer usage skills. But, why not teach them a little by getting them into a different type of game, one that will challenge them. For example, word puzzles and just puzzles in general can stimulate the mind in many ways. Or, teach them a little history with a program like Oregon (or Amazon) Trail in which they need to survive a treacherous trek through the wilderness. Even older children can benefit from the “Sim” games as well. The less violent ones are better because idnpoker they teach your little entrepreneurs to use many skills to build cities, buildings, companies…you get the idea.

When it comes to allowing teens online, you really need to allow at least some online time. At that age, they are into communicating with their friends through email and instant messages, but interactive games are very popular. Competing against friends is a definite need that many kids have. Is it any worse or any better than a Playstation or Xbox system? Probably not, but at least they are interacting with others. And, you can somewhat monitor their actions or limit their internet exploring when you provide them with what many ISP’s are offering and that is parental controls on accounts set up just for kids.

So, where does that leave us and the online gaming world? Should children be allowed online? Yes, we believe that kids of all ages should at least have the opportunity to learn how to use the computer. It is an essential skill. But, what about playing games? Yes, they need this too. In a safe environment, there are few other places that you can play so many games for a low cost. They can learn from them as well. You can monitor just what they are doing. If you are a parent trying to figure out where you stand with your children being online, consider it a learning experience to allow them to surf with you, even if its just once. Then, you will be able to see just what is out there to offer your children and how well they enjoy it.

An unlikely partnership between the wife of a deployed National Guardsmen and video gamers across America has been created to support the troops. Molly Johnson, who is best likened to a human dynamo, has been working tirelessly to involve video gamers in the support of U.S. servicemen and their families. I know that early adopters create most of the consumer generated media on the internet, stated Ms. Johnson. Video gamers are certainly early adopters and I need them to spread the word online that our troops need everyones back-up. Most of our soldiers abroad are on the internet during their free time and I want them to see that America is supporting them.

The internet is the 21st century equivalent to Armed Forces Radio. Many servicemen overseas rely on internet access for news, information and contact with home. Johnsons strategy involves mobilizing video gamers, who do in fact generate a tremendous amount of the content one sees on the internet. Gamers are also active in terms of blogging and social network activity. They are prolific in terms of disseminating their views online.

How Johnson is enlisting their help is what is so unique. She first recruited one of the fastest growing massive multi-player online game developers in the world, MVP Networks, to join ranks with her. MVP currently has over 500,000 players participating in two of their offeringsRedline Thunder Racing and Golden Fairway. The company is now donating 100% of the proceeds from those who sign up for either of MVPs games when they go to www.playforfreedom.com. The minute I heard about what Molly was doing I signed on, said Paul Schneider, CEO of MVP Networks. Many of our subscribers are obviously NASCAR fans and are inclined to assist the military and their families.

Johnson has selected Operation Homefront to be the recipient of the proceeds from her efforts. I looked at what Operation Homefront was doing with families of deployed service members and this is exactly the type of program that is meeting the needs of the deployed and returning servicemen and servicewomen along with their families. Operation Homefront has as its main purpose making a difference in the quality of military family life. When I started our program emergencies would crop up in the lives of many families precisely when idn poker the spouse was deployed thousands of miles away, stated Amy Palmer. It seems like Murphys Law applies the minute after the spouse goes overseas. We are here to help with emergencies that seem insurmountable to the family at home.

Although there certainly are differing views on the subject of current operations in Iraq, there is little if any debate as to the courage and professionalism of the U.S. military. Support for the troops is universal in that everyone wishes them well and prays for their safety. What is unique about the current civilian efforts during this era of conflict is the number of individuals like Molly Johnson who are stepping outside of their comfort zone to help the troops. I obviously have direct appreciation and understanding for what is happening in Iraq and Afghanistan. My husband, in his capacity as a Guardsmen, has been deployed for 3 months so far of a 1 year deployment, explained Johnson. I saw how committed he was to the mission and knew I had to help out any way possible.

Johnson is now reaching out to other companies involved in the consumer generated media world such as E3Flix.com which is modeling itself as a combination of Netflix and YouTube, and In Touch Media Group, an online publicity firm based in Florida, to get her message out on the internet. She has an immediate goal of gaining over 100,000 people to participate in Play For Freedom. The response I have already received from so many people has been overwhelming, stated Johnson. Paul Schneider stepped up swiftly to help out and seemingly threw every company resource he has to get this program off the ground, she added. Play For Freedom is also supported by AT&T, Boeing, Clear Channel, KBR, Lincoln Property Life, and Pit Crew Live.

It is also easy to see why Johnson is focusing on internet gamers as a resource for Play For Freedom. The video gaming industry is six times as large as the movie industry in terms of annual revenues. Over twenty million males from 18 to 30 years old play video games twenty hours or more a week. Selecting a NASCAR style massive multi-player game was no accident either. Redline Thunder Racing, developed by MVP Networks, is one of the featured games Johnson is promoting as a donations tool which enables her to reach out to the 75 million NASCAR fans making up the fastest growing sport in America.

For those people who are looking to actively participate as supporters of the troops, Johnsons efforts should be seriously considered. Americans have long been noted for their charity at an individual level. Without any prodding from private or public institutions, tens of thousands of individuals are stepping up to make the lives of all those directly connected to the current war effort easier. Molly Johnson is yet another example of how creative people can be in their efforts to help others.

The Barrows is a very popular, challenging and dangerous minigame in the massive online game called RuneScape. Many players make big money at the Barrows, but many – even the experienced Barrowers like myself – risk loosing millions worth of items due to bad luck or not being alert.

I am Barrowing a lot to get my mage and range levels to 99 (currently range 96, mage 97, combat 91). Barrowing is idnplay great mage training as the loots from the chest often provide me with the necessary runes to cast Magic Dart of Slayer (slayer lvl 55 required). I have so far done well over 100 runs in the Barrows, and have acquired more than 3000 boltracks and blood runes and about 8k chaos runes. I don’t keep count of gp or mind runes, but I am never out of stock of needed runes.

The most treasured loot I’ve gotten so far from The Barrows is:

* Torags Platebody

* 2 Guthans Helms (sold for 3.35 mill gp each =))

* Veracs Helm

* Veracs Brassard

* Veracs Plateskirt

* Karils Skirt.

Not to mention all the half keys – at least 4.

Most people pray Protection against melee attacks and thus don’t have to hide and run like I do, they just activate prayer and let their character autoattack with a magic spell they have set. So these players spend a lot of prayer potions to finish off the brothers in the crypts. When you enter one of the crypts (spade needed) your prayer will be drained by approximately 10 every 10 seconds or so. Without the sip of a prayer pot Barrows would be impossible to do except for those very high levelled accounts.

My way of barrowing is very risky but it saves me expenses on prayer potions. I have a moderately high combat lvl with 70 defense, but I only mage and range at Barrows as I have quit training melee altogether. Here is a simple description of how I do the Barrow runs.

I stock up with runes for entangle spells (79 magic required) and magic dart spells (55 slayer required). I don’t use pray on the melee brothers at all – I simply search their tomb and instantly entangle the brother that emerges. Then I run off a couple of squares and attack with magic dart. The tangle spell holds my foe to the spot for 15 seconds, enough time to cast 4 magic darts. Before the tangle spell breaks I run behind the tomb and waits 5 seconds before I repeat with a new entangle. After a hold spell has been cast and worn off, your enemy will be immune to any hold spells for 5 seconds! Therefore it is important to keep your distance from physical contact with the melee brothers if your prayer is off – their “embraces” aren’t exactly like the ones you get in momma’s arms =p

Finishing off the Melee brothers like I do is very risky. You must know how to hide behind the tombs the proper way. I use a technique that is similar to “side-stepping”, two of the corners of each tomb give this possibility. Side stepping is used by high levels that fight close up with the brothers – when they need to eat and regroup they have positioned themselves at a corner of the chest such that when they just move a step off from their foe which will be stuck on the corner of the tomb.

I keep getting questions and comments on why I don’t use Melee Prayer like everyone else. My initial thought was to save on prayer pots so I started using ancient magick. Again without praying melee. With my high magic level I can use Ice barrage – it holds the enemy for 20 seconds and deals massive damage. Ancient Magick turns out to be is very expensive, so I would start with an Ice Barrage and then continue my attacks with Ice Bursts. I made profit anyway (guess I was lucky with my lootings) – but I’d rather use my blood runes for some proper pk’ing.

After some experiments and testing I decided to continue with Modern Magic instead, and haven’t regretted since. The risk has increased, but it only makes it more entertaning. If I should die and loose my Ahrims mage outfit or Guthan helm – well I hope the finder will be happy =p. So far I have been lucky – yesterday I got Veracs Plateskirt! Now I only need Veracs Flail for a full Verac set.

Aaaa! – the satisfaction of picking up free stuff! This happened on the same day as I got Veracs Skirt!

I was in Dharoks tomb preparing to take him down – as always with butterflies in my stomach – killing Dharok without melee prayer on is VERY DANGEROUS (that guy can deal at least 58 damage in one hit when his health bar is close to zero).

Suddenly I see a player getting massive blows to his character, it happens so quick that he has no chance to escape. And voila! On the ground is the remains of this poor player – and what riches he dropped! I picked up: Obsidian Shield, Black mystic top and bottom, 200 rune arrows, Berserker helm, black ranger set and so on. My inventory was full of lobs and I unfortunately had to see some of the things this poor player dropped being picked up by others as I couldn’t gobble up them lobbies fast enough.

With a newly “looted” obby shield and a fresh Verac Plateskirt in inventory I decided to teleport to closest bank and have a break from the game. No need to test my luck further =P

Anyway – Dharok is still waiting for me at the Barrows.

In this age of portable music, the iPod has downloaded itself into the public consciousnesswhere it won’t be leaving any time soon. Not that we mind. Despite a large pool of reputable competitors, such as Sony and Dell, who manufacture their own slick mp3 gizmos, the iPod is still the most popular and best-selling of the bunch. Just think of buying an mp3 player, and I bet your knee-jerk reaction will at least be to consider, if not choose, the iPod.

When Apple Computers’ CEO Steve Jobs unveiled the iPod Nano in San Francisco’s Moscone Center, it immediately became known as the smallest member of the display-bearing iPod family line and successor to the iPod mini (the updated version of which was released a mere 7 months prior to the Nano). Compatible with both Mac and Windows-based computers, the iPod Nano comes in two colors, white and black. You also have your choice of a 2GB version ($199) or a 4GB version ($249), which is a bit steep given the fact that the iPod mini held the same price tag for the 4GB and 6GB models, respectively. The iPod Nano’s storage drive is flashed-based, which means no moving parts inside (decreased wear-and-tear and breakage potential), higher durability, and no sound skips while jogging, biking, or stumbling home after happy hour. Given the increasing capacities and capabilities of flash drives, I wouldn’t be surprised if some day Apple starts implementing this technology into more of its major products. But that’s for another article.

The first thing one is likely to notice is that the Nano, as its name implies, is tiny. You have to actually hold one to see just how astonishingly small this device is, and my first thought was that the small pocket of my jeans might now finally serve a greater purpose. The Nano measures 3.5″ long, 1.6″ wide (smaller surface area than a credit card), and just .27″ thick (thinner than a AAA battery). Sleek and serene, the Nano is characterized by the simple elegance familiar to Apple fans. Yes, it certainly is a gorgeous-looking little machine due in no small part to the shiny, thin layer of acrylic applied to its surface. But the downside to the finish is its susceptibility to scratching and/or fingerprints (especially on the black version of the Nano). Weighing in at only 1.5 ounces you could conceivably move the Nano across a flat surface by sneezing on it, though I don’t recommended this for health reasons.

The main features: Like all other iPods, the Nano is primarily designed to play digitized music such as mp3 files. And like its relatives, the Nano excels when doing what it does best. According to my research, the Nano uses the same sound chip as the Mini, and as mentioned before, overall quality is excellent. The included earbuds do a decent job delivering the sound, though I would prefer higher-end headphones to take full advantage of the audio experience. Fiddling with the included equalizer settings also seems to make noticeable sound adjustments, so fickle sound connoisseurs may have something to smile at here.

Owners of previous iPods shouldn’t have a problem navigating the interface, as selecting songs, play-lists, and the like using the touch-sensitive click-wheel is still as user-friendly as ever (but I hate leaving behind those darn fingerprints!). Setting up and connecting to iTunes on both Mac and Windows machines was smooth and straightforward as well. According to information available at Apple’s website, the 2GB iPod Nano holds 500 songs while the 4GB version stores about 1,000, assuming that the average song is 4 minutes long and compressed at 128 kbps using AAC encoding. And like the larger iPods, the Nano recognizes songs encoded in the following formats: mp3, AAC (and protected AAC format from the iTunes Music Store), AIFF, and WAV.

Unlike the iPod mini, however, the Nano sports a color display as well as the same photo capabilities as the top-of-the-line iPod Photo. This might have been a “just because we can” idea cooked up by the engineers over in Cupertino, as I received some strange looks while sharing my latest photos on a screen that’s barely the size of a postage stamp. But I admit it’s a fun feature to be included on such a small device. Complete with the usual organization options, you are able to create slideshows (with music and transition effects) and categorize your pictures any way you want. The Nano recognizes images in the following formats: JPEG, GIF, PSD (Mac only), TIFF, BMP, and PNG. I’ll take this time to note that the camera connector for the iPod Photo, used for transferring pictures directly from a digital still camera to the iPod Photo, will not work with the iPod Nano. Also, other current third party devices such as voice recorders and FM transmitters are not currently compatible with the Nano.

There are also features that exist exclusively on the iPod Nano, such as the World Clock function, which allows you to see the local time anywhere in the world. Once you select a region (or major international city), a clock will appear on the display. The clock graphic will darken or lighten depending on what time of day it is at the other region, which is handy for frequent travelers. Feel like prank calling your friends in Egypt at 3AM local time? The iPod Nano can help! (Of course, I do not condone this sort of behavior- use this feature to make sure you don’t accidentally call your friends in Egypt at 3AM).

Other Nano-exclusive features include a screen lock and stopwatch. The screen lock allows you to create a 4-digit combination to prevent others from going through your music and photos. This would seem like an effective method of deterring would-be thieves (or nosy exes), but since I already have so many passwords and codes in my life to remember I can do without it. Besides, such a pricey gadget like the Nano should be kept in a safe place anyway. The stopwatch feature is pretty neat, and allows you to record your best lap times or to keep track of how long tech support puts you on hold.

Battery life: The iPod Nano claims 14 hours of music playback, though battery consumption increases when using the photo slideshow functions with music playing in the background. Charging via the included USB 2.0 cable, which connects to the dock connector on its underside, it takes the Nano about an hour and a half to reach 80% capacity, and 3 hours to achieve a full charge. At present, the iPod Nano is not firewire capable. In my research I’ve also learned that the Nano’s battery appears to be permanently soldered into the unit, which leads me to question the feasibility (or even possibility) of future battery replacement. Information regarding this will be updated as it is found.

Included items:

– USB 2.0 cable (backwards compatible with USB 1.1). This connects via the dock

connector underneath the Nano. NOTE: Don’t confuse the dock connector with the

dock itself. The iPod Nano dock is an accessory that costs an extra $29. Over USB 2.0,

the Nano transfers music at about 5 mb per second.

– iTunes idn poker software (Mac & PC)

– Earbud headpones: They’re white, (even for the black iPod Nano).

PROS:

Great sound quality, easy to use, beautifully stylish, extremely lightweight, portable, and durable. Nice color display, handy extras such as photo viewing and international clocks. Flash memory design prevents skipping, integrates easily with iTunes. Mac and Windows compatible.

CONS:

High price for relatively small drive space (compared to other iPod models), lack of more advanced iPod features/support, no present firewire capability, surface smudges and scratches easily if not protected.

OVERALL:

Despite the relatively hefty price tag for its storage capacity, the new iPod Nano by Apple is certainly a cool device for most gotta-have-it gadget-philes and for those who just want a reliable, easy-to-use high quality mp3 player. If you want to play your favorite songs while relaxing or running, the Nano and its few extra functions will make you happy. Those who are big on more complex functions may be disappointed with the present lack of features available (no support for FM transmitter, camera connector, firewire, etc.). But its ease-of-use, intuitive interface, style, and quality make this a very difficult gizmo to resist.

4 stars out of 5

The Barrows is a very popular, challenging and dangerous minigame idn poker in the massive online game called RuneScape. Many players make big money at the Barrows, but many – even the experienced Barrowers like myself – risk loosing millions worth of items due to bad luck or not being alert.

I am Barrowing a lot to get my mage and range levels to 99 (currently range 96, mage 97, combat 91). Barrowing is great mage training as the loots from the chest often provide me with the necessary runes to cast Magic Dart of Slayer (slayer lvl 55 required). I have so far done well over 100 runs in the Barrows, and have acquired more than 3000 boltracks and blood runes and about 8k chaos runes. I don’t keep count of gp or mind runes, but I am never out of stock of needed runes.

The most treasured loot I’ve gotten so far from The Barrows is:

* Torags Platebody

* 2 Guthans Helms (sold for 3.35 mill gp each =))

* Veracs Helm

* Veracs Brassard

* Veracs Plateskirt

* Karils Skirt.

Not to mention all the half keys – at least 4.

Most people pray Protection against melee attacks and thus don’t have to hide and run like I do, they just activate prayer and let their character autoattack with a magic spell they have set. So these players spend a lot of prayer potions to finish off the brothers in the crypts. When you enter one of the crypts (spade needed) your prayer will be drained by approximately 10 every 10 seconds or so. Without the sip of a prayer pot Barrows would be impossible to do except for those very high levelled accounts.

My way of barrowing is very risky but it saves me expenses on prayer potions. I have a moderately high combat lvl with 70 defense, but I only mage and range at Barrows as I have quit training melee altogether. Here is a simple description of how I do the Barrow runs.

I stock up with runes for entangle spells (79 magic required) and magic dart spells (55 slayer required). I don’t use pray on the melee brothers at all – I simply search their tomb and instantly entangle the brother that emerges. Then I run off a couple of squares and attack with magic dart. The tangle spell holds my foe to the spot for 15 seconds, enough time to cast 4 magic darts. Before the tangle spell breaks I run behind the tomb and waits 5 seconds before I repeat with a new entangle. After a hold spell has been cast and worn off, your enemy will be immune to any hold spells for 5 seconds! Therefore it is important to keep your distance from physical contact with the melee brothers if your prayer is off – their “embraces” aren’t exactly like the ones you get in momma’s arms =p

Finishing off the Melee brothers like I do is very risky. You must know how to hide behind the tombs the proper way. I use a technique that is similar to “side-stepping”, two of the corners of each tomb give this possibility. Side stepping is used by high levels that fight close up with the brothers – when they need to eat and regroup they have positioned themselves at a corner of the chest such that when they just move a step off from their foe which will be stuck on the corner of the tomb.

I keep getting questions and comments on why I don’t use Melee Prayer like everyone else. My initial thought was to save on prayer pots so I started using ancient magick. Again without praying melee. With my high magic level I can use Ice barrage – it holds the enemy for 20 seconds and deals massive damage. Ancient Magick turns out to be is very expensive, so I would start with an Ice Barrage and then continue my attacks with Ice Bursts. I made profit anyway (guess I was lucky with my lootings) – but I’d rather use my blood runes for some proper pk’ing.

After some experiments and testing I decided to continue with Modern Magic instead, and haven’t regretted since. The risk has increased, but it only makes it more entertaning. If I should die and loose my Ahrims mage outfit or Guthan helm – well I hope the finder will be happy =p. So far I have been lucky – yesterday I got Veracs Plateskirt! Now I only need Veracs Flail for a full Verac set.

Aaaa! – the satisfaction of picking up free stuff! This happened on the same day as I got Veracs Skirt!

I was in Dharoks tomb preparing to take him down – as always with butterflies in my stomach – killing Dharok without melee prayer on is VERY DANGEROUS (that guy can deal at least 58 damage in one hit when his health bar is close to zero).

Suddenly I see a player getting massive blows to his character, it happens so quick that he has no chance to escape. And voila! On the ground is the remains of this poor player – and what riches he dropped! I picked up: Obsidian Shield, Black mystic top and bottom, 200 rune arrows, Berserker helm, black ranger set and so on. My inventory was full of lobs and I unfortunately had to see some of the things this poor player dropped being picked up by others as I couldn’t gobble up them lobbies fast enough.

With a newly “looted” obby shield and a fresh Verac Plateskirt in inventory I decided to teleport to closest bank and have a break from the game. No need to test my luck further =P

Anyway – Dharok is still waiting for me at the Barrows.

While the World Wide Web expands, more and more individuals are getting online for all of their necessities and for their enjoyment. Online games are just one of the many different ways to enjoy the internet. But, there is a newer trend happening right now. Instead of just throwing our attentions to online gaming atmospheres, we can also allow our children to enjoy the wider world of entertaining online. But, is it safe? And, even if it is, should we allow our children to be using online gaming at all? Is it any better than them sitting in front of a television?

Many parents simply do not have the time to monitor all the activity their children are having online. All parents need to know that there are many predators online that are seeking out our youngsters. But, there are ways to prevent them from coming near to our children. For example, in online gaming rooms, you can easily disable chatting and interaction. You can also disable instant messages as well. Yet, an even more effective manner for protecting our children while they are online is to simply keep the computer they will be using right in the living room, the kitchen or in any area that is open where you can see what’s going on just by turning your head. When parents are aware of what is going on while their children are online, they can keep their children better protected. And, its never too soon to talk to your children about stranger danger even on the computer.

Okay, but what about the gaming? Should we allow our children online to play games?

It is important to break down some age levels here. For children who are young, it is essential to allow them time to learn about computers, but you need to do it in a one on one situation. In these cases, there are many games that are actually quite beneficial for them to play. Many games can teach reading skills, math skills, and many other aspects of learning. And, because it is fun, kids simply love to do it. They enjoy the colors, the sounds, and the idea of playing with Mommy or Daddy. Its a great time for some bonding as well.

Then, we can look towards the older age. Those who enjoy cartoons on television will love the games that focus around these topics. And, you’ll find many games that do. Online games like these can help with motor skills and computer usage skills. But, why not teach them a little by getting them into a different type of game, one that will challenge them. For example, word puzzles and just puzzles in general can stimulate the mind in many ways. Or, teach them a little history with a program like Oregon (or Amazon) Trail in which they need to survive a treacherous trek through the wilderness. Even older children can benefit from the “Sim” games as well. The less violent ones are better because they teach your little entrepreneurs to use many skills to build cities, buildings, companies…you get the idea.

When it comes to allowing teens online, you really need to allow at least some online time. At that age, they are into communicating with their friends through email and instant messages, but interactive games are very popular. Competing against friends is a definite need that many kids have. Is it any worse or any better than a Playstation or Xbox system? Probably not, but at least they are interacting with others. And, you can somewhat monitor their actions or limit their internet exploring when you provide them with what many ISP’s are offering and that is parental controls on accounts set up just for kids.

So, where does that leave idnpoker us and the online gaming world? Should children be allowed online? Yes, we believe that kids of all ages should at least have the opportunity to learn how to use the computer. It is an essential skill. But, what about playing games? Yes, they need this too. In a safe environment, there are few other places that you can play so many games for a low cost. They can learn from them as well. You can monitor just what they are doing. If you are a parent trying to figure out where you stand with your children being online, consider it a learning experience to allow them to surf with you, even if its just once. Then, you will be able to see just what is out there to offer your children and how well they enjoy it.

An unlikely partnership between the wife of a deployed National Guardsmen and video gamers across America has been created to support the troops. Molly Johnson, who is best likened to a human dynamo, has been working tirelessly to involve video gamers in the support of U.S. servicemen and their families. I know that early adopters create most of the consumer generated media on the internet, stated Ms. Johnson. Video gamers are certainly early adopters and I need them to spread the word online that our troops need everyones back-up. Most of our soldiers abroad are on the internet during their free time and I want them to see that America is supporting them.

The internet is the 21st century equivalent to Armed Forces Radio. Many servicemen overseas rely on internet access for news, information and contact with home. Johnsons strategy involves mobilizing video gamers, who do in fact generate a tremendous amount of the content one sees on the internet. Gamers are also active in terms of blogging and social network activity. They are prolific in terms of disseminating their views online.

How Johnson is enlisting their help is what is so unique. She first recruited one of the fastest growing massive multi-player online game developers in the world, MVP Networks, to join ranks with her. MVP currently has over 500,000 players participating in two of their offeringsRedline Thunder Racing and Golden Fairway. The company is now donating 100% of the proceeds from those who sign up for either of MVPs games when they go to www.playforfreedom.com. The minute I heard about what Molly was doing I signed on, said Paul Schneider, CEO of MVP Networks. Many of our subscribers are obviously NASCAR fans and are inclined to assist the military and their families.

Johnson has selected Operation Homefront to be the recipient of the proceeds from her efforts. I looked at what Operation Homefront was doing with families of deployed service members and this is exactly the type of program that is meeting the needs of the deployed and returning servicemen and servicewomen along with their families. Operation Homefront has as its main purpose making a difference in the quality of military family life. When I started our program emergencies would crop up in the lives of many families precisely when the spouse was deployed thousands of miles away, stated Amy Palmer. It seems like Murphys Law applies the minute after the spouse goes overseas. We are here to help with emergencies that seem insurmountable to the family at home.

Although there certainly are differing views on the subject of current operations in Iraq, there is little if any debate as to the courage and professionalism of the U.S. military. Support for the troops is universal in that everyone wishes them well and prays for their safety. What is unique about the current civilian efforts during this era of conflict is the number of individuals like Molly Johnson who are stepping outside of their comfort zone to help the troops. I obviously have direct appreciation and understanding for what is happening in Iraq and Afghanistan. My husband, in his capacity as a Guardsmen, has been deployed for 3 months so far of a 1 year deployment, explained Johnson. I saw how committed he was to the mission and knew I had to help out any way possible.

Johnson is now reaching out to other companies involved in the consumer generated media world such as E3Flix.com which is modeling itself as a combination of Netflix and YouTube, and In Touch Media Group, an online publicity firm based in Florida, to get her message out on the internet. She has an immediate goal of gaining over 100,000 people to participate in Play For Freedom. The response I have already received from so many people has been overwhelming, stated Johnson. Paul Schneider stepped up swiftly to help out and seemingly threw every company resource he has to get this program off the ground, she added. Play For Freedom is also supported by AT&T, Boeing, Clear Channel, KBR, Lincoln Property Life, and Pit Crew Live.

It is also easy to see why Johnson is focusing on internet gamers as a resource for Play For Freedom. The video gaming industry is six times as large as the movie industry in terms of annual revenues. Over twenty million males from 18 to 30 years old play video games idnpoker twenty hours or more a week. Selecting a NASCAR style massive multi-player game was no accident either. Redline Thunder Racing, developed by MVP Networks, is one of the featured games Johnson is promoting as a donations tool which enables her to reach out to the 75 million NASCAR fans making up the fastest growing sport in America.

For those people who are looking to actively participate as supporters of the troops, Johnsons efforts should be seriously considered. Americans have long been noted for their charity at an individual level. Without any prodding from private or public institutions, tens of thousands of individuals are stepping up to make the lives of all those directly connected to the current war effort easier. Molly Johnson is yet another example of how creative people can be in their efforts to help others.

Call it a blind spot. Call it regimented thinking. Call it the-way-we-have-always-done-it. But by any name, there are actions and practices that far too many businesses engage in that can unknowingly drive customers away.

When I observe such practices, I move from being angry to just plain sad. Really sad. Because the truth of the matter is that no one CONSCIOUSLY set out to ruin my day. No one sat in a board room and dreamt up procedures that would have us leaving in droves. No one woke up and said, “I can hardly wait to make you miserable.” It happened “because”. Because the truth of the matter is that it takes courage to stop and ask the critical question: Does this serve our customer? Our member? Our community?

We all “know” the rules of service. But sadly, sometimes we don’t take the time to think through just what our actions might be do or say to the customer. Here are some actions guaranteed to drive folks from the doors of an enterprise. It’s time for all of us to sit up and notice!

Over promise and under deliver.

Bring people to the conference with the promise of cutting edge material. Lure attendees into thinking that the hotel is a four-star marvel. Tell customers that they’ll have all the idn poker material they need in three days. Promise the meeting planner that the press kit will go out overnight. Then sit back and watch. Really watch. If it isn’t true 100% of the time, it’s a bait and switch promise.

Take the idea of “cutting edge material”. I’ve attended conferences in which the only cutting edge was the serving knife on a buffet table. Same ideas. Same methodology. Same format. Get a clue! Shake it up. Be provocative. If we say it, we better deliver.

How about that four-star hotel? Brochure looks great. The conference walk through is stunning. But then, could that ghastly-looking luncheon plate REALLY be the same chicken marsala you were served in the tasting? And, how about the fact that the hotel “forgot” to tell you that the major dining room would be undergoing renovation. Yikes!

The three-day guarantee. If you can’t deliver it all the time, it’s not true! Now, perhaps Three Day Blinds has reversed its practices, but years ago, I ordered window coverings for our new house. My mother was coming to visit us over Christmas and I needed shades. Alas, the third day came and went. I discovered that only “some” shades are three-day, not all. Beware of the implied promise.

Never walk the talk.

The brochure for the conference said, “a celebration of members”, a “community that listens.” Too bad it didn’t play out in reality.

The setting is New Orleans. A couple thousand folks have gathered for the “celebration” and the “community”. Alas, the reality is another fact. I discover that people are invited to parties based upon their status in the organization. The luncheon session I am addressing has some 50 “important people” file into the banquet hall and take their places on a stage that is three tiers deep. Talk about a “we”/ “they” set up. I am told, “This is the way we have always done it.” The intent to “honor” these 50 people was to have hundreds watch them eat and to also set up the boundary between the “us” and the “them”.

Come on. There are a few more creative ways to showcase the “us” that is far more inclusive, educational, and community building than a camera shot of folks eating. I end up addressing an audience while have my back to 50 plus people. It’s rude, off-putting, and the exact opposite of what the organization, in all good intentions, wishes to create.

Our lives had better mirror the words we use and the beliefs we profess to all. Otherwise, we’re merely impersonators. I watched a very well known speaker who specializes in relationship building turn into a snarling, demanding customer who treated the flight attendants like personal servants. How many disbelievers were created on that day?

Make technology your primary form of communication.

Make sure there’s a voice mail doom loop from which someone will never emerge to actually speak with a live human. Conduct all business via e-mail, assuming that a message sent is a message received. And while you’re at it, hit send as soon as a message is written.

These three practices can doom any business relationship. Amazing isn’t it: having a person answer the phone can actually be a competitive advantage! How easy do we make it for people to do business with us via the telephone or even our web site? I tried to book a reservation in a lovely hotel, only to be treated to a lovely online tour of the property without ever finding a contact number!

E-mail is great for data but not perfect for relationship building or critical pieces of information. In fact, often the E in e-mail stands for escalation and error. Two colleagues almost became bitter enemies over rapid fire e-mails that had the sting of a viper and the warmth of the Arctic. Neither thought to pick up the phone and talk things out. Thus, the lop-sided “chats” turned into internecine warfare. Talk about beating folks up!!

I discovered fascinating information about a client when we talked through my normal pre-program survey rather than depend upon an electronic transmission. I had thought my online survey was a time saving device. Instead, what it became was a gatekeeper, preventing me from digging deeper into an issue. Likewise, multiple choice answers on written or online customer service surveys will never result in information of substantive depth.

Forget the wisdom of the outer circle.

In organizational life, there’s always an “inner circle” of power and control. Boards of Directors wield it. So do powerful departments. When practices and policies come only from the inner circle, the rank and file is not only unheard, but can turn its back on the organization. Members leave associations when they feel discounted and “not in the know”.

Never say “thank you”.

Mother was right when she made us kids write notes to relatives after Christmas. It’s a forgotten habit that can go a long way to letting people feel appreciated. Likewise, pick up the phone and call a client or member who has a complaint and THANK THEM for making that complaint known. You’ll discover a huge dividend in goodwill after they recover from the shock of your call.

Three Practices to KEEP customers and members.

Common courtesy isn’t common. Be uncommon.

Service is an unnatural act. It takes emphasis away from ourselves and gives it to others. Be unnatural.

Time is the only non-renewal resource. Never waste people’s time.

Hope I haven’t wasted yours!

Choosing a Video Game System: Which One Is Best for Kids?

In the old days, choosing a video game system for children wasn’t all that hard. After all, parents didn’t have to worry about games carried by systems like Atari (there was nothing threatening about Pac-Man or Space Invaders). Today, however, with the proliferation of games with mature content available on games supported by the major system manufacturers, parents want to know which system carries the most kid-friendly games, ones that the young ones will enjoy and one that parents will not regret spending money on.

Let’s start with the Sony PlayStation 2, the best-selling game console on the market today. There are literally thousands of titles available for this system, which cater to every age range. There are approximately 600 games for the PS2 that have the “E” rating, meaning that it is suitable for players ages six and above. However, many of these games are too complicated for young children to play. Games that children ten years old and above can enjoy are rated E10 , while those that are rated EC (Early Childhood) are of course, suitable for the very young. The PS2 carries about a dozen E10 games, including movie-based titles like Shrek Super Slam for PlayStation 2 and Chicken Little. EC titles that little ones can enjoy include Dora the Explorer: Journey to the Purple Planet, Eggo Mania and At the Races Presents Gallop Racer.

Nintendo’s GameCube console continues to be popular because it carries titles that are popular with children. The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) lists 263 video game titles rated E for the GameCube, and these include some of the most popular and beloved among the children of today and years past, such as Sega’s Sonic GEMS Collection, Nintendo’s own Mario Party 6 and Mario Tennis. The Legend of Zelda series and several Pokemon titles are available exclusively on the GameCube as well.

Microsoft’s Xbox and Xbox 360 video game consoles likewise have many, many titles that are rated E; the Xbox with approximately 270 games and the Xbox 360 with so far about a dozen — but count on the number of Xbox 360 titles to increase since it’s a new release. Some games published by Microsoft exclusively for the Xbox and the Xbox 360 and which have the E rating are Astropop and Feeding Frenzy. However, remember that most game publishers release crossover titles, or games that are available on multiple platforms. For instance, Eidos Interactive’s LEGO Star Wars (rated E) is available for the GameCube, PS2 and Xbox; Activision’s Madagascar (rated E10 ) is available on the same platforms, while Global Star Software’s Dora the Explorer (rated EC) is available on the PS2 and Xbox, but not on the GameCube.

What about parental control options? Among the four systems, the Xbox and the Xbox 360 idnpoker have the most efficient parental lock functions. Parents are able to set limits on the games and films to be played on the systems. If you set the system to play only E-rated games, kids won’t be able to play DVD’s or games that have Teen, Mature, or Adults Only ratings. The GameCube also has a parental lock feature, albeit a less effective one. Users note that all it does is tone down certain effects that might be troubling for children (for example, the amount of blood seen in games) but do not block the playing of games at all. It doesn’t even screen or bleep offensive language. The parental control function of the PlayStation 2 is even worse — it doesn’t allow parents or anyone to restrict access to video games at all. The most parents can do is to set the PS2 to prevent their kids from watching DVD movies with inappropriate content.

When it comes to price, the GameCube comes out tops. Available for only $99, it’s significantly cheaper than the PlayStation 2 and Xbox, whose prices range from $150 to $199 (or more if bundled with game titles). The Xbox 360, being the newest of the bunch, is the highest-priced. For $299, you get the system and a wired controller. For $399, you get a wireless controller, a headset that players can use to talk to other people online, a 20 GB hard drive that is loaded with game-related videos and music, and a remote.

Parents should go out and try each system personally as well as look at the different titles available for them before deciding which one to buy. Factors such as number and age of users at home, game title availability, and budget should also be considered. Each system has its own pros and cons, and families will differ in their preferences: some will be content with the limited but popular games of the GameCube; some might prefer the wider offering of the PlayStation 2 or the Xbox; others might opt for the high-tech features of the Xbox 360. But all things considered, making the right choice will provide hours of wholesome, fun, and worry-free entertainment for the little ones and for their parents as well.

5. Mortal Kombat

The one that started it all. While it may seem pixelated and dated now, it was undoubtedly the most violent video game of its time. Spawning a huge fanbase, a movie, and a plethora of sequels, most of us have probably played Mortal Kombat in at least one form of another.

Who can forget pulling in a victim with Scorpions snapping beak; “Get over here!” while following it up with a gruesome uppercut. The game used real life actors and mapped their faces onto sprites, creating a pretty strange yet realistic effect which made it all the more awesome when Sub Zero ripped someones head off, leaving their spine dangling below. Fatality!

4. Carmageddon

Originally released in 1997, this is an oldie but goldie. It’s still a thoroughly enjoyable game and was a breakthrough in its time with video scenes from inside the car and real world physics.

Think Mad Max on steroids and you’ll start to get a feel for Carmageddon which is set in a post apocalyptic world where the car rules. The idea is to race against a handful of other modified death cars through various levels, including deserts, industrial areas and populated cities, all to the tune of Fear Factories Demanufacture album (hell yes!). However, if you don’t feel like racing you can hunt down and destroy your enemies one by one until you’re the only survivor. Amongst all this, not only can you run over pedestrians, but you’re actively encouraged to do so, gaining extra time and credits for combo bonuses and “artist impressions” (which you get by utterly mangling a pedestrian).

Carmageddon caused media scandal when it first launched and in most countries a “safe” version was released with zombies, robots or aliens instead of people. In some countries the game was banned completely. None of this stops it from being an absolute classic and the first go-anywhere 3D driving game which spawned 2 successful sequels.

3. Thrill Kill

Originally called S & M for Slaughter and Mutilation, Thrill Kill for PlayStation was never released, it was axed 2 weeks before it was due to go out. EA said that they didn’t want to “publish such a senselessly violent game” and stated it was so offensive that they wouldn’t sell the game to another publisher either. Fortunately for us former employees of EA released it onto the internet which are still available.

Incredibly simple, Thrill Kill consisted of only a single room where up to 4 opponents fight to the death. The usual life bar is replaced with a kill meter, which grows as you do more damage to your opponent, eventually you’re able to activate Thrill Kills which were always awesomely brutal, sometimes sexual, moves like dismemberment, mutilation, cattle prods down the throat or crushing skulls with stilts. Oh yes. One of Cleetus’ lethal finishing moves was to tear the head off his opponent and drink the blood that leaked out of his victim’s severed neck. The story goes that the 8 characters all led devious lives and died in various ways, have gone to hell. A modern day hell which reflects todays real life. Marukka, the God of Secrets has pitted them against each other, promising to give rebirth to the one survivor. Each character is battling for self-preservation and the hope to be born again.

Cleetus, for example, is a redneck cannibal. The only victim that he didn’t eat escaped minus a leg, which idnplay Cleetus carries around for good luck (and occasionally uses as a weapon). Dr. Faustus, a master surgeon, died from an infection after installing his stainless steel jaws, made from a bear trap.

Oddball was a top FBI agent who hunted down serial killers. He began to admire them and slowly slipped into insanity. Oddball is extremely intelligent, cunning, and without remorse. Pity, sympathy, and compassion have no meaning to him. Although his arms are bound in his cozy little straight jacket, he has learned to adapt, as any good predator should.

2. Postal 2

One feature in Postal 2 is the ability to pick up cats as an inventory item. When used, the player shoves the barrel of the currently equipped firearm into the cat’s anus, as a ‘silencer’. Every time a shot is fired, the cat meows in apparent agony, and the gunshot is muffled. After several shots the cat will be killed and will fly from the end of the weapon.

Any game where you can use a cat as a silencer has to be worth mentioning. Highly violent, both Postal and Postal 2 met with much protest from various activist groups. However, the Running With Scissors software company who created the series responded by saying that the amount of violence in the game is entirely dependent upon the player. In fact, it’s actually possible (though very difficult) to complete the entire game without harming anyone.

The game is split from Monday to Friday and the tasks are simple things on a to-do list like ‘Cash Paycheck’, ‘Confess sins’, ‘Get milk’, etc. To accomplish these seemingly simple tasks, the player can chose to be peaceful or utterly, all out violent with unique gameplay changes for each choice.Some violent features include the ability to decapitate people with shovels, and then kick their heads around or play fetch with a dog, cops who beat innocent NPCs to death with batons, even if the NPC surrenders and begs for mercy and setting fire to people with gasoline, matches, napalm and moltov cocktails.Not content with just being violent, Postal 2 is also pretty disgusting. You have the ability to urinate on people, causing them to vomit in disgust. You can also urinate on food items which are then eaten and regurgitated by cops. Using an Antrhax-filled cow’s head as a weapon causes victims to vomit blood. Oh and you can also stun gun people til they cower in fear and urinate themselves..Featuring ATF, SWAT, the National Guard, psycho butchers, religious cults, the Taliban and Gary Coleman, Postal 2 has earned itself a violent and revolting reputation and is illegal in at least 3 countries.

1. Manhunt

Quite possibly the most violent game in the list, Manhunt revolves around James Earl Cash who has been sentenced to death by lethal injection. His injection is replaced with a sedative and Cash is abducted by a wealthy Hollywood director. The director has a thing for Snuff flicks and sets up Cash as his latest star, butchering local gangs on film in the most violent and horrific ways possible.

The director communicates with Cash via an earpiece and security cameras record his murders. For extra points the player must carry out more gruesome kills. These range from suffocation by plastic bag, decapitation, jamming a crowbar in the enemys skull, etc.

Manhunt was banned outright in several countries when it was launched and later in the UK the game was linked to an actual murder case of a 14 year old, Stefan Pakeerah by a 17 year old, Warren Leblanc. Stefans mother claimed that Leblanc had been obsessed with Manhunt after he pleaded guilty in court and as such most vendors in the UK removed Manhunt from their stocks. This led to a significant increased demand from other retailers and internet auction sites. Police denied any link, but it still strikes a chilling cord. Especially when you consider that Leblanc murdered his friend by stabbing him with a claw hammer, identical to an execution shown in Manhunt.

When the first Kingdom Hearts video game came out in 2002 on the Sony PlayStation, quite a few people wondered if the folks at Square-Enix had gone out of their minds. A role-playing game showcasing sunny Disney characters along with the angst-ridden figures of the company’s Final Fantasy games? The idea seemed cheesy at the time. However, Kingdom Hearts as well as Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories (released on the Game Boy Advance) were runaway hits, appealing to both young and older gamers in the East and West. Now, with the release of Kingdom Hearts II, PS2 players can continue to explore old and new magical worlds with familiar and endearing characters.

It’s not necessary for a person to have played the previous installments of the game to enjoy Kingdom Hearts II, but it would be helpful. The adorable Sora is still the main character (although you’ll start the game as a guy named Roxas, but enough of that — I don’t want this to become a spoiler). Sora and his intrepid buddies Donald Duck and Goofy go on a quest to stop new enemies known as the “Nobodies,” in addition to fighting old foes known as the “Heartless.”

Sora goes through idnpoker a variety of worlds in this game — worlds that most people will recognize — and get to interact with familiar Disney characters as well. For instance, you’ll remember the movie “The Lion King” when Sora goes head to head with Scar in Pride Rock. Mickey Mouse, of course, features prominently in the story. You will also get to explore the worlds of Mulan, Aladdin, the Little Mermaid, Hercules, and many more. Port Royal, the world of Jack Sparrow of “Pirates of the Caribbean” fame, and the world of Tron, are especially entertaining, and the graphics are simply amazing. You will also meet a large number of characters from Square’s hit Final Fantasy series, like Cloud, Tifa, Setzer, Cid, Sephiroth, Riku, and Auron.

The gameplay is still as fast-paced, but enhancements have been made. Battles are conducted in real-time — the longer it takes you to make a move, the higher the risk that your character takes a hit. The new Reaction Command feature adds a more exciting dimension to battles and makes finishing off the Bosses much more gratifying. The Drive feature is another feature that makes playing this game so much fun. If the Drive meter is charged, you can combine characters to transform Sora and give him new and more powerful skills to defeat enemies in battle. You can also use the Drive function to enable Sora to cast Summons, or to call beings with extraordinary powers to help him during a fight. Some of the characters that Sora can summon are Chicken Little and Stitch — you can probably imagine how entertaining that will be.

What’s a role-playing game without magic? The spells have been fine-tuned for Kingdom Hearts II as well. Sora has a greater magic power (MP) threshold — his MP gauge is refilled automatically once it’s empty. Sora is also able to use magic spells in tandem with other characters. It’s quite exciting to see what moves the characters have up their sleeves, and casting just the right spell at the right time makes for jaw-dropping and more fulfilling battle sequences.

The kinks that players complained about in the first Kingdom Hearts have been ironed out somewhat for Kingdom Hearts II. Camera angles and control have been improved, enabling the player to be almost fully in command regarding aspects of the scene that he or she wants to see and to have a better view of battles. Also, the game flows more smoothly because there is a sense of continuity in spite of the different natures of the worlds that Sora and his companions go through. The replay value of this game is high because aside from Sora’s main quest, there are several mini-quests and side games that you can engage in, and these help keep the overall fun level high.

A big factor in the entertainment value of Kingdom Hearts II is the voice talent. Celebrities like Haley Joel Osment (as Sora), David Gallagher, Christopher Lee, Rachael Leigh Cook, Mena Suvari, James Woods, Steve Burton, and Hayden Panettiere lend their voices to bring life to the game’s characters.

Kingdom Hearts II, from Disney Interactive and Square-Enix, has an E rating, which means that anyone from the very young to the very old can enjoy the game. It continues the tradition and fun of the first Kingdom Hearts, and it wouldn’t come as a surprise if it surpasses the high level of success achieved by that game.

Hard Disk: An Introduction

Hard disk is a non-volatile data storage device that stores electronic data on a magnetic surface layered onto hard disk platters. Word Hard is use to differentiate it from a soft, or floppy disk. Hard disks hold more data and can store from 10 to more than 100 gigabytes, whereas most floppies have a maximum storage capacity of 1.4 megabytes and in addition are faster too.

Normally term hard disk is much familiar with computers only but it is widely used as network attached storage for large volume storage. Furthermore, appliance of hard disk drives spread out to video recorders, audio players, digital organizers, digital cameras, and even in latest cellular telephones.

Reynold Johnson invented the first hard disk in 1955 for IBM 305 computer with fifty 24 inch platters and total capacity of five million characters, and in 1956 – first commercial hard disk was launched with 5 megabyte capacity, the IBM 350 RAMAC disk drive. Within time frame of 50 years and rapid progress in technical enhancement, we have now reached to latest 2006 – First 750 GB hard drive from (Seagate) and First 200 GB 2.5″ Hard Drive utilizing Perpendicular recording (Toshiba).

Heart of hard disk consists of four basic components:

The Platters: Platters are the actual disks inside the drive that store the magnetized data. Conventional platters are made of a light aluminum alloy and coated with magnetize-able material but latest technology uses glass or ceramic platters as they are thinner and also heat resisting. Most drives have at least two platters and the larger the storage capacity of the drive, the more platters there are.

The Spindle Motor: Hard disk drive consists of a spindle on which the platters spin at a constant RPM. Moving along and between the platters on a common arm are read-write heads. The platters in a drive are divided by disk spacers and are clamped to a revolving spindle that turns all the platters in a uniform motion. The spindle motor is built right into the spindle and rotates the platters at a constant set rate ranging from 3,600 to 7,200 RPM.

The Read/Write Heads: Read/write heads read and write data to the platters, and each head is fixed to a single actuator shaft so that all the heads move in harmony. Typically, only one of the heads is active at a time either reading or writing data. When not in use, the heads are inactive, but when in motion the spinning of the platters generate air pressure that lifts the heads off the platters. The space between the platter and the head is so minute that even one dust particle or a fingerprint could disable the spin. When the platters cease spinning the heads come to rest, at a preset position on the heads, called the landing zone.

The Head Actuator: All the heads are attached to a single head actuator arm, which moves the heads around the platters. The Actuator arm moves the heads on an arc across the platters as they spin, allowing each head to access almost the entire surface of the platter. Contemporary hard drives use a voice coil actuator, which controls the movement of a coil toward or away from a permanent magnet based on the amount of current flowing through it. Fundamental structures of all hard disk are same, and are composed of the same physical features, but their performance depends on the quality of their inner components.

Hard Disk Failure:

Hard Disk Failure occurs when a hard disk drive malfunctions and the accumulate data cannot be accessed. It may happen in the course of normal operation due to an internal or external factor.

Disk failure varies and the most common is Head Crash where the internal read and write head of a device touches a platter or magnetic storage surface often grinding away the magnetic surface. Head hover just micrometers from the platters plane which makes such collision a common one.

This sort of crash usually invites severe data loss and unprofessional data recovery attempts results further damage to the remaining data.

Hard drive also includes other controller electronics i.e., semiconductors, valves or electronic circuits, and major components such as Platters, Spindle Motor and Head Actuator. Failure of any these devices may cause a hard disk failure. Factors causes disk failure are numerous, yet most common are power surges, voltage fluctuations, electronic malfunction, physical shock, wear and tear, corrosion, exposure to high magnetic waves, sharp impact, high temperature exposure etc.

The phenomena of hard disk failure is raising higher and higher; as to increase the read and write speed, today we have latest hard disk rotating amazingly faster and this immense revolving speed generates massive centrifugal force, a single adverse cause in the course of normal operation can cause severe hard disk failure.

Hard Disk Data Recovery:

Hard disk data recovery is the process of recovering the trapped data from the damage hard disk device, when it can not be accessed in normal circumstance.

Several Techniques are used to retrieving idnpoker data from damaged hard disk and techniques vary accordingly. It can be done by moving disk drive to a working CPU, or may have to open the disk drive and replace parts such as read/write heads, arms and chips and sometime the platters have to be removed and placed into another drive.

Physical damage can not be repaired by the general users, as it requires clean and dust free lab environment, in addition proper hardware and technical expertise; where under microscopic examination with proper tool and techniques, the damage drive is put on to observation for data salvaging.

In case of worse happening, do consult Data Recovery Service for saving your important data trapped within the damage device.