Muhammad Mukarram Technical Services L.L.C
Buffalo Technology DriveStation Axis 1TB Review

The Buffalo Technology DriveStation Axis 1TB is a family of desktop external hard drives that offers high performance and easy-to-use storage. It easily connects to your computer for additional storage or backup of data files, video, music and photos. Buffalo has a feature-rich software suite of tools designed to boost PC performance.

The Buffalo Hard Drive not only stores and backups your data easily but it also transports various files, including huge multimedia files that are too large to fit on a USB key. Simply plug the hard drive into your computer and it installs automatically with Windows 2000, XP, or OS-X computers. Fanless Heat Sink Chassis design lets the DriveStation run cool and quietly.

The storage device may be placed vertically or horizontally on the desktop. There is no cooling fan, even though there’s clearly an empty space for one, so you’ll need to keep the disk in a well-ventilated area.

When connected over USB3, the Buffalo DriveStation raced through our file transfer tests, writing large files at 105MB/s and reading them at just under 152MB/s, which makes this one of the fastest external hard disks we’ve seen. It wasn’t quite as table-topping when it came to small files, but it was still quicker than average with small file write speeds of 31MB/s and read speeds of 42.2MB/s.

Technical Details

  • Brand Name: Buffalo Technology
  • Model: HD-LX3.0TU3
  • Warranty: 2 year
  • Hard Disk Description: External
  • Weight: 2.9 pounds

Product Features

  • Secure storage and backup solution
  • Equipped with a high speed 7200 RPM hard drive
  • 256-bit AES encryption and USB 3.0/ 2.0 support
  • Horizontal and vertical form factor
  • Buffalo Tools
  • Eco Manager
  • Fanless Design
  • Product Dimensions: 3 x 8.9 x 8.7 inches; 2.2 pounds
  • Item model number: HD-LB1.0TU2

Pro’s:

  • Increase file transfer rates up to 5X* over USB 2.0 hard drives
  • Automatic 256-bit AES Full Disk Encryption (FDE) protects your data from unauthorized access
  • Compact and Sleek for ultimate portability
  • Compatible with USB 2.0
  • Works with PC (NTFS and HFS+ support) and Mac.
  • Preformatted hard drive is ready for immediate use with Windows and Mac
  • The Hard Drive can be positioned anywhere that suits you. It stands upright or lays flat for flexible placement in any environment
  • Fanless Design allows for quiet operation
  • Buffalo’s Backup Utility automatically backs up your Windows PC, protecting your data
  • Works perfectly with Time Machine to back up your Mac computer
  • Eco minded power management tool regulates power usage, conserving energy and battery consumption

Con’s:

  • Requires a mains adaptor
  • No fan, which means the drive may overheat.

Source by Shelley Thomson

You Could Benefit From Installing Casement Windows

A lot of people have their own ideas about which type of windows are best, and with so many options to choose from these days, there is much to be said about each of them. One of the most talked about and favoured types are casement windows. These are windows attached to the frame at the hinge, which open all the way outward. Before sash windows, casement windows were the most common type of window in the UK.

Regular casement windows are hinged at the side, variations hinged from the top are know as awning windows and versions hinged at the bottom are called hoppers. The main reason a lot of people still love this type of window is the fact that they open up so wide. In fact, they open up further than any other window. This lets you swing the window all the way open, creating a completely open space in which you can lean out of to enjoy the air. (Or even climb out of!)

In comparison, Double-Hung Windows only open half way no matter which way they open. Sliding windows may seem like another good option for opening a large area but with one panel traditionally fixed in place, you are still only getting a partial opening. Obviously there are other window alternatives that dont open at all such as plate glass picture windows as well as windows that only open a fraction, for mere ventilation purposes.

Being able to open your window this wide gives you a better breeze, this is one of the most popular reasons people choose to go with these windows. It can be hard to catch a nice breeze with other windows, particularly when there are things obstructing the flow of air around your building such as trees and bushes. When these windows are open, the glass acts as a flap, which actually guides and funnels the air through the window and into the building.

Some people equate this wide opening to be a security risk but this is far from the case. In fact, casement windows offer very strong security and are one of the hardest windows to break in to. These windows come in a variety of sizes and styles, so finding a window to fit your property is no problem. You can have single panels that open all the way or double panels, which both fold outward to create a luxurious open space. You can even add a small casement window to a set of fixed panels, to capture the breeze.

If the size of your window opening is important, or if you are looking to add some needed ventilation to your home, then casement windows are an excellent choice. Lots of people would agree!

Source by Sarah Haines

Pregnancy and Hair Dye

A little help with Hair dye and Pregnancy

There are many examples of hair dye being absorbed in to your body, but there is not enough information to promise with certainty that using chemical dyes during pregnancy is absolutely safe. So many expectant women wait out the first three months. As no one has any human data to show these chemicals cause birth defects we assume it is safe in the later part of pregnancy.

This is a topic which human testing would be unethical so it remains largely unproven and we have to look to other affects that may be present in the body for people who regularly use hair dye.

Animal studies were undertaken trying to illuminate this matter. Some, studies have shown a few of the chemical compounds in hair dyes to be carry a risk of birth defects. However, many of these animals are exposed to extreme doses of these chemicals, doses far exceeding the exposure of the woman who colours her hair every six weeks.

The chemicals in both semi-permanent and permanent colours are not highly toxic in small doses applied externally. These chemicals have been used for a great deal of time, and no investigations show they cause defects in unborn children, so colouring your hair during pregnancy is may be safe. Of course if you follow the safety instructions for application and are familiar with the MSDS (ie: using gloves in a well-ventilated room, and not exceeding application f times), you don’t really absorb much of the chemicals into your body Only a small amount will enter your blood stream, About 60% of the variety of colour ingredients are absorbed in small quantities when using a high volume developer above 6%.

A great alternative you might consider is foils, balayage, or Cap highlights your hair. You absorb hair colouring agents into your system through your scalp, not through your hair folicle. So, most highlighting procedures only allow you to only contact the product while it is rinsed off. Thus reducing the time of exposure to your skin and diluting the products during the contact time.

This does not prevent any of the inhalation exposure and if the area is poorly ventilated or irritating your eyes or nose even if you are finding it unpleasant the airflow or exhaust is most likely insufficient.

Some experts recommend henna or vegetable dyes as a good alternative to synthetic chemical agents during pregnancy one of the best professional products is made by farouk systems “Chi” which has been rated by the US body the FDA as one of the safest professional hair dyes.

Something to observe is the packaging on home brand or DIY colours these dyes also contain many of the same synthetic chemical compounds that the major cosmetic companies put in their hair dyes and they will have a trade marked name that implies a natural colour, so read the ingredients to be sure. Pure henna, which comes in reds and browns, is an exception. Henna is a semi-permanent vegetable dye considered to be very safe, though not everyone loves the results like poor coverage of grey hair or a lengthy application process and processing time!

It’s important for you feel good about your pregnancy and that you are happy with the choices you have for your baby while he or she is growing. Whether its colouring your hair to make you feel brighter or getting a facial it is best not cause yourself stress for nine months find something you enjoy that you are satisfied is safe. If it is important to you, seek advice from professionals like your OBGYN or GP, your hairdresser may have their own motivation. So read a few articles speak to a knowledgeable professional but make a decision for yourself and enjoy this time.

Source by Luka Botic

Raising Crickets for Fun and Profit

Crickets are one of the most popular foods for your reptiles and amphibian pets. They move around really fast and grab your pet’s attention. Crickets are very nutritious and you can provide your pets with as many as they can eat.

Adult crickets grow to around one inch in length. Male crickets are smaller than the females and can be spotted easily in a colony as they are the ones making the noise. You can tell the female crickets by their ovipositor i.e. a long needle like structure which is used to lay eggs.

I have raised crickets a number of times and found out these basic tips that will help you grow your own.

· Crickets need warmth.

· Crickets need food and water.

· Crickets need a place to lay eggs.

First thing you need is a container to store and breed your crickets; this can be a plastic storage container with a snap on lid. Take the lid and cut some 3 to 5 inch square holes out of it and hot glue some screen over the holes, this will provide ventilation for your crickets. Use some ground up corn cobs as a substrate for your habitat and put about an inch of this in your container.

Place your container in a warm area; you may have to provide something to warm them. Crickets like to be at about 85 degrees.

Make your own watering dish this can be as easy as a plastic lid from a peanut butter jar, cut a sponge to fit inside of the lid and soak it with water. You will have to add some water every couple of days.

Crickets need protein to eat, I would feed my crickets cheap dog food, corn meal and oat meal. Your crickets will also need some fruits and vegetables you can chop up some apples, carrots, celery, lettuce, and even potatoes for them to eat. Keep citrus away from your crickets.

Set up some egg laying containers for their habitat, use some foam egg crates not the paper ones; fill a couple egg holes with sand at least 1 inch deep. You need to keep the sand damp but not wet and the female crickets will lay eggs in the sand. Place these in the habitat where you can get to them and keep them damp. Place some other egg cartons in the container for the crickets to hide under and to explore.

Give them a few weeks to deposit their eggs and remember to keep the sand damp. You can move these egg laying areas into a new container and keep them warm and the baby crickets will hatch. Make sure the babies can get some water and food by burying your dishes level with the substrate.

When the babies hatch they will be just a miniature version of the adults. They will shed their skins a couple of times and sometimes you may even see a white one or two and this is normal.

Keep some crickets of different ages in separate containers and you shouldn’t run out of fresh crickets for your pets.

Source by Forrest Ketner

What Is Plugmold? An Introduction to Multioutlet Assembly

Those who are not inclined towards electrical repairs or handyman work do not know what plugmold is. Technically, Plugmold is a product line under the Wiremold Company, which manufactures and designs wire and cable management solution. For handyman or electricians, plugmold is just a strip of outlets.

Many people might have seen a plugmold before but they do not know what is plugmold? and just perceived it as an ordinary outlets. What is plugmold? and the advantages of having one installed on your office or home will be discussed in this article.

What is plugmold? and its uses?

In residential use, plugmold is commonly found on the kitchen where it usually replaced conventional outlets that can disrupt the backsplash. Plugmolds can be mounted on that of the backsplash or just under the cabinets where it is hidden or out of sight. Some electricians install plugmolds on the bottom where the backsplash and the counter meet to hide the dangling cords.

Plugmolds are also known as plug strips or as referred to by the Code, multioutlet assemblies. In school, laboratories, and like locations, plugmolds are commonly installed to ease away from extension cords and to provide convenient plug outlets when it is needed. The set of outlets can be spaced quite close together, in regular intervals, and saves time compared to other installation methods. Computer rooms where several computers must be used at the same time use plugmolds as outlets. Plugmolds allow you to install 6 to 10 outlets in any place that you need them.

What is plugmold? Commercial and industrial use

Plugmolds can be used in electrical or appliance stores where plenty of outlets are needed. For example, a store has lamps that need to be plugged and turned on/off all at once to show to customers. Plugmolds can also be used in industrial applications. An example is a repair shop where several soldering tools are used. Plugmolds allow these tools to be turned on simultaneously without using extension wires or interruption. It saves time and serves as a convenient outlet for the employees.

While you do might not need an electrical permit to install plugmolds, you must still refer to the National Electrical Code or NEC. There you can research about what is plugmold? and what it says about Wiremold and multioutlet assemblies. While the NEC permits surface metal raceways or multioutlet assemblies, there are still limitations on how many appliances you can plugged on plugmolds. The number of appliances are affected by the ampere and voltage rating of the appliances, and the size of wire you used in your plugmolds’ assembly.

If you intend to install plugmolds or multioutlet assemblies on your homes, call a local electrician or refer to the installation guide. Plugmolds can also be bought in two sets: a self contained strip that are easy to install, and a hard wire strip which can be fed with wire mold metal surface raceways. The self-contained strip comes with a protective built-in circuit breaker to avoid overloading the circuit.

Source by EM August

Features of a Good Bird House

Whether you buy a bird house from a retail outlet or make your own, several factors increase the likelihood of successful fledging. Some bird box designs are known to improve the likelihood of brood success while others may contribute to the unfortunate demise of the nestlings. A good quality bird house should have each of the following characteristics.

1. Fledgling ladder or textured front wall

Inside the front wall of every bird house, nestlings need a ladder or textured surface to dig their tiny claws into. They must be able to climb to the entry hole in order to fledge. If your bird houses are made of very smooth materials, it will be necessary to etch horizontal grooves, forming a ‘ladder’ for the fledglings to climb. Simply gouge tiny lines about 1/2″ to 1″ apart, using a chisel, wood carving knife, or other similar instrument, in a horizontal pattern from the bottom of the box to the entry hole. You can also attach a 4″ x 4″ square piece of window screen or other fine mesh using wood staples or carpenters’ glue. Just be sure the mesh is not too rough and that staples don’t protrude. If you use glue, be sure it’s completely dry before allowing birds to occupy the house.

2. Smooth and safe entry holes

Birds are diligent about keeping their feathers in excellent condition. Their lives depend on it. If the entry hole is jagged or has any sharp protrusions, this will damage feathers each time a bird enters or exits the box. Run your fingertip around the entry hole of your bird house. If you feel any rough spots, sand them off with fine-grain sandpaper. This should be done every year when you clean out the old nest. If the entry hole has been compromised by a squirrel, you may be able to affix a hole guard over top. These can be purchased or made in your own shop simply by cutting a thin square of wood and drilling the appropriately sized hole inside it. Attach the guard over the old, damaged hole with screws, being careful to keep screws from penetrating to the inside of the box, where they can present a feather hazard. Alternatively, you can attach the guard with carpenters’ glue.

3. Ventilation & Drainage holes

Without a flow of air, bird boxes can become too hot or the air may not be healthy for young birds to breathe. The entry hole itself does not provide enough fresh air so you need to add a few ventilation holes if they are lacking in your design. Ventilation holes should be located near the top of the box, preferably under the protective lip of an overhanging lid.

If the nest box has holes in the bottom, those are not for ventilation; they are for drainage. These too are essential. Drainage holes prevent boxes from filling with rain and help keep nests dry if they become damp. Some species, like bluebirds, don’t mind if their nests become wet periodically. Check for holes in the floor of the box. They may be located in the middle or at the corners. If there are no drainage holes, make some with a drill. Drainage holes can be 1/8″ to 1/4″ in diameter. Sometimes holes will become clogged with nest debris so be sure there are enough holes to allow for that possibility.

4. Properly sealed roof seams

A good bird house design should not have leaky roof seams but don’t despair if you have one that does. If there is a roof seam that allows water in, it may be okay for bluebirds, providing only a few drops of water get in during a heavy rain storm. However, if a lot of rain gets in, the box may fill faster than it drains, drowning or chilling the unfortunate nestlings. Inspect roof seams for potential leaks and fill them with a bead of exterior grade caulking. Be absolutely sure, caulking is completely dry before putting it outside. If a bird gets caulking materials or glue stuck to its feet or feathers, it may result in death.

5. Human Access for Cleaning

All bird houses should be properly maintained. This can usually be done once a year, after the fledglings have left. In order to do this, you need to gain access to the interior of the box, without having to take it apart or break it. Some decorative bird houses may not have this feature as they are purchased more for ornamentation than for practical purposes. The best designs open on the sides or the front. This is easier for you and the least hazardous for wild birds. Where the floor of the box is the access point, there is a risk of it opening accidentally and dislodging the occupants. Where the entry is the roof, there is greater risk of the occupants getting wet in a major rain storm, though this is easily prevented by following the steps in #4 above.

Source by Dianne Wittner

Ceiling Fans and Their Benefits

Ceiling fans today can do so much more than what they were able to do years ago. This ceiling gadget regulates the air temperature while adding an aesthetic quality to a room. There are types of this fan that also come with a lamp or lamps, making it a truly multi-purpose accessory.

During the warmer months, this fan is able to provide cool air and balance the temperature inside your home. It can do this function on its own or as a perfect partner of an air conditioning system. An air conditioner’s role is only to bring in cold air, but a ceiling fan helps spread out evenly that cool air throughout the room. The fan lets you lessen your use of an air conditioner, giving you a more energy-efficient home. Aside from this, it can also help you keep your house warm by pushing the warm air down from the ceiling. This helps you bring down your usage of your heating system, leaving you with lower heating expenses.

To do these two functions, you only need to control the direction of the fan blade’s rotation. The counter-clockwise direction provides the cool air you need for the summer or the warm season. Reversing the fan’s direction will produce the updraft needed to bring down the heat coming from the ceiling. This is what you need to use when the chill sets in.

As a result, these fans also give you health benefits. Possible harmful traces of chemicals won’t accumulate in your home since the fan helps circulate the air inside. Indoor air that’s not recycled is said to be more dangerous to your health compared to the air outside.

Let’s just face it. Air conditioners aren’t the best-looking appliances in a home. Ceiling fans, however, come in different designs. You’ll surely find one that will even enhance your interiors. The blades alone can be made of various materials – metal, wood, and wood-plastic combination. They can have a brass finish or natural wood stain. They also come in different shapes, from the usual long blades to the exotic palm fans.

These are just some of the reasons why a ceiling fan would be a good option for your house. If you think you want to have one, check the measurements of your room or area before shopping. This will help you determine the type of ceiling fan you need to buy.

Source by Frances Roy

Glue Lined Heat Shrink – Advantages and Applications

Adhesive lined heat shrink tubing, commonly known as glue lined tubing, has all the advantages of traditional heat shrink but with one other important feature; a layer of thermoplastic adhesive. The tubing is made with a Polyolefin outer tubing coupled with a hot-melt adhesive inner lining. This layer of glue enables the tubing to offer a better seal and adhesion.

The different properties inherent in glue lined heat shrink tubing make it better suited to certain applications and environments than the standard tubing

Firstly, it is considerably thicker than normal heatshrink. Obviously this precludes it from being used in more precise applications, but means it offers a secure and more permanent method of insulating heavier cables.

Obviously this means it is far less flexible than the standard stuff, and because of this rigidity, it won’t coil with the wire like smaller standard heatshrink. Again, this reinforces its use in heavier electrical installations.

Glue lined heat shrink tubing lends itself well to certain environments and is widely used in marine applications. Because of its superior sealant properties, it is ideal for insulating and sealing electrical and mechanical components against water and moisture. It’s also ideal for effective moisture-resistant insulation of electrical connections and splices.

For instance, when repairing electrical equipment on a boat, a butt connector is often used. These connectors help maximise current flow and protect against corrosion but also use glue-lined tubing to seal out the water. And this sturdy tubing also has the added advantage of relieving some mechanical strain.

As well as the marine industry, adhesive lined heat shrink tubing is widely used in the automotive and electrical industries. Applications include general electrical insulation, mechanical protection and harness/cable bundling. The tubing can be supplied as a continuous product or can be cut into lengths and even printed.

Source by Rick Lees

Heat Gun Safety Checklist – How Not To Burn Yourself

The multi-utilitarian heat gun is an extremely popular tool used in crafts, construction, the automotive industry and much more. To work the heat gun efficiently and safely, the instructions must be read thoroughly. Heat guns eject hot air which may even reach 1300° F; hence it is crucial to understand how to operate the heat gun so that precaution may be taken against the risk of serious burns.

Heat guns are generally held in one hand while the other hand can be used to complete the task that is being undertaken. A mandatory safety measure is to wear gloves that provide protection from accidental burns. The gloves used should be able to resist burns and guard the hands from the hot air that blasts from the nozzle as it can easily be misdirected.

Heat guns are often used to soften matter so that it can be molded into any shape desired or stuck to another object. During the heating process usually a lot of dangerous fumes are emitted so a well ventilated work area is essential. When painting or using adhesives most people forget the hazards of toxic fumes produced by these materials when they get hot. Hence a well ventilated room is desirable.

If the heat gun is used recklessly it may cause the handler severe burns. The heat gun may look like a hair dryer but is definitely not one, so it should never be directed at hair, skin or clothing for any cause. The heat gun must be handled with intense care and constant attention must be given to where the hot air is being directed otherwise it could lead to fatal accidents.

If one uses the heat gun responsibly then this tool can provide an immense number of benefits from its various uses. While using the heat gun you must be alert and agile because you do not want to end up with burns neither would you like your object to be burnt.

Source by Dixita Dutt

Car AC System Check Up Tips

It’s hard to even imagine the days when most cars didn’t have air conditioning. They have become a necessary item, especially during the hot summer months. Since you never want to have a broken car air conditioner, here are some tips to follow:

1. Buy a recharging kit

When an air conditioner stops working, sometimes it just needs to be “re-charged”. If you’re handy enough, a recharging kit allows you to fix the problem yourself and can be found at auto stores or most department stores.

2. Remember eye safety

If you’re going to try and repair an air conditioner on your own, always wear goggles. When dealing with car liquids, you never know what can end up going where and you don’t want to get any dangerous liquids in your eye because it could cause serious damage.

3. Check for refrigerant

This should be the first thing to check on when the air conditioner isn’t running properly. If there is no refrigerant, it won’t cool.

4. Check for leaks

There is no point in recharging an air conditioning system if there is a leak. Depending on the size of the leak, you may not even notice it for months until the system stops cooling.

5. Watch the AC Condenser

If the AC Condenser is dirty on the outside or clogged on the inside it’ll have a hard time keeping the refrigerant cool on a hot day.

6. Get it checked by a trusted mechanic

You should always keep up with scheduled maintenance on your car, but it’s a smart idea to have a mechanic check out the air conditioner at the start of summer just to be on the safe side. Some mechanics will offer this service for free so ask around.

7. Watch for water

Water should drain outside of the car after it’s parked when using an air conditioner. If there is water inside of the vehicle that means the drain is clogged.

8. Listen for noises

You shouldn’t hear any rattling or vibrating when using an air conditioner. Something could be obstructing the blower fan which will cause the AC to not work properly.

9. Use your nose

The AC shouldn’t smell like mildew. If it does, mold could be growing inside of the system and it isn’t healthy to breath in that air. A car service repair shop can clean it to eliminate the issue.

Some car AC problems are just too complicated to fix. For safety purposes, don’t try and fix something on your own if you aren’t exactly sure what you are doing. It can end up causing more harm than good.

Source by Dan Tole