Category Blog

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

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

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

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

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

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