What you need to know about TV power consumption

How much does it cost to run your TV? The answer may surprise you.

by David Katzmaier

This 65-inch plasma is the most power-hungry TV we've ever tested. It uses $6.77 per month in electricity.

(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)

Since 2011 the FTC has required that every TV display a yellow and black Energy Guide label estimating how much it costs to run for a year. The label assumes a price for electricity (11 cents/kWh) and a baseline usage (5 hours per day).

The cost is tiny. A typical label can read anywhere from $6 for 32-inch LEDs to $38 for 65-inch plasmas (PDF). Per year. That's from 50 cents to $3.18 per month. If that's the definition of chump change to you, you're probably not alone.

That's the primary reason I stopped widely testing TV power consumption a couple of years ago (plasmas are the exception; I still test consumption by those). Simply put, TV manufacturers have done a good-enough job of managing TV power that the operating cost became negligible. And once people realize how cheap even the biggest TVs are to run, energy use largely stops being a factor in the purchasing decision.

Here's the official Energy Guide label for a 65-inch 2013 plasma TV. Your mileage may vary.

(Credit: ABT.com)

Of course, there's a bit more to it than that. I like to think of the Energy Guide number as the minimum it'll cost to run the TV. It's determined using the default picture settings, which are often (especially on plasma TVs) dimmer than what people end up using at home. Since most TVs' default picture settings incorporate a room lighting sensor, watching in a bright room may in turn automatically make the image brighter and thus use more power.

You may also watch for longer than 5 hours per day or live in an area where electricity is more expensive. Residential energy prices vary widely according to season and state. Connecticut residents, who pay the most in the U.S., should probably tack an extra couple of bucks on to the sticker figure.

But even if you double the figures on the Energy Guide label, even the largest, least efficient TVs still cost less per month than a decent lunch. The most power-hungry TV I've recently tested,Panasonic's 65-inch TC-P65VT50, costs about $81 per year, or $6.77 per month. And that'safter calibrating the picture so it's suitable for viewing in moderate lighting.

Here's a list of various recent TVs we measured for power use after calibration. They appear in order of how much they cost in electricity, assuming the same per-kWh cost and usage as the Energy Guide labels.

Eco-minded TV shopping tips

Are you still concerned about how much juice your next TV will use? Here are a few tips on how to keep the power bills very slightly lower, and do something to help the environment, while you watch TV.

• Buy an LED TV. They use one-half to one-quarter the power of a comparably sized plasma. Some LEDs are more efficient than others; local-dimming models, for example, can use less power. Look for Energy Star's Most Efficient designation for the most miserly.
• Buy a smaller TV. A 32-inch LED TV uses about half the energy of a 60-incher.
• Watch with a dimmer picture. Light output is the largest factor in how much power a given TV uses. Try turning down the backlight control or engaging the power-saver setting.
• Watch less TV. In case you're wondering, TV "standby" power use amounts to pennies per year.

How big a TV should I buy?

Wondering what size TV to get? Wonder no longer.

by Geoffrey Morrison

Most people sit about 9 feet from their TV. THX recommends a display that fills 40 degrees of your field of vision.

(Credit: Geoffrey Morrison)

How big a TV should you buy? 37? 42? 50? 65? 90? There's a TV in nearly every size you can want, and at nearly every budget.

As long as you're not limited by a cabinet or entertainment center, you can probably get a bigger TV than you're figuring. Possibly, a lot bigger.

Here's how to figure out how big you can go.

The short answer: as big as you can afford. The longer answer depends on your room, your seating distance, your eyes, and the acceptance of any cohabitating co-deciders.

Recommended
There is a direct correlation between recommended screen size and seating distance. The farther away you sit, obviously, the smaller your TV appears. The ideal is to have a screen that fills a certain amount of your field of view, though how much is "ideal" is up for debate.

THX recommends, for example, a viewing angle of 40 degrees, to create "an immersive cinematic experience." What does 40 degrees mean to those of us who love math in theory but not in practice? Skip the protractor, and multiply your seating distance (in inches or centimeters) by 0.84. This gets you the recommended screen diagonal.

For example, most people sit about 9 feet (108 inches) from their TV, so THX recommends a screen size of around 90 inches diagonal for that distance. That means the 55-inch you're looking at is not "too big," at least as far as THX is concerned. They realize, though, that not everyone has the space (or desire) for a TV that big, so they also recommend something in the 60-inch range for seating distances up to 9 feet.

SMPTE recommends 30 degrees, obviously quite a bit smaller. To match their recommendation, multiply your seating distance by 0.625. So given our 9-foot example, that means a TV around 68 inches (so a 65- or 70-inch model would work).

SMPTE recommends a display that fills 30 degrees of your field of vision.

(Credit: Geoffrey Morrison)

CNET, when this topic was covered last, recommended no closer than 1.5 times the screen diagonal, or 0.667 times your seating distance. This allows for a slightly larger TV than the SMPTE recommendation, with a "maximum" screen size of 72 inches (again, 70-inch models are the closest) for a 9-foot viewing distance.

While these are good guidelines, I think they need to be taken as the recommendations they are, not any sort of steadfast rules. It's far too easy to get caught up in a numbers game when the reality is far more complex. There are additional factors in play than this-times-that-means-this would seem.

Beyond the "rules"
Two factors come into play when you're talking about maximum screen size: resolution and room domination. Most TVs now are 1080p, and that's a lot of pixels. Even at the largest flat panel screen sizes available today, you're not going to see pixels sitting at 9 feet. If the TV (orprojector) isn't very good, you might see other artifacts like video noise or dithering, but you're not likely to see pixels. If you're sitting closer to such a large TV, pixels may start getting visible, but you'd have to be sitting awfully close. This is one of the reasons I said Ultra HD 4K TVs are stupid, and why there are at least three TV improvements more worthwhile than Ultra HD 4K, and there's more math in that both articles about what resolution the human eye can actually see.

The short version is: extremely large TVs may not look quite as good when you're sitting really close to them, as you're seeing more than they were designed for you to see. That isn't to say they'll be "unwatchable" close-up, they just may not look as good as if you were sitting farther away. This is especially true if you're not always watching a pristine source like Blu-ray. Check out When HD isn't HD for more on the lesser sources that will look really bad on a huge TV.

The other factor, room domination, is completely subjective. How big does a TV have to get in your room before it becomes the only thing in the room (either figuratively, or literally).

If you have any doubts, I'd recommend taping off or cutting out cardboard in the size of the TV you're thinking about, and seeing how it fares in your room. Know that once it's actually in there, it will be way more awesome than cardboard, and likely seem way, way bigger. It certainly depends on your room, decor, and overall spousal tolerance/enthusiasm.

If you think you might be sitting close enough to see pixels (or are curious if you are), check out this 4K Calculator and put in your viewing distance, screen size, and your vision (20/20, etc).

Beyond the beyond: What's possible
I'll be honest, I don't subscribe to any of the established "rules" for viewing distance and screen size. I think the SMPTE and the lesser THX numbers are too TV-biased. I think they vastly underestimate what's easily possible with modern technology, for those that want more.

I sit 9 feet from a 102-inch screen. That's just the 16x9 portion. The full screen is 2.35:1, and 128 inches diagonal. With a 1080p projector, I can just barely make out pixels when I expand a 1080p projector to the full width of the screen. Watching TV this size is addictive, and I love it.

I mention this as proof you can go much larger than most people figure is possible.

Do you want to? Well, that's an entirely different question. I find the larger screen sizes easier on the eyes, as more of your field of view is taken up with the roughly uniform brightness of the screen. In an otherwise dark room, your pupils are more naturally closed to the amount of light thanks to the big screen.

Conversely, I find watching a small screen in a dark room more fatiguing, as your pupils are more open (because of the dark room) with this one annoying pinprick of bright light (the TV).Many people complain about headaches when they watch TV in a dark room. One possible cause is the 50+ footlamberts from a TV (or more with LCDs) taking up a tiny fraction of your field of view. Think about when someone shines a flashlight in your eyes when you've been in the dark for an hour. With a projector, you've got 25 ftL or so over a huge swath of your vision.

True, bias lights, leaving room lights on, and turning down an LCD's backlight can minimize fatigue as well or better than a big screen, but I like watching TV in a dark room. To each their own.

Bottom line
Of course, the ultimate decision is one of personal preference. My goal here was to point out a rough idea of what is possible and/or recommended. For me, I would always err on the side of "too big." My opinion is that a 42-inch TV is too small for most rooms. That's not to say I think everyone should get a 102-inch screen, but the reality is a 42-inch flat panel is not really appreciably larger than the 36-inch CRTs of the old days (different aspect ratios notwithstanding). With great 50-inch TVs available for $500, that's where I'd look at first if I were shopping for a TV.

If you want to go really big, like an 85-inch TV or projection, only then should you think about 4K (unless you're sitting really close, like under 6 feet). Since there's still a lot of potential issues with HDMI 2.0 adoption, I'd be wary of 4K at all right now.

How to use the PS4 Controller in Windows with XBOX Controller XInput Games

Unlike using the PS3 controller in Windows, the PS4 controller is supported by the OS easily with basic DirectInput drivers.

Unfortunately, not a lot of modern games use DirectInput for controller support anymore. Instead, they use XInput, the API that is easily ported from XBOX games. Furthermore, the button and control axis are reversed or incorrect using the standard API.

Luckily there is an easy way to get your PS4 controller to work in Windows games that use XInput.

1. Download this file and extract it to a permanent location
2. Run ScpDriver.exe from the “Virtual Bus Driver” folder and click install
3. It should show that Bus Device and Bus Driver are installed
4. Connect your PS4 controller through bluetooth or USB
   1. To pair on Bluetooth, hold the Connect + Share button on the controller. You will be able to pair the device using your standard Bluetooth control
5. Start ScpServer.exe
6. If you see the message Controller : UPP_Worker_Thread Starting, it is confirmed to be working
7. To make sure it is working, check Devices and Printers. It should show up as an XBOX 360 controller

This software supports up to 4 controllers connected at one time.

Requirements:

• Microsoft .NET 4.0
• Visual C 2010 Runtime
• Latest DirectX Runtime

How To Configure Remote Desktop Access on Windows 7 Systems

Remote Desktop is not enabled by default. You must specifically enable it to allow remote access to the workstation. When it is enabled, any member of the Administrators group can connect to the workstation. Other users must be placed on a remote access list to gain access to the workstation. 

To configure remote access, follow these steps: 
1. In Control Panel, click System And Security, and then click System. 
2. On the System page, click Remote Settings in the left pane. This opens the System Properties dialog box to the Remote tab. 
3. To disable Remote Desktop, select Don’t Allow Connections To This Computer, and then click OK.Skip the remaining steps. 
4. To enable Remote Desktop, you have two options. You can:

• Select Allow Connections From Computers Running Any Version Of Remote Desktop to allow connections from any version of Windows.
• Select Allow Connections Only From Computers Running Remote Desktop With Network Level Authentication to allow connections only from Windows 7 or later computers (and computers with secure network authentication).

5. Click Select Users. This displays the Remote Desktop Users dialog box. 
6. To grant Remote Desktop access to a user, click Add. This opens the Select Users dialog box. In the Select Users dialog box, click Locations to select the computer or domain in which the users you want to work with are located. Type the name of a user you want to work with in the Enter The Object Names To Select field, and then click Check Names. If matches are found, select the account you want to use and then click OK. If no matches are found, update the name you entered and try searching again. Repeat this step as necessary, and then click OK. 
7. To revoke remote access permissions for a user account, select the account and then click Remove.
8. Click OK twice when you have finished. 

Windows Firewall must be configured to allow inbound Remote Desktop excep¬tions. You can configure this on a per-computer basis in Windows Firewall for the domain profile and the standard profile. In Group Policy, you can configure this exception and manage Remote Desktop by using the policy settings shown in the following list. These settings are found in the Administrative Templates policies for Computer Configuration under the path shown. 

How to activate hibernation mode in Windows 7 and 8

For some inexplicable reason, most versions of Windows 7 and 8 don't allow you to put your PC or Laptop into hibernation mode by default. However, what isn't yet may well still be: Here's how you can (re)activate this handy feature
.

In most cases, the main culprit for the lack of a hibernate button in the power menu is revealed to be the so-called hybrid sleep mode – an enhanced version of the normal sleep mode that combines all its normal characteristics with an additional routine that copies the content of the RAM onto the hard drive to safeguard it from power-outages. As long as this mode is active, Windows seems to consider the hibernation mode redundant in spite of its energy-saving benefits, so that it doesn't even bother offering the option for it.

To deactivate the hybrid sleep mode, 

1. open up your control panel and 

2. navigate along the path "Power options >  Change plan settings > Change advanced power settings > Sleep > Allow hybrid sleep". 

3. Change the setting from "On" to "Off", close the windows by clicking on OK and you should be all set. 

4. Make sure to check your shutdown menu to see whether or not an option for hibernation mode is now available.

If not, you might have to enable the corresponding system entry for hibernation mode manually. Fortunately, this doesn't pose much of a problem: 

1. Hold down the Windows-key + R and type in "cmd" to bring up the command prompt. 

2. Enter "powercfg –h on" to force Windows to activate it.

10 Creative Ways to Find the Right Exterior Home Color

Trying to choose the right exterior home color – 10 tips to help.

Whether you know it or not, the exterior of your home is an extension of your home’s personality and what it “says” to the neighborhood. Depending on what exterior amenities, architectural details and color you choose can help your home shine in its best light. If you have been looking at the exterior of your home and thinking it could use a facelift – adding color is one of the most affordable and eye-catching ways to make a big impact. From adding curb appeal to your exterior home, to creating a statement, finding the right exterior color can be made easier with these 10 creative tips.

1. Assess your home’s personality:

Similar to your favorite wardrobe style your home has a personality. It can be shaped by the neighborhood, your family lifestyle or the geographic location you live in. Choosing an exterior color should reflect its personality of being stately – with a refined and subdued color palette or it can be young and hip with trendy colors that are out of the box. Determine how you want your home to feel and look and let it guide’s its color personality.

Use your home’s architectural style to help you decide on colors

2. Take color cues from your home’s architecture:

The beauty of architectural elements are the ability to use character, details, texture and colors to showcase an era of your home that is unique to your home and neighborhood. If your home is an old world Tuscan or Mediterranean inspired villa – weathered whites, terra cotta oranges and sun-kissed brown details are ideal for barrel tile roof and trim details.

Choose exterior colors based on building material options

3. Use nature as backdrop for color selections

The surroundings of your home can impact your exterior color selection in a beautiful way! Beach homes, mountain homes and tropical inspired homes have nature to draw inspiration from. Use colors found around your home – beach homes can take cues from the sand, water and sky with beautiful pale shades of white, tan, blues, and pale green and yellows.

Choose exterior colors that speaks to your home’s history

4. Recreate an exterior from past vacation memories

For many homeowners drawing color inspiration from travel can inspire exterior colors that are creative and unique. If your trip to a tropical getaway was fun, why not use these colors at your native home? Many island homes use bright and whimsical colors such as turquoise, peach, sunny yellow, coral, and lavender for their exterior homes. While you may love them in small amounts, remember ultimately your home should still look great amongst neighboring homes.

5. Use historical character for exterior color ideas

If you live in a historic Victorian home or in a aged Tudor style home, you know that keeping true to the historical character of your home’s original colors is essential. While your home may be hundreds of years old you may not be able to know off-hand what colors where native to your home and surrounding homes. If your city has a Chamber of Commerce or historical architectural organization you may be able to research exterior colors for your neighborhood. Also look to paint manufacturers that feature historical color palettes that are pre-selected. This can take the guesswork out of choosing the right exterior house colors from generations in the past.

Seek inspiration for exterior colors from past vacations memories

6. Let your choice of exterior color help guide your color options

Exterior cladding or the material you use on the exterior of you home can take much of the guesswork out of choosing exterior colors. Brick, siding, stucco/plaster and concrete all have unique qualities for each type of material. Choose a material that represents your style and works well with the climate of your home. You will be surprised that brick can come in colors as light as whitish yellow all the way to the darkest of charcoal gray! Find a material you love and then look at the color options based on the finish you are looking for.

Choose exterior colors that enhance your home’s surroundings

7. Landscape color can enhance your exterior house colors

Similarly to architectural trim and details the landscaping around your home can enhance your home’s color selection. Curb appeal is essential and to make a great impression coordinating bright flowers with a more subdued color palette on your home can be ideal or vice versa. If you have gorgeous vistas and plenty of beautiful foliage decide how you can play up the red brick or hunter green siding on your exterior home. If you’re not sure what colors to choose for landscaping, take pictures of your outdoor home with you to your local nursery and ask a garden expert for advice!

Use landscaping to enhance colors of your exterior home

8. Exterior house colors should use architectural details for impact

While you may only think of the field color or the majority of the exterior walls as the color of choice, remember the smaller details of the home can be the crowing glory when it comes to color selection. Window and door trim, roof and eave colors, gutter and downspouts can be painted or gorgeous copper gutters have a beautiful patina as well. Decide if you want a high-contrast to your home’s trim and accent colors or if you prefer a more unified color approach. Either way, don’t overlook the simplicity yet effectiveness in choosing exterior trim detail colors.

9. Choose exterior colors that are appealing at all times

While you may not realize it, your exterior home is viewed in the daytime but also when the sun is setting and in the evening hours. Therefore, choosing a color that is camouflaged amongst your surrounding landscaping may not be a wise choice. Many mountain homes that lie amongst evergreen trees try to stay away from all-green exterior colors to make their home stand out amongst the background. Natural wood siding that is stained is common amongst mountain homes to give a rustic yet still defined exterior appearance.

Choose a color palette that is inviting in the day and evening

10. Blend in with your neighbors

Your neighborhood most likely has a color scheme influence already set in place. Whether you are a new neighborhood that a developer has created or you have an older home – walk around your neighborhood and assess existing homes. Look to see if your neighbors have coordinating styles or if they are all custom colors that don’t harmonize. The key to choosing exterior house colors is to be unique in your selections but still blend in beautifully with neighboring homes.

10 Creative Ways to Find the Right Exterior Home Color

Trying to choose the right exterior home color – 10 tips to help.

Whether you know it or not, the exterior of your home is an extension of your home’s personality and what it “says” to the neighborhood. Depending on what exterior amenities, architectural details and color you choose can help your home shine in its best light. If you have been looking at the exterior of your home and thinking it could use a facelift – adding color is one of the most affordable and eye-catching ways to make a big impact. From adding curb appeal to your exterior home, to creating a statement, finding the right exterior color can be made easier with these 10 creative tips.

1. Assess your home’s personality:

Similar to your favorite wardrobe style your home has a personality. It can be shaped by the neighborhood, your family lifestyle or the geographic location you live in. Choosing an exterior color should reflect its personality of being stately – with a refined and subdued color palette or it can be young and hip with trendy colors that are out of the box. Determine how you want your home to feel and look and let it guide’s its color personality.

Use your home’s architectural style to help you decide on colors

2. Take color cues from your home’s architecture:

The beauty of architectural elements are the ability to use character, details, texture and colors to showcase an era of your home that is unique to your home and neighborhood. If your home is an old world Tuscan or Mediterranean inspired villa – weathered whites, terra cotta oranges and sun-kissed brown details are ideal for barrel tile roof and trim details.

Choose exterior colors based on building material options

3. Use nature as backdrop for color selections

The surroundings of your home can impact your exterior color selection in a beautiful way! Beach homes, mountain homes and tropical inspired homes have nature to draw inspiration from. Use colors found around your home – beach homes can take cues from the sand, water and sky with beautiful pale shades of white, tan, blues, and pale green and yellows.

Choose exterior colors that speaks to your home’s history

4. Recreate an exterior from past vacation memories

For many homeowners drawing color inspiration from travel can inspire exterior colors that are creative and unique. If your trip to a tropical getaway was fun, why not use these colors at your native home? Many island homes use bright and whimsical colors such as turquoise, peach, sunny yellow, coral, and lavender for their exterior homes. While you may love them in small amounts, remember ultimately your home should still look great amongst neighboring homes.

5. Use historical character for exterior color ideas

If you live in a historic Victorian home or in a aged Tudor style home, you know that keeping true to the historical character of your home’s original colors is essential. While your home may be hundreds of years old you may not be able to know off-hand what colors where native to your home and surrounding homes. If your city has a Chamber of Commerce or historical architectural organization you may be able to research exterior colors for your neighborhood. Also look to paint manufacturers that feature historical color palettes that are pre-selected. This can take the guesswork out of choosing the right exterior house colors from generations in the past.

Seek inspiration for exterior colors from past vacations memories

6. Let your choice of exterior color help guide your color options

Exterior cladding or the material you use on the exterior of you home can take much of the guesswork out of choosing exterior colors. Brick, siding, stucco/plaster and concrete all have unique qualities for each type of material. Choose a material that represents your style and works well with the climate of your home. You will be surprised that brick can come in colors as light as whitish yellow all the way to the darkest of charcoal gray! Find a material you love and then look at the color options based on the finish you are looking for.

Choose exterior colors that enhance your home’s surroundings

7. Landscape color can enhance your exterior house colors

Similarly to architectural trim and details the landscaping around your home can enhance your home’s color selection. Curb appeal is essential and to make a great impression coordinating bright flowers with a more subdued color palette on your home can be ideal or vice versa. If you have gorgeous vistas and plenty of beautiful foliage decide how you can play up the red brick or hunter green siding on your exterior home. If you’re not sure what colors to choose for landscaping, take pictures of your outdoor home with you to your local nursery and ask a garden expert for advice!

Use landscaping to enhance colors of your exterior home

8. Exterior house colors should use architectural details for impact

While you may only think of the field color or the majority of the exterior walls as the color of choice, remember the smaller details of the home can be the crowing glory when it comes to color selection. Window and door trim, roof and eave colors, gutter and downspouts can be painted or gorgeous copper gutters have a beautiful patina as well. Decide if you want a high-contrast to your home’s trim and accent colors or if you prefer a more unified color approach. Either way, don’t overlook the simplicity yet effectiveness in choosing exterior trim detail colors.

9. Choose exterior colors that are appealing at all times

While you may not realize it, your exterior home is viewed in the daytime but also when the sun is setting and in the evening hours. Therefore, choosing a color that is camouflaged amongst your surrounding landscaping may not be a wise choice. Many mountain homes that lie amongst evergreen trees try to stay away from all-green exterior colors to make their home stand out amongst the background. Natural wood siding that is stained is common amongst mountain homes to give a rustic yet still defined exterior appearance.

Choose a color palette that is inviting in the day and evening

10. Blend in with your neighbors

Your neighborhood most likely has a color scheme influence already set in place. Whether you are a new neighborhood that a developer has created or you have an older home – walk around your neighborhood and assess existing homes. Look to see if your neighbors have coordinating styles or if they are all custom colors that don’t harmonize. The key to choosing exterior house colors is to be unique in your selections but still blend in beautifully with neighboring homes.

How to Get Rid of Unpleasant Odors in your Home

 

There’s nothing less inviting than walking into a home with a bad smell. There are many things that can contribute to a home’s less than rosy scent. Pets, smoke, mold and mildew, and cooking can create odors that permeate the air and linger around. These odors will eventually penetrate into the walls, carpeting and furniture. I will share some simple steps to help prevent and remove these potentially offensive odors.

• Open your windows! The best gift you can give your home is the gift of fresh air. Whenever possible open the windows and let the air flow through. Even on a cold day, open your windows for a few minutes. Fresh air quickly and naturally removes airborne odors like those from cigarette smoke and cooking.

• Vacuum. Regular cleaning of floors, carpets and upholstery such as couches and curtains will help keep your room smelling fresh. To carpeting you can add a room deodorizer, or baking soda. Simply sprinkle onto rugs and carpeting and let sit long enough to absorb the oil and dirt before you vacuum.

• Wash. Clean hard surfaces regularly. Glossy paint, hard flooring, countertops, sinks and tables with soap and water or a mild cleaner that is appropriate for the surface being cleaned. Using a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water, you can create your own cleaner that is environmentally friendly, inexpensive and effective for all surfaces. Lemon, substituted for the vinegar, also has antibiotic properties. For those areas where odors can really accumulate, such as bathrooms and kitchens, a cleaning solution may be more effective in removing those really tough odors. Bleach whitens and it is also effective in killing and removing mold spores.

• Bright ideas. Clean light bulbs. Dirt and oils can accumulate on lightbulbs and the heat accentuates these odors. From time to time with a lightly damp cloth, wipe the lightbulb clean. Do be careful to not let the damp cloth touch the metal part of the bulb.

• Filter it. Clean and change your filters in your heating and cooling systems. This will not only improve air quality,but it will make your heating and cooling systems much more efficient. Also be sure to check and replace the filter in your vacuum cleaner.

• Repaint. When it seems that you have tried everything and nothing seems to work, repaint your space. The fresh paint will cover the old paint and get rid of the bad odors associated with it.

What you can do: A Room by room guide

Living areas

Bedroom, family and living rooms are fairly simple and straightforward to keep clean and tidy, and therefore odor-free. Regular vacuuming and dusting should be sufficient. If you are a smoker, someone in your home is a smoker or have entertained a smoker, making sure that the room has plenty of ventilation is key. Open windows when necessary and consider purchasing an air purifier.

Fresh flowers always help to eliminate odors and candles can temporarily mask smells too. Bed linens and upholstery should be washed and laundered on a regular basis. Curtains should be cleaned as well. If an odor persists in your rugs or carpeting, it may be time to replace them. Walls, if painted in a semi or high gloss, or covered with wallpaper, should be wiped down with a lightly soapy, damp sponge from time to time.

Kitchens

Kitchens, with all their traffic and uses, are rooms where odors accumulate and trap. Cooking leaves a film of light grease in the air that clings to walls, light fixtures, floors, countertops… well, everything really. If you have an exhaust fan, use it. Use it regularly when cooking and keep it on for a while after cooking. Keep your countertops clean and wipe them down with a homemade or store bought cleaner at the end of every day. Floors should be vacuumed daily as well, especially in the homes with (messy!) children and pets. Crumbs and pet hair and dander are not only unsightly but will be tracked through the rest of the house.

Wipe down the stove-top after use as well as anything that might be on or near it. It’s inevitable to avoid cooking splatters. At the end of the day wipe down sinks. Natural, or products made with bleach will kill all harmful bacteria. If your dishwasher has an odor place a cupful of vinegar on the top rack and run a cycle. Do keep a container of baking soda in the refrigerator to absorb odors, and change replace every couple of months. Wipe down doors and shelves on a regular basis as well.

Bathrooms

Due to the heavy moisture content in these often small rooms, mold and mildew have a tendency to grow here. Keep bathrooms ventilated when using the shower or bath. Ventilation, in this room, is perhaps the single most important thing one can do to keep this space odor-free. If you don’t have a fan, then do be sure to keep the windows open. Wipe down the sink and bathtub on a regular basis, using bleach to keep the mildew at bay. Wipe down walls with a damp sponge, mop the floors and keep the toilets clean. If you have a bathroom that doesn’t get much use, say in a guest room, do go in and run the water, flush the toilet and open the window from time to time. Avoid using those plug in room fresheners, they tend to be overwhelming and often are worse than the odors they are trying to mask.

Some people keep their kitty litters in the bathroom. Kitty litters have a strong odor, even when clean they emit a strong odor and can permeate the air and affect the rest of the home. If you have a pet, especially at cat, an air purifying system is a must. Room sprays and deodorizers last only a short while. Reeds infused in essential oils are available all over the place in mild and pleasant fragrances. These scents last longer, until the oils are absorbed by the thin reeds.

Laundry Rooms and mud rooms

Dirty socks, sweaty gym clothes and smelly sports equipment can leave these spaces smelling, well, less than rosy! Basements, even finished ones, tend to smell musky. They’re cool and damp and often humid. A dehumidifier will get rid of excess moisture which will help keep the mold and mildew and musky smell at bay. Since dehumidifiers must be emptied place them near the bulkhead doors, sump pump or sink. Washing machines often harbor unpleasant odors. To rid the unpleasant smell place a cup of vinegar or a cup of bleach in the machine and run it one full cycle. Because washing machines tend to be airtight, mildew can form. To prevent this simply leave the machine door open between uses. Lastly, this may seem so basic, but keep on top of your laundry and don’t let those smelly items accumulate for too long. Never toss wet towels into hampers. Let them air dry first before doing so.

If your mudroom and laundry rooms are on the main level, they’re likely highly trafficked areas. Mud and dirt from sneakers, cleats and boots are often tracked in. To prevent the dirt from being tracked through the rest of the house, keep a broom or a small portable vacuum cleaner nearby. If possible ask children and guests to leave their shoes by the front door, and those that get the dirtiest may want to be kept out in the garage.

In short, a clean home is generally a pleasant smelling home. Vinegar and bleach are wonderful cleaning agents that also remove strong odors. If these don’t work, you may want to hire a professional cleaning service to come to your home for a thorough cleaning.

How to save a wet mobile phone - and what not to do

Washing machines, toilets, cups of tea, the British weather... these are a few of our favourite things. That is, until they fill the lungs of our cherished mobile phone, leaving us weeping over a soggy, lifeless metal carcass.

Dropped your handset in the bath? Fumbled your phone and plopped it in the loo? Don't panic -- just follow these steps and you'll have a good chance of breathing life back into your drowned smart phone. And check out the 'What not to do' section for some useful mythbusting.

What to do

While dismantling your phone completely would help it to dry out more effectively, doing so will void your warranty. It usually requires specialist tools and may jeopardise your phone if you're not careful, so I don't recommend it. Instead, follow these steps:

1. Firstly, retrieve your handset from the drink straight away. A prolonged plunge will increase the risk of damage.

2. Resist the urge to check if it still works or press any buttons, since putting pressure on the keys could shift liquid further into the device.

3. In all cases, the best thing to do is immediately pull out the battery, thus minimising power to the device that may cause it to short circuit.

4. If you own a handset with a non-replaceable battery, like an iPhone or Nokia Lumia, then pulling the battery isn't an option. You'll have to risk pressing a few buttons to check if it's still on and to swiftly turn it off if it is. Take care when handling the phone in this case.

5. Remove any peripherals and attachments on your phone, such as cases.

6. Extract the SIM card and any SD cards it carries, leaving ports or covers on your handset open to aid ventilation.

7. Dry off everything with a towel, including the exterior of your handset, being careful not to let any water drain into openings on the phone.

8. Even when everything's dry, it's very likely there's latent moisture within the device that you'll want to get out before turning it on. The most oft-reported fix for a sodden phone is to bury the handset in a bowl of dry rice. Desiccant materials, such as rice, have hygroscopic properties that can attract and absorb moisture. You can also use silica gel packs -- the kind used in shoeboxes -- to greater effect. If you don't have any lying around, uncooked rice will do nicely.

Place your phone in an airtight container and completely cover it with your choice of desiccant. Leave the container for 24-48 hours for the material to draw all the moisture out of your handset. If you feel like splashing out, you can buy silica-lined, hermetically-sealed pouches that are specifically designed for the task.

9. When you're confident it's dried out, replace the battery and try switching it on. Good luck!

What not to do

A purported fast-track method of drying out a wet phone is to use a hairdryer, or applying heat to the device in other ways. While this would successfully evaporate all the moisture still sitting within the handset, it risks becoming too hot and causing damage to the components.

In cases of severe waterlogging, the steam created may not be able to fully ventilate and would simply condense again elsewhere in the phone. You may get away with it, but it seems rather perilous, so my recommendation is to avoid this method.

Another recurring recommendation is to stick your phone in a freezer, wrapped in paper towel to prevent frost damage. Supposedly, the reduced conductivity of water when close to freezing temperatures will stop your phone from short circuiting when in use.

This is definitely not a long-term solution, however, since as soon as the ice begins to thaw, you're left with the same, if not exacerbated, problem. In the process you'll probably mess up your phone's very fragile screen, which hardly seems worth risking for a short-term fix of dubious effectiveness.

For less severe dunkings, you may get away with drying your phone thoroughly on the exterior alone, paying special attention to openings like the headphone jack and USB port. To this end, a few have suggested gently poking into them with a toothpick wrapped in paper towel. While jabbing into your phone with a stick is always a bit iffy, the biggest risk is that rags of sodden paper will get stuck inside your phone and play havoc with its innards.

One suggestion is to overcharge the handset so that the build-up of heat is gradual and not excessive, but this carries all the risks you'd expect with running a current through wet circuitry.

Inevitably, someone reading this will wonder if it's possible to dry out a phone by putting it in the microwave. Please see this for an adept response.

Beware corrosion

If you succeed in reviving your phone, then congratulations, but you may not have yet won the war with the Grim Reaper of gadgetry. The metal within your phone coming into contact with water and oxygen may create rust that will corrode over time.

While a professional phone fixer may be able to clear out any corrosion by swabbing the circuitry with rubbing alcohol -- again, don't try this at home, kids -- in many cases, the eventual demise of your phone is only a matter of time. Sorry.

Is your warranty still valid?

Seek out the liquid contact indicator (LCI). It's a small white sticker that turns red when it comes into contact with water. Manufacturers place LCIs on their products to use as a litmus test when deciding warranty claims. In most cases, they can refuse to fix or replace your handset if the LCI has been triggered.

Their location varies from phone to phone, and increasingly manufacturers have taken to hiding them out of reach of Tipp-Ex-wielding customers.

Irrespective of the LCI's state, you should contact the manufacturer to see if they can help. That's a long-term solution, but if you need a phone (or the data it holds) right away, you'll need to dry out your phone before you try to use it, as outlined above.

CURTOSY CNET.COM

2013, Year of the 4K Display?

It isn’t hard to argue that Ultra HD provides some of the most stunning pictures on an equally stunning size of screen. Boasting sharper images and more detail than the conventional 1080p set, Ultra HD is without a doubt a different type of breed when it comes to high resolution TV.

But…let’s be honest, we all have our questions about this intriguing emerging technology.

From content scarcity to the pricing (think the cost equivalent of a mid-size car), some folks are raising their eyebrow in question to this latest technology and whether the typical consumer will “buy-in.”

As with all new technologies, it goes without saying that the newest and latest always comes with a gut-punching price (remember when plasma TVs first entered the consumer space?) and let’s not forget to mention that early adopters don’t normally fall into the category of your typical run-of-the-mill consumer.

However, outside of a few minor tech complaints (motion blur, black levels that aren’t quite black etc.), there aren’t many issues on the technical side with Ultra HD. The bigger problem lies in the hefty price tag and the much bigger concern of “what the heck am I going to watch on my brand new, super awesome Ultra HD TV?”

curtsey cedia.net

How to Unlock iPhone 5, 4S, 4, 3GS with IMEI Unlock

In this post we will cover the frequently asked questions about iPhone unlock for our readers who are interested in unlocking their iPhones. For who don’t know, the unlock allows you to use your iPhone to any carrier worldwide even if it was locked to specific carrier.

What are the iPhone unlock types?

Well we have three different types of iPhone unlock, below we will show you all specifications of them and which one is best for your case.

Type 1: Software-based iPhone unlock

As it described on the above title, it’s an unlock for iPhone using software, this software was developed by iPhone dev-team called “Ultrasn0w”. This software was good but the main issue on it, that it’s related to baseband version, which means it couldn’t unlock many basebands on iOS 5 and iOS 6. Ultrasn0w has not been upgraded since two years, so it is not good solution for iPhone unlock these days.

here’s the basebands that are compatible with ultrasn0w:

• iPhone 3G and 3GS : 04.26.08, 05.11.07, 05.12.01, 05.13.04, and 06.15.00 (the iPad baseband).
• iPhone 4 :  01.59.00 only.

Type 2: Hardware-based iPhone unlock

You may heard about Gevey SIM, rebel SIM and etc. These are SIM trays which allow iPhone users to unlock their iPhones and work on unofficial carriers. It’s a good solution for unlock but it’s also related to baseband version, which means that your iPhone may stuck on any iOS update and gets locked again.

Type 3: iPhone 5, 4S, 4, 3GS IMEI unlock / iTunes Unlock:

This type of unlock is recommended by iPhone dev-team. Simply iPhone unlock using IMEI will turn your iPhone officially to factory unlocked iPhone, which means that the iPhone’s firmware and baseband are irrelevant. On other words, you will be able to update to any future iOS version as it will not re-lock again.

What is IMEI? This is a 15-digits code which is used by Apple and carriers to identify each iPhone.

How can I get my iPhone IMEI? You can get your iPhone IMEI by dialling *#06# , or by going to Settings > General > About > IMEI

Does iPhone IMEI unlock need jailbreak? No, there is no need for jailbreak, as your iPhone will be unlocked remotely using the IMEI code only.

Does iPhone IMEI unlock permanent? Yes, it’s a lifetime unlock, as your iPhone will not re-lock again.

Advantages of iPhone IMEI unlock :

• If you are traveling, buy a local SIM card and save on roaming fees
• The resell value of the iPhone device will increase significantly as it is available to more carriers.
• Easily switch between SIM card, using the same phone.
• Unlock your phone from the comfort of your own home
• You never send your phone to anybody.
• No complicated software, or jailbreaking, just plug your iPhone into iTunes.
• There is absolutely no risk of damaging your iPhone by unlocking it.
• Very easy, no technical experience necessary.
• The phone is permanently unlocked, even after updates
• Warranty will not be voided
• 100% Guaranteed

iPhone IMEI unlock – supported iOS versions and basebands:

As we told you above that all iOS version and baseband versions are supported.

iOS versions:

iOS 4 / 4.0.1 / 4.0.2 / 4.1 / 4.2.1 / 4.3.1 / 4.3.2 / 4.3.3 / 4.3.4 / 4.3.5)
iOS 5 / 5.0.1 / 5.1 / 5.1.1
iOS 6 / 6.0.1 / 6.0.2 / 6.1 / 6.1.2 / 6.1.3

Baseband version:

iPhone 5 IMEI unlock – basebands
03.04.25
01.01.00
01.00.16

iPhone 4S IMEI Unlock – basebands
03.04.03
03.04.02
03.04.01
03.00.04
02.00.12
02.00.10
01.00.13
01.00.14
01.00.11

iPhone 4 IMEI Unlock – basebands
03.00.04
04.12.05
04.12.02
04.12.01
04.11.08
04.10.01
03.10.01
02.10.04
01.59.00

iPhone 3GS IMEI Unlock – basebands

05.16.07
05.13.04
05.14.02
05.15.04
05.16.00
05.16.01
05.16.02
05.16.05

How to Unlock iPhone 5, 4S, 4, 3GS with IMEI / iTunes unlock:

You can unlock your iPhone using IMEI unlock through a service provider. There are companies that offer iPhone IMEI unlock services for reasonable prices. These companies will ask you for two important things:

• Your iPhone official carrier (the carrier that your iPhone is locked to)
• Your IMEI code

Don’t know the official carrier of your iPhone? Don’t worry, you can check your iPhone official carrier from here, within few minutes you will get a report of your iPhone like the one in the below screenshot.

iPhone IMEI unlock trusted company:

The major issue in such iPhone IMEI unlock method that there are dozen of scammers on the web, but we found trusted company called  My IMEI Unlock which recommended by the well-know iPhone hacker and developer Shrief Hashim and Absinthe Jailbreak team. My IMEI Unlock company has good record of feedback from customers and 5-stars Google ratedcompany.

Steps to unlock your iPhone 5, 4S, 4, 3GS using IMEI:

Step 1: Choose your iPhone official carrier from iPhone IMEI unlock list.

Step 2: Complete the form which includes your iPhone IMEI code.

Step 3: Wait until receiving the confirmation email that your iPhone has been unlocked (take hours to few days – depends on your iPhone official carrier)

Step 4: You will be requested to restore to latest iOS version using iTunes, the you will get congratulation message on iTunes stating that your iPhone has been unlocked. Done!

40 Ways to Fix Your PC Before You Call An Expert

If you know what a USB port looks like, chances are you're regularly called upon as the 'IT expert' by friends and family whenever a computer goes bust or a window mysteriously disappears.

Below are some of the most useful tips I've gathered over many years of troubleshooting PCs and despairing at the number of browser toolbars unsuspecting pensioners install. And no, I'm not going to come around to "take a look". Work your way through all of these first...

General problems

1. Be Google smart
Google can be a huge help when it comes to specific error codes and very detailed problems. It's less useful for "my PC is running slowly" queries. Include as much detail as you can, putting "+" before keywords that must be matched and "-" before keywords to exclude.

2. System Restore
Windows' built-in roll-back feature will undo recent changes to the registry and hardware and software setup of your computer, without affecting your personal files and holiday photos. It's a good place to start if something has very recently gone wrong. You'll find System Restore via Control Panel.

3. Safe Mode
Tap F8 during boot-up to access the boot menu. Choose Safe Mode to launch a special stripped-down version of Windows that keeps drivers and background utilities to a minimum and looks like it's straight out of 1995. Safe Mode can be used to uninstall programs or devices, or run fixes, if you can't get into Windows normally.

4. Overheating
If your PC crashes at seemingly random times -- in other words, there's no particular software program or hardware device that prompts it -- it's possible that your computer or laptop is overheating. Invest in another fan or a laptop cooler if you think this may be the cause.

5. On-demand scans
A whole bundle of problems are caused by viruses and spyware, from slow performance to unexplained reboots. It goes without saying that you should keep your anti-virus and anti-spyware tools right up to date, but you might want to run an on-demand scanner as well to get another opinion -- Spybot Search & Destroy and Microsoft's own Safety Scanner are two good choices that won't interfere with your existing security tools.

6. Background noise
Sluggish performance that degrades over time can be due to more and more programs deciding they'd like to run in the background. Open Task Manager (right-click on the taskbar) to see what's actually using up the RAM and CPU time on your PC -- if any of the entries under Processes and Services don't make much sense, run a quick Google search for details of what they are.

7. Selective startup
If you find any superfluous entries in Task Manager, chances are they're being launched with Windows. Scour the Startup folder on the Start menu to find and remove anything you don't really need all of the time. For more control over the Windows startup process, type "msconfig" into the Start menu search box and hit Enter -- the subsequent dialog lets you make detailed changes to which services and tools can launch automatically at the same time as the operating system.

You might be surprised at how many services start up with Windows.

8. Restoring files
When Windows deletes a file, it doesn't move the 1s and 0s, it simply removes the references to them and marks the disk space as free. Unless you've overwritten the file with something else, you might be able to get it back -- Recuva is one of the best and most straightforward free tools for the task.

9. Windows won't start
Windows comes with various system recovery options (besides Safe Mode) that you can use if the operating system won't boot. Tap F8 when booting and choose 'Last Known Good Configuration' to revert back to the settings in place when Windows last launched. Another trick you can try is to unplug all non-essential peripherals -- sometimes a badly configured device will cause the startup process to hang.

10. Motherboard beeps
If your PC gets so far and no further, and you find it beeps at you and shuts down before Windows even starts loading, the problem is at a lower level. Motherboards will alert you to what's gone wrong by the number of beeps -- check the user manual to find out what they mean, or look for a digital copy on the manufacturer's website.

11. No power
If the PC or laptop doesn't get going at all, either you're in the middle of a power cut, your power cable is faulty, or the power supply unit/battery is bust. See if you can source a cheap spare cable or battery first, as a PSU replacement will cost significantly more.

12. Forums
If you do have to turn to the web, locate the developer or manufacturer's official support forums before you turn to Google. You may find there's a particular fix available or advice from other users. For smaller freeware programs, you may even find posts from the developer.

13. Ask Microsoft
It turns out MIcrosoft does know a thing or two about their own systems -- it offers an automated Fixit tool, which will try and detect what's going wrong and then do something about it.

The Microsoft Fixit site offers a number of simple troubleshooting wizards.

14. Registry cleaning
The labyrinthine settings file that is the Windows registry can cause errors, program crashes and system restarts if something has gone wrong deep within it. There are plenty of third-party tools that will scan it for problems for you, though not all of them are trustworthy -- Glary Registry Repair is one of the ones you can depend on (though as with any advanced tweaking tool, use at your own risk -- you do back up, right?).

15. Re-install Windows
This is the scorched earth policy -- but it's not as drastic as you might think. Many PCs and laptops come with recovery discs or a recovery partition on the hard drive that you can use to return your computer to the state it was in when it arrived from the factory. Of course, it goes without saying that you'll need to install your software again and you'll lose all your personal data, so you'll need copies of your important files (photos, university essays etc). This process is set to be made even easier in Windows 8.

Hardware problems

16. Test on another computer
Use another computer to test your malfunctioning mouse/camera/printer, or just another USB port, to help you work out where the fault lies. If the problem vanishes, it's not the device itself that's to blame.

17. New drivers
Head to the manufacturer's website and hunt down the latest drivers and/or firmware for your device -- installing these updates will replace damaged files, add the latest bug fixes and improve compatibility with other hardware and software.

18. Old drivers
Windows and devices themselves sometimes install new drivers without asking and these occasionally cause problems. To roll back to a previous version, find the hardware in question in Device Manager, right-click and choose Properties and open the Driver tab.

19. Uninstall drivers
Staying in Device Manager -- there's an Uninstall option that will remove all traces of the hardware in question from your system. Reboot and reattach the device to launch the installation process from scratch, which may resolve your issue.

Update, roll back and uninstall drivers from Device Manager.

20. Test the memory
It's not easy to tell when your memory is failing you and it doesn't happen often -- intermittent system instability and software crashes are the usual signs. A decent memory diagnostics tester like MemTest86+ can help by scanning the installed modules and alerting you to any potential issues.

21. Test the hard drive
Modern hard drives have something known as SMART (Self Monitoring And Reporting Technology) built into them. It's a standardised technology the disks use to report their status and general health back to Windows. Plenty of free applications can read and report this SMART data -- HDD Health is one example, which also supports SSD drives -- and they will display warning signs if you need to buy a replacement drive in the near future.

22. Windows disk checking
Windows has its own disk-checking tool that looks for problems on your installed hard drives -- right-click on a drive in Windows Explorer, choose Properties and then the Tools tab to find it.

23. Screen issues
Problems with the display can be caused by the graphics card, the monitor itself or the connecting cable (if you're not using a laptop). Using a spare cable (if available) or switching to on-board graphics (again, if available) can help you work out exactly which link in the chain is the one going wrong. If your monitor or screen is found to be faulty, there's not much you can do except dig out the warranty or pay a visit to the local repair shop.

24. Open her up
You don't have to be a PC-building expert to take a peek under the case -- just make sure you ground yourself to remove any static electricity first, and unplug the computer from the mains. Check for loose connections and screws or an excessive build-up of dust (a can of compressed air can help here). Laptops are less easy to poke around in, but some do allow access to the memory and hard drive, so you can check these connections. You may find more guidance from the manufacturer's website or the supplied documentation.

25. Backup
Unfortunately, there are times when there's just nothing you can do, and you have to accept that your hard drive or power supply unit is kaput. It's vital that you have backups of your important files and folders, and there's no shortage of services willing to help out -- Google Drive,SkyDrive, Dropbox and Backblaze, to name just a few.

Software problems

26. Updates
Has the program you're struggling with made an update available? Perhaps to support new hardware or operating system features? It's worth checking via the developer's website or the built-in update tool that most software has, though the majority of updates now install automatically.

27. Re-install
If problems persist, strip out all traces of the program in question using a third-party uninstaller --Revo Uninstaller will do the job for free -- then start the installation process again from scratch with a fresh download or the original discs. Why? It ensures any corrupt or damaged files are replaced and all of the software's settings are reset.

28. Plug-ins
Bear in mind that the problem may not lie with the software itself but with one of the program's plug-ins or extensions -- try disabling these add-ons one by one to see if the issue is resolved.

Plug-ins and add-ons are at the root of a lot of software problems.

29. Clean up
Many applications will create caches of temporary files that can occasionally interfere with program behaviour -- look for an option that will wipe these files. CCleaner is a handy third-party freeware utility that cleans up temporary files for many different applications.

30. Conflicting programs
Is the troublesome application having problems because of another program on the system? This can be particularly common with security tools that try and do the same thing at the same time. Try temporarily disabling other programs that might be causing interference.

Internet problems

31. Find the fault
First step: find where the problem is. Check if you can connect to the web on other computers and devices. Ideally plug a laptop into the router directly and run the router's built-in testing diagnostics -- your ISP may be experiencing issues. If there's only one PC that can't get online, there's likely to be a problem with its network adaptor or settings.

32. Adaptor problems
If you suspect the adaptor is to blame (a wireless USB dongle, for example), check the hardware tips above. Try updating the adaptor's driver, uninstalling and reinstalling, or simply plugging it in another USB port.

33. Update firmware
It's possible there's a firmware update for the router that you're using, though some ISPs frown on users taking this much control over their network setup. The best place to start looking is the customer forums for your ISP, where you should find details of which free router you've been lumbered with and how you can update its firmware.

34. Reboots all round
The reboot process is something of a troubleshooting cliche, but that's because it often works -- turn the router off for 30-60 seconds to re-establish the connection and reset the router. Reboot your PC for good measure to attempt to connect again.

35. Change channels
Routers typically share the same frequency as other devices, like microwaves and baby monitors, which can slow down your connection -- either move other wireless devices away, or change the channel used by your router (see the router settings for help with doing this).

Switching to a different router channel could fix slow broadband speeds.

36. Is it down?
If you're having issues with a particular site, look it up on www.downforeveryoneorjustme.com -- the problem may not be at your end. Note that if something large scale suffers a failure -- like Amazon's S3 storage -- it can affect many different sites and services at once.

37. Network management
Delve into the Network and Sharing Centre in Windows to make sure there aren't multiple programs trying to manage your wireless connection. Laptop manufacturers will often bundle their own network management software with their machines, which is fine as long as these applications aren't trying to work concurrently with Windows' own utilities.

38. Browser woes
Switching to an alternative browser is a simple way to test if your Internet-related problems are being caused by your favourite browser. If the browser is to blame, try some of the software tips I mentioned earlier, and take a long hard look at the plug-ins and extensions.

39. Firewall settings
Firewalls can be temperamental and might be blocking the site, service or program you're trying to use. Consult the incoming and outgoing settings when you've found them (if you're using the Windows Firewall, head to Control Panel). If you're struggling to get online with a particular game or networking tool, you might find instructions for allowing firewall access in the supplied documentation.

Some networking tools and games will need special firewall permissions.

40. View connections
Head into the Network and Sharing Centre to make sure your PC is trying to connect using the right connection (wireless versus wired, for example). While all of this should configure itself automatically, rogue programs or security tools can make changes they shouldn't. There are also some troubleshooters built into the Network and Sharing Centre, which are surprisingly useful.

Decorating Tricks to Make Your New House Welcoming and Cozy

Moving into a new house usually takes some time to adjust. But with a minimum amount of effort, the transition from one comfort zone to the next can be smooth and pleasant. Today’s post will present some decorating tips and tricks that should convert your new home into an oasis of relaxation for both you and your guests. You will find plenty of similar helpful tips on Start Fresh, a website exploring the benefits of newly built homes.

Think Comfortably- Fashionable

Admit it-there isn’t a single day that goes by without you stumbling across an incredible furniture piece. That fantastic red sofa spotted in a design magazine or the elegant armchair seen in a showroom on your way to work call out to you and slowly determine the need for possession. But a cozy home is not entirely about looks; it is mostly related to how furniture can enhance that sense of sweet familiarity.

When testing a seating item for your new house, can you imagine yourself curled up in it with a good book and feeling all weight lifting off your shoulders? If that is not the case, perhaps you should keep searching. Ideally, furniture should pay tribute to both comfort and style. But if coziness is what you are after, a tiny compromise in aesthetics may prove to be a good idea in the long term.

The Magic of Touch

One of the simplest tricks for a more welcoming home is… texture. Surround yourself with things you would like to touch. Fluffy carpets, wavy wallpapers or smooth wooden furniture- all these can be easily integrated in a modern room, making it feel less rigid and perfectly comfortable. Moreover, when dealing with a large room, the proper use of fabric and texture can reduce the scale and provide the much wanted sense of coziness.

Welcome Furniture Diversity

Buying a large furniture set with everything in it may be the easiest way of filling up a room, but it is not always the most suited. You probably do not want your new home looking like a showroom, and believe it or not this will probably be the output of buying all your items from a single place. Do not be afraid of mixing things up a little, even if this means having different styles lined up. Diversity is the key to a vivid interior, one that stirs you up visually and that will probably appeal to your guests also. If you consider the overall result harmonious and enjoy being a part of it, your friends probably will too.

Make Good Use of Warm Colours

It is no longer a secret that colours have the subtle ability to elicit various emotions and moods, making this design sector particularly interesting. You should know that while cooler colours like blue, purple and dark green can visually enhance a room, warmer tones such as peach-orange, brown and red can make a space feel more compact and therefore, more inviting. Just look how the generously-sized interior in the photo below is significantly “reduced” by adding curtains with an orange and red flower pattern next to the red sofas and yellow wall!

Multiple Sources of Lighting

We often neglect the magical effects lighting can have on a room. It may seem strange, but with just a few fixtures in the right place, a room can easily appear bigger, taller longer, or… cozier. So what is it about lighting that can make a place more inviting than the next? It all breaks down to the simple act of repetition. In order to reduce the scale of a room, consider placing several table lamps around, for an intimate atmosphere. You should only use a ceiling light for larger gatherings or formal events.

Attention to Detail

Small things like candles, funny plush toys or a book in the right place can give you a nice feeling of calm, but attention to detail can do wonders when having people over. A lot of people waste time and energy in making their house spotless and picture-perfect before the arriving of guests. Naturally, cleaning is good, but keep in mind that friends come over to visit you, not to inspect your home. Small things like fresh flowers spread around the house, a glass bedside carafe in their bedroom and the latest number of their favourite magazine on their bedside table are likely to make their stay more welcoming than a super-tidy corner that they are not going to stumble upon anyway.

Ambiance

Soothing background jazz music, dim lighting from various sources, plenty of cushions to choose from and armchairs that allow you to dive in softness- just some ideas to consider when setting up a welcoming atmosphere in your new home for yourself or your friends. Add a glowing fireplace light and your place is ready for a perfect cozy evening.

Surround Yourself with the Things You Love

When planning on moving into a new house, the things you love should take centre stage. Your home must primarily reflect who you are and the rest will slowly fall into place. That old collection of vinyl records, the painting you received during your art camp or those funny hats you love so much-  simple things that come with precious memories. Find a way to integrate them in the design of your new crib and you will see how quickly the space will gain personality and warmth. Know any other tips for making a new home feel cozy and inviting? Feel free to share them in the comments section below and let’s get the conversation started!

♥If you enjoyed this article, please share it on:

 

This post was sponsored by BHI. Explore the benefits of a newly built home.