Computing in Your Home

Home Office

The in-home office has the same basic requirements as the one-person office. The exception to this is that the in-home office computer user may have stricter place limitations than the one-person office. The in-home user needs to be concerned with getting the business application programs that fill their needs without being too complex to run. For example, in a mufti-user office there is usually an accountant to run the accounting package and a programmer to run the database package. However, in an in-home office there is no one to study the subtleties of the individual software packages, so software that runs a variety of programs supplemented by any special purpose business programs is recommended. The type of computer needed can then be determined by the requirements of the software packages selected. Consult your local dealer for more information concerning special software titles.

Physically Challenged Computer Users

The physically challenged computer user has a wide variety of software to choose from. Depending on the user's particular needs, software can be purchased to complete the desired task. Any special hardware to help the user control the computer can also be purchased or created. A variety of special hardware is available, ranging from mouth activated controls to specially adapted keyboards. Special software is also available for enlarging screen text for sight impairment, and reading program menus and screen text for the blind. For more information on products available for the physically challenged contact your local computer dealer, or call the national support center for persons with disabilities at 1-800-426-2133.

Student Computer Users

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Preparing Your Home for a Home/Apartment Exchange

Allowing strangers into your home while you're away on vacation is a leap of faith, most people would agree. But that's the premise behind a home or apartment exchange, a program with a worldwide following that has a growing popularity with some Americans. If you're interested in exchanging, then knowing how to prepare your home for your guests is beneficial to you and to them. Following some of the tips below can help your exchange to get off on the right foot.

The Welcoming Committee

Making arrangements for a trusted neighbor, friend, or relative to meet your guests, show them around your home, and give them the keys is important. In a pinch, you could always leave the keys in a safe, easy to find location, but it's always a better idea to have someone there to meet them in person. Not only is it safer, it's a human contact in what could be an unfamiliar land for your guest. Wouldn't you prefer to be met by a person rather than having to search for a set of keys?

Just a Quick Note&

Once your guests have made it inside your home, make sure to welcome them by leaving behind a welcome note or letter. This letter is a nice hospitable touch and is a great way to communicate any other items of interest that you may not have covered in your dialogue when establishing the exchange. You can also use this opportunity to write out any instructions to home appliances, alarm systems, or lighting, as well as anything else you'd like to add about your home or local area. It's always a good idea to leave a list of phone numbers in case of emergency for your guests' use. This list should include both the police department and fire department emergency numbers, as well as anyone nearby who they could call on if needed.

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Repair and Recycle Home Appliances and Items to Cut Down on Your Bills

A costly mistake most homeowners commit is to replace items rather than take the time to find other cost-saving options. The two "R's" - Repair and Recycle - are the keys to lowering your home budget and to getting the most out of your appliances, carpet, furnishings and other household items. Repairing usable items or recycling them also helps to save space in landfills and conserve natural resources.

Just about any item in your home has the potential to be repaired or recycled rather than discarded and replaced by a new one. To get started, here are 12 of the most common items that can be repaired or recycled, but plenty more are sure to be located around your home.

1. Answering Machines. First check the service manual for troubleshooting guidelines or warranty repair parts. If it's a brand from a major company, there may be a local service outlet in the area that services the machine and makes repairs covered under the warranty. If the machine is beyond repair, ask an electronic repair shop about purchasing a reconditioned machine, which may be of higher quality and less expensive than buying new.

2. Cameras. With disposable cameras and inexpensive 35mm automatics, camera manufacturers are making it easier for consumers to consider cameras a disposable item. But over time, replacing cameras becomes expensive. Most camera stores and major retailers where cameras are sold generally offer camera repair services. But be sure to ask for an estimate first so you don't end up spending more in repairs than what the camera is actually worth. Another option is to purchase reconditioned equipment.

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Three Home Appliance Rental Centers in Hartford

A large segment of the population of Hartford, Ct rents their housing arrangements. As a result, home appliance rental centers are big business in Hartford, Ct. On just one street alone, Farmington Avenue, there are three separate Rent- A - Center locations. Because the rate of home ownership is low in Hartford, Ct and many people move often, home appliance rental is a top- priority for many renters. Although several smaller stores across the city rent home appliances, they are not necessarily the most reliable businesses. Profiled here are the three top home appliance rental centers in Hartford, Ct.

A) Rent- A- Center..240 Farmington Ave, Hartford, Ct..(860)560-1485

Rent- A- Center is probably the most well- known of all the home appliance rental centers in Hartford, Ct. They regularly mail circulars, or advertising, to households in the Hartford, Ct area, announcing special sales and promotions. At RAC, as they are commonly known, they like to use slogans, such as "Brand names, Brand new", "Rent to own" and "Pay as you go". They also claim to have " The latest home merchandise from America's most trusted brands". With locations everywhere, including three on Farmington Avenue in Hartford, Ct alone, RAC is recognized as one of the top home appliance rental centers in Hartford, Ct.

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Tools & Home Appliances Required

For many women, the cost of obtaining spa treatment is not financially possible. Struggling to make ends meet, women often find they are stressed and most in need of spa services, including stress relief massages and facials. As a woman who simply can not afford the regular benefits of professional spa services, consider creating your own spa right in your very own home.

Creating a home spa is quite simple with the purchase of a few pieces of equipment. The key to successful home spa planning lies in our ability to create our own home spa products, from exfoliating creams to facials. To create your home spa, purchasing equipment is simple and, oftentimes, includes items you already have in your home.

No home spa can be successful without the use of blender. Because we do not recommend using the same blender you may use for food preparation, purchasing a second blender is important. Your blender, in your home spa, will provide a versatile use; grinding herbs and grains and mixing homemade lotions and moisturizing cream.

In addition to a blender, your home spa should also include a cutting board. Again, it is not recommended that you utilize the same cutting board that is in your kitchen for food service. Instead, purchase a second cutting board, preferably made of plastic, to provide optimal home spa preparation.

A double broiler is also needed to make your home spa a success. Because the double broiler is heated and washed, it is not necessary to purchase a second one; the one you use with food will work fine. Double broilers, in your home spa, will assist in creating herbal oil products used for massage, lip balm and even eye creams. The best double broiler to use will be those designed from stainless steel or glass.

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Thermador Built-In Ovens Recalled by BSH Home Appliance Corp

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced today that selected models of Thermador Built-In Ovens are being recalled by BSH Home Appliances.

Due to gaps in the insulation, some of these ovens may overheat, when in the self-cleaning mode, and pose a fire hazard by causing nearby cabinets to overheat.

Approximately 42,000 oven are being recalled.

After BSH Home Appliances received reports of 10 incidences, BSH, a 70-year-old appliance company, issued a voluntary recall on selected models of their Thermador Built-In Ovens. One of these incidences caused considerable property damage. Fortunately there have been no injuries in connection with the product.

These built-in ovens were manufactured by BSH Home Appliances Corp, in Huntington Beach, California.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, both single built-in oven models and combination models, which sport the conventional oven plus a microwave, have been recalled. Combination models EM272B, SEM302B, SEMW272B and SEMW302B and single models C271B, C301B, SEC271B and SEC301B have been recalled. Other model numbers are not recalled at this time. Identifying model numbers are located on the underside of the control panel.

These appliances, which range in price from $2400 to $3900, were sold a various appliance and specialty stores across the U.S. between November 2004 and May 2007. The date code can also be found near the model number on the control panel.

Consumers are urged to stop using these recalled products, particularly the self cleaning mode and contact BSH Home Appliances to schedule an inspection. The stove will be repaired free of charge, if necessary.

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