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Archive for 2013

Tuesday, January 29th, 2013

Some of us store our important life photos, receipts, and time-sensitive files in our hard drive. So accessing your hard drive may be an issue of utmost importance to you personally or professionally.

This article will guide you through the possible causes and fixes for a defective hard drive, as well as listing the ways in which you can avoid this problem in the future.

Data Corruption in Your Hard Drive from Internal Sources

The ways in which you may handle your hard drive may lead to data corruption of the files being stored in the drive and of the drive itself, causing this problem.

Data corruption may occur when the hard drive is suddenly disconnected while its files are being used. Typical operations include, but are not limited to transferring a file between the drive and the computer.

Typically the file that was being used is the one that usually gets corrupted, but occasionally the files for the sustainment of the hard drive itself may become corrupted.

Data Corruption in Your Hard Drive from External Sources

The physical environment in which you store you hard drive may also lead to data corruption by damaging the hardware itself. Dangerous environments include, but are not limited to:

These environments pose a danger to the hard drive itself as well as the files stored in it. The next section of this guide will outline the ways in which you can fix the damage from both internal and external sources, as well as showing you the ways to prevent it.

Preventing and Fixing Data Corruption

The following are viable ways in which you can prevent this situation in the future:

1. Always make a backup of the files you know you will need in the future.

2. Consider using a web-based hard drive. Services like GoogleDrive let you store files in an online server, and it is less likely to fail than your hard drive system. Many of these systems also include data back-up services.

Fixing the data corruption caused by either internal or external sources can be very complicated, and a help from an expert is strongly advised to prevent further damage.

At this point it is recommended that you call for help from the local experts. TalkLocal can help you find quality local experts to fix your hard drive quickly, which saves you time and energy in a stressful situation.

Posted in Computer Repair | No Comments »

Should I Hire an Accountant to Do My Taxes?

Monday, January 28th, 2013

Hiring an accountant to do your taxes has innumerable benefits, ranging from saving you time and money to providing financial and legal counseling. Hiring an accountant is generally not too expensive (fees range from roughly $25 to $300 per hour), and the money your accountant can save you is almost always worth the fee. Here are are few reasons you may want to hire an accountant.

Should I Hire an Accountant to do My Taxes?

1. If taxes, money, and percentages aren’t things you like dealing with, hiring an accountant is definitely recommended.

2. If you own a business, you probably spend all of your time working in your area of expertise and not in keeping up with tax law and regulations. You can count on your accountant to be an expert in his or her field, even as you are an expert in your field. Without an accountant to help you structure your business finances, you may miss out on the opportunity to save quite a bit on your tax bill.

3. If you are going through a major life change, such as getting married or divorced, buying a new house, having children, preparing to retire, etc, you should probably hire an accountant to do your taxes. All of these scenarios give you the opportunity to save on taxes, if you know the right questions to ask and the correct records to keep.

4. Hire an accountant if you plan on making investments in the stock market, real estate, or other areas in which you may be unfamiliar with tax law. Without knowing about special tax breaks and incentives, you may well pass up potentially large tax savings.

5. Another benefit to having an accountant is the extensive business network that your accountant is part of. An accountant typically serves clients in a wide range of industries and can be a great source of networking for both you and your business. Networking can enhance business growth as well as provide you with useful contacts in a variety of fields.

Additional Help

If you need help finding a reliable personal accountant or CPA, consider using TalkLocal to find a tax specialist for you. TalkLocal is a free service that will connect you with top-quality, accounting companies in your neighborhood within minutes. Just enter in your specific problem, location and availability, and up to three companies will call you directly within minutes!

Posted in Accountants | No Comments »

How to Fix a Corrupt iTunes Library

Monday, January 28th, 2013

Every problem seems distant and unlikely to happen until the moment it actually happens. iTunes library has been known to be unstable among its users – so learn how to fix a corrupt iTunes library when necessary by reading this guide.

How iTunes Library Can Become Corrupted

iTunes simply won’t start up, or the files won’t open once the library (the files – music, videos, etc) inside it are corrupted. But you should still be able to “see” all your files – as in, you should still be able to see the names and locations of your files.

Files become corrupted because the files’ “index” structure (the structure that tells iTunes where the files are located in your computer) goes wrong due to a flaw in processing or coding, so that the files are assigned to the wrong index and become inaccessible or “corrupt”.

How to Fix a Corrupt iTunes Library

One way to fix this problem is to redo the indexing of all your files in order to fix any errors in the system. Follow these steps in iTunes in order to fix your corrupted library.

1. If you have iTunes open, close it and make sure it is closed. Use the Task Manager to ensure the iTunes program is shut down. The reason for this is that you will be making changes to the index itself – the index constantly changes while you are using iTunes. If more than one change is made to a file at a time, the file could become unstable and corrupted.

2. Locate the iTunes folder in your computer. Although it varies depending on the operating system you are using, it is typically found under Users\(your username of your computer)\Music.

3. Drag (move) the iTunes folder and find the file called “iTunes Library.xml” or “iTunes Music Library.xml” to your desktop.

4. Delete the file called “iTunes Library.itl”.

5. Open iTunes without making any changes to your library through purchases, etc.

6. Go to File -> Library-> Import Playlist and choose the iTunes Library on the desktop.

The files in your iTunes Library should no longer be corrupt, and you should now be able to open and use iTunes.

Additional Help

If you feel like you need a professional help you fix your corrupted library files, TalkLocal will connect you with up to three local technicians who will be available to help you when you need them.

Posted in Computer Repair | 1 Comment »

Home Security Systems

Monday, January 28th, 2013

Few people would say they do not care about home security, but many most likely know little about what to look for in efficient home security systems. Whether it be simple things to check for or larger decisions to make, there are always a few things to keep in mind when taking steps to protect your home.

What to Look for in Home Security Systems

One very important stage in the home security process is choosing between a monitored or unmonitored system. An unmonitored system is typically installed with lights, sirens, and other noises to scare off an intruder and alert neighbors should the need arise. A monitored system will offer these services in addition to company provided, 24-hour surveillance. If your system is triggered, the company will ultimately contact the police in the event of an emergency. Which system is the better choice varies among homes and in large part lends itself to personal preference.

The most crucial decision to be made in installing a home security system is obviously choosing a company. Above all, you should make sure your company is professionally certified. There are many organizations that administer this type of certification, so simply make sure you plan to work with specialists. In the same mindset, trustworthy employees are essential. These are the people who are going to be protecting and will potentially have access to your home, so do not be afraid to ask about their backgrounds and credentials.

A more logistical factor to consider is how long a monitored system would take to contact your local police. In the case of a break-in, time is certainly of the essence, so you want to choose a company that will benefit you the most.

And of course, an issue to always consider is cost. While the most expensive system is not always necessary, you want to be certain you are getting the protection you purchase. Take the time to shop around for the best value.

Operating Your Home

Once you have chosen a company, there are a few wrap-up tasks to ensure the most effectual operating of your system.

1. Make sure everyone who is being protected under the security system knows how to use it. Family members of all ages should be able to easily control the system if needed. Therefore, make sure to keep network pass-codes and commands user-friendly. Companies will often offer training in this area, so take advantage of this!

2. Do not forget to display the security system stickers or signs provided by your company. Intruders do not want to get involved with sirens, alarms, or anything more related to home security, so exhibiting these warnings is protection in itself.

Additional Help

Home security systems are a great way to guard your valuable possessions and loved ones, but only if used correctly. TalkLocal can put you in contact with up to three reliable companies in your area in order to ensure the best protection of your home.

Posted in Locksmiths | No Comments »

My Netbook Screen is Flickering

Monday, January 28th, 2013

Netbook screens use LCD displays and are extremely sensitive to developing problems. This display can be affected by nearby electronics such as speakers or lights, or even software such as the video driver, the inverter, or in a worst-case scenario, the screen itself. If your netbook screen is flickering, there are a few ways you can try to diagnose what exactly is causing the issue.

Try the following approaches to figure out why your netbook screen is flickering:

Additional Help

Identifying what causes the Netbook Display Flicker can be simple, but fixing the problem is not always as easy. Once you figure out why your netbook screen is flickering, use TalkLocal to contact a reputable local computer repair professional. We will connect you with up to three professionals in your area who can help you at your convenience.

Posted in Computer Repair | No Comments »

Maintaining the Windshield

Monday, January 28th, 2013

The windshield is obviously an important aspect of a car; it protects the driver and passengers from wind and rain, as well as debris that may fly up off of the road. It also helps keep the frame in place and maintain the structural integrity of the car. So allowing your windshield to get very dirty or damaged can be a safety hazard. In some states it’s even against the law to drive with a windshield that’s in a bad condition, so maintaining the windshield is an important step in maintaining your car.

Maintaining the Windshield: When it comes to cleaning auto glass, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

1. Try to avoid ammonia based cleaners. They are great grease cutters, but ammonia can release toxic fumes which should not be inhaled, so it’s not a good idea to have them in the enclosed space of your car. Also ammonia can dry out plastic, rubber, vinyl, and leather. Further, ammonia based cleaners simply cannot be used on tinted windows. Unfortunately, most household cleaner and auto glass cleaners alike are ammonia based.

So you should check to make sure that the glass cleaner you’re using does not contain ammonia. One creative, cheap and effective glass cleaner—which will never contain ammonia—is actually vinegar and water. This is a pretty old mixture, but it still works well.

2. You should also be wary of the kinds of towels that you use to wash your windshield or other auto glass. Normal towels or paper towels will often leave your windshield streaky. So, you might consider using newspaper instead. This, too, is a pretty old method and it still works really well. Some auto glass cleaners recommend it on the bottle.

Additional Help

So be sure to keep your windshield clean. And if you have any questions about maintaining the windshield of your car, or vinegar and newspaper do not seem to be enough to fix your windshield issues, be sure to use TalkLocal. We will connect you with up to three professional auto technicians in your area who can help you when you need it.

Posted in Auto Glass Repair | No Comments »

Who Buys the Corsage and Boutonniere for Prom?

Sunday, January 27th, 2013

Prom is often thought of as one of the most special moments in one’s high school career. It signifies the end of senior year, the preparation of going to college, and the celebration of getting through 13 years of schooling. It is one of the last events where you will be celebrating together with all of your childhood friends, and a night for the girls to feel like princesses and the guys to feel like princes. If you’re looking to make the most out of your big night, then you’ll want to check out these top ten items to make prom great.

Whether your date is simply a friend or a girl/boyfriend, one of the customary traditions is to buy them either a corsage or boutonniere (depending on the gender). A corsage is a small floral arrangement attached to a band or bracelet and worn on the girl’s wrist. The boutonniere is similar to the corsage, except that the arrangement is attached to the tuxedo jacket instead of a band. Usually this floral arrangement matches the colors of the prom dress and/or the tuxedo’s bow tie and vest. You can purchase affordable corsage and boutonniere sets from Amazon for under $20. But who buys the corsage and boutonniere for prom?

Boutonniere & Corsage Traditions

For the girl, it is tradition to buy the boutonniere for the guy, and to attach it to the left lapel of his jacket for him, with the stem facing down. Get boutonnieres from Amazon for as low as $4.99. Similarly, it is tradition for the guy to buy the corsage for the girl, and to slide it onto her wrist at the same time the boutonniere is provided. Get corsages from Amazon for under $20.00. Traditionally, the corsage is placed on the girl’s right wrist so that both the corsage and boutonniere can be seen in pictures when the couple poses to face one another. The boutonniere and corsage exchange is one of the highlights of the night; one that brings on many camera flashes as parents and friends take pictures in the attempt of capturing this heartfelt and romantic memory for years to come.

Who Buys What for Prom?

Now you know who buys the corsage and who buys the boutonniere, but what about everything else? There are pre-prom pictures, after party expenses, limos, and other necessities. Who’s going to pay for all of that?

	Girl	Guy	Cost
After Party	x	x	varies
Boutonniere	x		$20
Corsage		x	$40
Dinner¹		x	$50
Goodie Bag	x		$10
Limo²		x	$130
Photos	x		$200
Promposal³		x	varies
Tickets		x	varies

¹ The cost for the dinner depends on occassion. If the couple goes to a restaurant for dinner, then traditionally the guy pays. However, if dinner is a catered event, either by family or friends, the couple should expect to go Dutch.

² Although a guy traditionally pays for the limo, the couple can go Dutch, especially if they are sharing the limo with friends.

³ Guys traditionally ask girls to prom; therefore, they usually pay for promposals. However, in the case of a girl asking a guy to the prom or a same gender couple, the burden of a promposal falls on whoever invites someone to prom.

Additional Help

There are so many details that go into preparing for your prom. Check out these top 10 items that can help make a good night great. Still need to book transportation to dinner and the dance? Try using TalkLocal to find a limousine company. TalkLocal is a FREE service that will connect you with top-quality, reliable limo companies in your neighborhood, within minutes. All you need to do is enter in your specific needs, location and availability, and TalkLocal will contact multiple companies, who will then call YOU directly, ready to help. Save time and stress by letting TalkLocal search for the perfect, most affordable limousine for your prom night!

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Posted in Limo Rental | No Comments »

Web Pages Will Not Load

Sunday, January 27th, 2013

So you’re surfing along through the internet, jumping from website to website, and suddenly your web pages will not load. This is a frustrating situation to be in, so here are a few things you can do to try to get back to your favorites websites.

Check Your Internet Connection

Your internet connection should be the first thing you check for this problem. A router (the device that connects you to the internet) in your place may have been turned off, disabling the internet. Or your dog/cat has knocked/disconnected an internet cable/antenna – most likely, this problem will be easy to fix.

Other Possible Causes

Is it only a specific web page that is not loading up? Try going to another web page like Google. If Google loads up but not that specific web page you are trying to get to, chances are that the “specific website you are trying to get to” is experiencing a downtime – in other words, the website has been taken down temporarily.

Why does this happen? A website can be taken down for different reasons, such as updating the website. Information on the website or the website itself needs to be updated every now and then. It could be that the hosting provider for the website (the company that maintains the domain name on the internet) is experiencing a downtime. Or it may be that the website (the company that the website belongs to) is now out of business.

If you find that you cannot access other websites like Google, chances are that your own internet connection is at fault. Do you use a wired connection (a LAN cable) or a wireless connection for the internet? If you use a wired connection, check to see that the two ends of the cable is connected properly and the router is turned on.

If you are using a wireless network, you can find on the bottom-right corner of your screen that you are not connected to any wireless networks. Click on the bars icon to look for available wireless connections around your area and connect to the one you are familiar with. If the connection is encrypted, input the password to gain access to the network.

Once you are connected to a network using a cable or wireless connection, wait for a while for the connection to take effect into your computer and try connecting to the desired web page(s) again. If you are still having a problem, the possible cause may be bad hardware in the computer, cable, or router, which may require the help of a professional.

Additional Help

Hopefully this guide has helped you find your problem. If not, TalkLocal will connect you with up to three local computer technicians who are available to help you when you need them.

Posted in Computer Repair | No Comments »

Replacing Power Window Motor

Sunday, January 27th, 2013

Up and down. Up and down. Opening and closing windows is now as easy as pushing down or lifting up a button. Think about the “olden days” when you had to hand crank the window to get it to move at all! So much work just to get a whiff of fresh air. The power windows in our vehicles are great conveniences, but sometimes there are malfunctions that cause the motor to stop working. If you find yourself replacing a power window motor, these tips can help.

Diagnosing the Problem

The first step to replacing a power window motor is to diagnose the problem.

1. Make sure the rest of the car is in working condition. Put the key in the ignition and check that your batteries are charged and power is running throughout the car.

2. Check all the fuses and circuit breakers that could connect to the windows to make sure that you haven’t blown a fuse and that you don’t have an open circuit. Do this by removing the interior door panel.

3. If the fuses and circuits check out, verify that the power window motor is actually defective by checking the voltage. Connect the plus probe to one of the motor wires and the negative probe to the other. If the readout is at or above 12 volts then something is definitely wrong.

Replacing Power Window Motor

1. You’ll need to buy a new motor for your window.

2. Remove the defective motor. Secure the window glass with masking tape or a stick before removing the motor. Undo all the rivets and screws holding the motor to the door panel. The regulator arms should pop out of the bottom and you can take out the whole assembly. Be careful, because the arms will try to rotate in opposite directions and could hurt you.

3. Insert the new motor and reattach it in exactly the same way you removed the old motor.

Additional Help

If you have more questions about replacing your power window motor you should talk to a professional. The easiest, fastest way to get in contact with reliable local auto service companies is to use TalkLocal. Just put in your problem and availability and let them do all the work. Within minutes you will be connected to someone who will be able to help you out.

Posted in Auto Repair | No Comments »

Norton Slowing Down Computer

Sunday, January 27th, 2013

Norton Slowing Down Computer?

Norton is a security system that protects your computer and information from viruses and other harmful third parties. However in some cases, Norton can slow down your computer.

Solutions:

1. Download the latest Norton Antivirus program update. Install the updates and restart your computer.

2. Make sure the performance options for operating system are set to applications or programs instead of background services.

Follow these steps:

Windows 2000:

3a. Click Start > Settings > Control Panel > Administrative Tools and then click Computer Management.

3b. In the left screen, right-click “Computer Management (Local) and then click Properties.

3c. Click the Advanced tab and then click the Performance Options button.

3d. Check Applications and then click OK.

Windows XP:

3. Unregister and re-register the auto-protect service.

Follow these steps:

Exit all open programs.

1. Click Start, and then click Run. The Run dialog box appears.

2. Type the following and press Enter:

"C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe" /unregserver

3. Click Start > Run. The Run dialog box appears.

4. Type the following, and then press Enter:

"c:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe" /service

5. Close the Services program.

6. Open Norton Anti-Virus.

7. Click Options, and then click Auto-Protect.

8. In the right screen, click “Enable Auto-Protect (Recommended)” and “Start Auto-Protect when Windows starts up,” and then click OK.

9. Restart the computer.

Additional Help

If you continue to have problems with Norton slowing down your computer, try TalkLocal. We will connect you with up to three professional computer technicians in your area who will be available to help you when you need them.

Posted in Computer Repair | No Comments »

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