Friday, April 22, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Friday, April 15, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Apple adds 'do not track' to Safari
MAKER OF SHINY TOYS Apple is adding a "do not track" feature to its Safari web browser, joining Microsoft, Mozilla and Google who have already implemented it in one form or another.
Apple is testing the feature in an upcoming beta release of Safari for the Lion version of Mac OS X. The release will only be available for developers initially, but reports have surfaced across the web, such as in the Wall Street Journal, that this will be a prominent feature in the next version of Safari.
As always, Apple is keeping tight-lipped on most of the details, but we know that it will be ready for consumers some time this Summer.
The US Federal Trade Commission called on all web browsers to add a "do not track" feature in December of last year. The system works by saving the user's preferences regarding advertising tracking, alerting advertisers that a person does not wish to be tracked for advertising purposes. Legislation has since been proposed in the US to enforce better communication from companies about how they are tracking customers.
Microsoft was the first to add the feature, implementing it in Internet Explorer 9. It originally had been scheduled for Internet Explorer 8, but was pulled at the last minute after pressure from advertisers.
Mozilla was next in line, adding the privacy tool to Firefox 4, which it launched last month.
Google added anti-tracking in the form of an add-on called "Keep My Opt-Outs", which sends requests to advertisers not to use their data, but it's not quite the same as having a fully integrated "do not track" feature.
Google, which is heavily dependent on advertising, seems to be dragging its feet somewhat. It has expressed interest in potentially adding a full "do not track" system to its browser at some point in the future, depending on industry discussions.
Read more: http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2043414/apple-adds-track-safari#ixzz1JVPOT7oG
The Inquirer - Computer hardware news and downloads. Visit the download store today.
Apple is testing the feature in an upcoming beta release of Safari for the Lion version of Mac OS X. The release will only be available for developers initially, but reports have surfaced across the web, such as in the Wall Street Journal, that this will be a prominent feature in the next version of Safari.
As always, Apple is keeping tight-lipped on most of the details, but we know that it will be ready for consumers some time this Summer.
The US Federal Trade Commission called on all web browsers to add a "do not track" feature in December of last year. The system works by saving the user's preferences regarding advertising tracking, alerting advertisers that a person does not wish to be tracked for advertising purposes. Legislation has since been proposed in the US to enforce better communication from companies about how they are tracking customers.
Microsoft was the first to add the feature, implementing it in Internet Explorer 9. It originally had been scheduled for Internet Explorer 8, but was pulled at the last minute after pressure from advertisers.
Mozilla was next in line, adding the privacy tool to Firefox 4, which it launched last month.
Google added anti-tracking in the form of an add-on called "Keep My Opt-Outs", which sends requests to advertisers not to use their data, but it's not quite the same as having a fully integrated "do not track" feature.
Google, which is heavily dependent on advertising, seems to be dragging its feet somewhat. It has expressed interest in potentially adding a full "do not track" system to its browser at some point in the future, depending on industry discussions.
Read more: http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2043414/apple-adds-track-safari#ixzz1JVPOT7oG
The Inquirer - Computer hardware news and downloads. Visit the download store today.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Friday, April 8, 2011
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
13 Simple Ways to Lower Your Electric Bill
Beating the heat this summer is an expensive proposition as temperatures soar into the triple digits in some parts of the U.S.
Cities along the East Coast endured record-setting highs Tuesday, with more than half a dozen topping temperatures not seen since 1999, according to Accuweather.com. (Baltimore topped 105 degrees, compared with 101 in 1999; and Warwick, R.I., hit 103, up from 97 in 1999.) Power demand during the heat wave is also expected to hit record highs, with many utilities warning of brownouts and blackouts.
Here's how to stay cool and keep electricity bills reasonable:
Fine-Tune Your Equipment
Arrange an HVAC inspection. Anyone can hire a certified technician for an annual check that their home’s heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system is operating at peak efficiency. Leaking ducts, for example, could reduce energy efficiency by up to 20%, says Ronnie Kweller, a spokeswoman for the Alliance to Save Energy. Inspections usually cost $50 to $100, but that could be offset by the energy savings over time.
Shop for size. Consumers in the market for a new room or window air conditioner should use Energy Star guidelines to determine how powerful a unit they need. A too-powerful unit not only wastes energy, it's also less effective at reducing humidity.
Keep it clean. Clean air filters monthly for central air and individual window or wall units. Dirt and dust hinder air flow, reducing efficiency.
Program the thermostat. Give the air conditioner a break during the work day. Shifting the settings to allow higher daytime temperatures could cut the average household’s electric bill by $180 a year, according to Energy Star.
Seek out incentives on appliances. Investing in a new energy-efficient unit can cut long-term bills -- and be cheaper upfront, too. Through the end of 2010, qualifying central air conditioners are eligible for a federal tax credit of 30% of the cost, including installation, up to a total of $1,500 for all projects. Plenty of states also still have rebates available under the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. A Maine resident, for example, can get $100 back on a qualifying central air conditioner, while Georgia offers $30 for room units and $99 on central units. Check for other government and utility deals in the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency.
Hunt Down Heat Sources
Seal up the house. Cooled air can leak through cracks along window and door frames. Invest in some caulk and weather-stripping to plug up these drafts. A home that’s properly insulated and sealed improves energy efficiency by up to 20% year-round, according to the Alliance to Save Energy. (Insulation materials are also eligible for the 30% energy efficiency federal tax credit, up to $1,500 for all improvements combined.)
Avoid chores. The hotter the space, the harder an air conditioner must work to keep things cool. Limit the use of heat-generating appliances such as the oven, dishwasher and clothes dryer during the daytime hours when temperatures are hottest, says Steve Rosenstock, manager of energy solutions for the Edison Electric Institute, an industry group. "That just makes more of a load for your air conditioner,” he says.
Change light bulbs. Swapping incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescents can cut a home electric bill, Kweller says. Switching one incandescent for a CFL saves $35 in energy costs over the projected 10-year life of the bulb. Not only do CFLs use less energy than conventional bulbs, but they also generate less heat.
Close the blinds. Rooms get hotter without shades or curtains to block the sunlight, especially with south- and west-facing windows. Put this idea to work more effectively with insulated window treatments.
Use fans. A breeze makes the room feel a few degrees cooler. Just be sure to turn it off when leaving. "Fans cool people, not rooms," Kweller says.
Unplug. Gadgets like a cellphone charger or microwave suck energy -- and generate heat -- as long as they're attached to a power source. Standby power for appliances not in use typically accounts for 5% to 10% of residential electricity use, according to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Plug those devices into a power strip that can be turned off when not in use.
Assess Utility Suppliers
Check alternate suppliers. Residents of states where the electric industry is deregulated can shop around for their energy provider, says Rosenstock. Depending on the options, some residents could save 5% to 15% a month. Many alternative companies use renewable energy, so they're much less dependent on volatile oil, coal and natural gas prices. Most will also fix billing rates for a year or more -- a bonus if energy prices creep up. The state’s public service commission should keep a list of options. Just be aware that most providers require a commitment of at least a year and charge a hefty fee for ducking out early, Rosenstock says.
Consider time-of-use plans. A growing number of electric companies are offering so-called time-of-use plans, which offer lower rates for energy consumption during off-peak hours (usually from midevening to early morning). The catch is that users often pay more for peak-hours use, so consider the daily schedule before signing up. Arizona-based SRP, for example, regularly charges 10.64 to 12.12 cents per kilowatt hour during July and August, based on the amount used in a billing period. On the time-of-use plan, it charges a flat 21.30 cents for on-peak hours (1 p.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays) and 6.65 cents during the rest of the day, on weekends and holidays.
Fix the bill. Ask the utility company about fixed-bill plans, which charge the same amount every month for a set period, regardless of electricity use. Users pay a premium rate per kilowatt hour to hedge against price increases and seasonal spikes, so make sure to crunch the numbers to confirm the savings, Kweller says. Also, keep in mind that these plans periodically reconcile, which can leave users with a big bill if they've used more than the supplier anticipated. Check with the utility to see if it alerts customers using more power than they anticipated and whether users can pay extra as they go.
About NY Electric Rates
NY electric rates provides an open platform for alternative energy suppliers to communicate with commercial and residential end users in deregulated electric markets.
New utility rules allow alternative electric companies to compete for your business. NY Electric rates is your single source for cheap electric prices in New York. We bring together the best electric suppliers in your state to bid on your commercial, industrial, or residential electric supply. If you currently buy your electric from CON ED, NYSEG, National Grid, Central Hudson, Keyspan, O&R, or RG&E, than you have the power to choose your electric supplier and save money on electric. Deregulated electricity gives the customer the power to choose their electric supplier and save on energy.
Utility bills for electricity now include one total price for generation, transmission, and distribution. Deregulation means the generation portion of the electricity service will be open to competition. Your local utility company will remain responsible for providing maintenance, customer services, and billing for the transmission and distribution of your electric.
A long time monopoly system of electric utilities has been replaced with competing suppliers. When competition is present in any market place, the end user benefits. Deregulation of energy markets give our clients the opportunity to compare rates of suppliers, decide who is the best fit for their energy consumption needs, switch providers of their electric generation, and most importantly save money on a monthly basis.
New utility rules allow alternative electric companies to compete for your business. NY Electric rates is your single source for cheap electric prices in New York. We bring together the best electric suppliers in your state to bid on your commercial, industrial, or residential electric supply. If you currently buy your electric from CON ED, NYSEG, National Grid, Central Hudson, Keyspan, O&R, or RG&E, than you have the power to choose your electric supplier and save money on electric. Deregulated electricity gives the customer the power to choose their electric supplier and save on energy.
Utility bills for electricity now include one total price for generation, transmission, and distribution. Deregulation means the generation portion of the electricity service will be open to competition. Your local utility company will remain responsible for providing maintenance, customer services, and billing for the transmission and distribution of your electric.
A long time monopoly system of electric utilities has been replaced with competing suppliers. When competition is present in any market place, the end user benefits. Deregulation of energy markets give our clients the opportunity to compare rates of suppliers, decide who is the best fit for their energy consumption needs, switch providers of their electric generation, and most importantly save money on a monthly basis.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
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