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by Bill Hopkins
Why You Need Protection
Against lightning strikes, that is. Better to spend a few extra bucks and get
a good surge protector and/or Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) for your computers.
(A UPS not only protects from surges and spikes in the supply line, but also
against brownouts and blackouts, by switching to internal batteries to power
your attached electronics for a short time.) My favorite choice for protection
is American Power Conversion (APC) products. The typical surge protector will
conform to UL standard 1449 (check the label), and have an SVR (suppressor voltage
rating) of around 300 volts (a lower SVR rating is better). And while you're
at it, don't forget to protect those expensive plasma TVs, stereo systems, and
home theater equipment. You can also elect to have surge suppression installed
at your meter box, which normally requires the services of an electrician, and
must meet local and national building and safety codes. Many of the nation's
largest insurance companies report results similar to Hartford Financial Services
Group. Hartford reports that for the period between 2001 and 2006, the cost
of claims relating to lightning strikes rose 77%, yet the number of lightning
claims was down by nearly 50%. Why? We're crazy for techo-gadgets, and because
so many of our modern appliances are run (internally) by fancy electronics.
And remember, protectors do wear out, and should be replaced after a significant
surge.
Virus Warning
Some Apple video iPods shipped after Sept. 12th of 2006 contained the RavMonE.exe
virus, which affects Windows operating systems. The virus can be removed with
anti-virus programs. On their website, Apple says that less than 25 reports
of virus infections have come in. For more information and help with removal,
see http://www.apple.com/support/windowsvirus/.
Keywording
Very important, in targeting searches and in relation also to your own online
presence, either through your own website, your agency, or one of several of
our products, such as PhotoSourceBank, PhotoSourceFolio, PhotoSourceGroup, etc.
And while you’re at it, why not give the Smithsonian a hand? Yep, you
can help them keyword their vast collection of photography at http://photography.si.edu.
A recent study by the Metropolitan Museum of Art found that over 92% of the
keywords contributed by volunteer keyworders (the Met called them "taggers")
weren't in their database. Something to keep in mind when working on your own
words. (A typical example: What you may call a rug, someone else will call a
carpet.)
Platter or Spool?
Planning on keeping your digital photos, videos, and songs over the long haul?
Don't count on burnable CDs or DVDs. The typical life of today's products is
about 2 to 5 years. The biggest offender? Heat. Commercially prepared discs
fare much better, and we're talking about the pressed ones with the very shiny
recorded surface. Your best bet today? Magnetic media, such as tapes and hard
drives, which may last up to 30 years.
Bill Hopkins is the Webmaster of PhotoSourceFolio* (www.photosourcefolio.com) and a regular contributor to PhotoStockNotes. Send comments via e-mail to wh@photosourcefolio.com. Fax: 1 818 831-0916. For on-line questions, contact Bill on the Kracker Barrel at www.photosource.com/board.
*Display 6 of your own images for photobuyers to view, on your page on the PhotoSource website.
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