logging practices http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for logging practices Copyright 2008 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 04:43:33 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/logging+practices Sustainable Logging To Be Allowed In Amazon Rain http://www.artwoo.com/article/sustainable-logging-to-be-allowed-in-amazon-rain http://www.artwoo.com/article/sustainable-logging-to-be-allowed-in-amazon-rain#comments Tue, 11 Apr 2006 10:00:07 +0000 amazon rain forestforest loggingillegal loggingselective loggingsustainable logginglogging practicesamazon area http://www.artwoo.com/article/sustainable-logging-to-be-allowed-in-amazon-rain Amazon rain forest. The objective of the law is to reduce while giving rural Brazilians employment. The plan is also aimed at generating revenue for forest management and protection.

Logging licenses will be restricted to private Brazilian companies, and by changing logging patterns, it is hoped that less damage will be done to the rain forest.

Current illegal , which account for most of the production, pay little heed to environmental regulations. A 2005 study found that "stealth logging" -- the of mature trees carried out under the protective canopy of the forest -- causes considerable damage to the forest.

In fact the study found that such selective logging is almost as harmful as if the forest was just cleared. Selectively logged areas are up to 8 times more likely to be settled and eventually cleared because of the access roads that are cut into the forest.

Logging itself is not thought to be the main cause of deforestation of the Amazon rainforest. That honor goes to agricultural expansion -- cattle ranching, soybean production and subsistence farming.

The has lost more than 132,000 square kilometers of rainforest since the end of the 1990s.

The hope is that Brazilian firms will be able to operate profitably in the Amazon without damaging or diminishing the forest. Given the importance of the Amazon district to the ecology of the entire world, this is an experiment that all of us should hope will be successful.

**Brazil automakers sustained by exports

Although the Brazilian domestic market for new automobiles was down slightly in February, exports increased, keeping the overall level of vehicle production moving upwards. February production was up 3.3% over January and 3.9% over February of 2005.

Analysts had expected exports to decrease as the value of the Brazilian real strengthened. The real has gained almost 25% against the U.S. dollar since the beginning of 2005. But, in fact auto exports increased -- a sign that the Brazilian economy is stronger than expected.

Although domestic auto sales were down by 3.8% from January, this is an increase of 11.3% over February 2005.

Flex-fuel vehicles continued to be the biggest sellers, accounting for 93,000 or 76.6% of the total sales. Flex-fuel vehicles run on any combination of gasoline and ethanol. About The Author: Rick Hendershot publishes Linknet News -- http://www.linknet-news.com | Brazil Eco Tours - trips across Brazil -- http://www.brazilecovip.com.br | Forex and Futures Trades - 95% Winning - 100% Rebate Offer -- http://primepathnetworks.com ]]> Time Logging To Increase Your Personal Productivity http://www.artwoo.com/article/time-logging-to-increase-your-personal-productivity http://www.artwoo.com/article/time-logging-to-increase-your-personal-productivity#comments Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:20:01 +0000 personal efficiencyefficiency ratiopersonal productivitylogging timeprecious assettime logtime logging http://www.artwoo.com/article/time-logging-to-increase-your-personal-productivity precious asset, especially when establishing your career or business. Proper use of your time can help you do more and even earn more. An intelligent approach to increase your is by ging.

is a good way to better manage your time since you know how you are currently spending your time. When keeping a detailed time log, record the time each time you start or finish any activity all throughout the day. You can simply use a stopwatch to record the intervals for every activity, doing this during your working hours or the entire day. Then, sort the time into categories and determine how much time was being spent for each type of activity.

For instance, note how much time you eat, surf the Internet, read the newspaper, spend in the bathroom, etc. If you want to be more detailed, consider doing this step for a week. Depending on your activities and your consistency, you can be surprised at how many log entries you can make for a day. Moreover, you may even be surprised to find that you are only spending a small portion of your working time on what should be considered as actual work.

Studies show that an average office worker spends only about 1.5 hours of actual work in a day, with the rest of the time spent engaging in non-work tasks. In fact, s/he does not eve begin doing actual work until at 11am and starts to wind down at about 3pm.

Your time log should help you analyze your results and make changes, when necessary.

The next step is to measure your ratio. This can be computed by recording the time spent on "actual work" divided by the total time spent "at work." However, you should keep in mind that while it is important to get as much of the job done as possible, it would also be foolish to work longer than you should. You may want to consider cutting back on the total hours to boost efficiency.

If you try to discipline yourself by doing something that does not really motivate you, chances are that you are most likely to fail. Trying harder can, in fact, actually de-motivate and drive your even lower. For instance, if your time log indicates a low efficiency ratio, try limiting your total working time per day and see the result.

This is because when the brain recognizes that working time is limited, it sends you a signal to get working. Usually, you will find a way to get the job done and be more efficient with time constraints compared to having the luxury of time. Then, you can gradually increase your total hours at work while keeping peak efficiency.

Time logging is a great way to ensure peak productivity without necessarily increasing your work hours. It only takes little effort and time to do it, but it can produce long term benefits. If you are interested in personal productivity, check this web-site to learn more about increase productivity. http://www.measureproductivity.com/ ]]> Instant Message Monitoring - Chat Watch http://www.artwoo.com/article/instant-message-monitoring-chat-watch http://www.artwoo.com/article/instant-message-monitoring-chat-watch#comments Sun, 11 Mar 2007 08:27:05 +0000 aol instant messengerchat watchchat logsmailgoogleinstant messengersicq http://www.artwoo.com/article/instant-message-monitoring-chat-watch chat watch 3 and 4, chat watch 5 has many new features and enhancements and we can import chat watch 3 and chat watch 4 into chat watch 5 easily. That is a very practical program that each parent should own now.

Chat watch 5 is an instant message monitoring and logging software fo today's most popular . With this software, we can monitor all the instant messaages sent and received on the computer and then organize the , and we can log all chats on , Talk, , MSN/Windows Live Messenger, and Yahoo! Messenger.

With this software, we can search the chat logs by category, keyword, user, date, and instant messenger; we can use plugins function to add support for logging other instant messengers quickly and easily; we can view the chat logs in real-time remotely suing chat watch with chat watch.net and synchronize with chat watch.net too; if we want to view the chat logs on the mobile, we can use chat watch mobile edition; those unwanted chat logs will be moved to the thash before they are deleted permanently; it's very fashion, it can be used in windows vista system.

In this software, it's acronym translator function can replace obscure acronyms with their meanings quickly. For example, replace AFK with away form keyboard and it offer a full list of acronyms.

The software can monitor the content. The content monitor can highlight those chats which may contain offensive words and notify us via e- of the chats. Moreover, we can add custom words to the content monitor watch list.

We can save the chat logs as PDF documents and print it within chat watch.

Now, the chat watch SPEAR Edition is available. This version is for investigations especially. So, those people who must be an agent or a representative of a law enforcement agency can get a trial kit. Its development is very quickly. Software Reviews and Downloads http://www.softsea.com http://www.softsea.com/review/Chat-Watch.html ]]> Best Practices For Small Businesses http://www.artwoo.com/article/best-practices-for-small-businesses http://www.artwoo.com/article/best-practices-for-small-businesses#comments Sun, 13 Apr 2008 12:15:00 +0000 practice benchmarkingcompany meetingprecious resourcesbusiness structurebest kept secretssaving moneytop executives http://www.artwoo.com/article/best-practices-for-small-businesses
The good news is that there are a number of practices that can translate to small businesses. These strategies and tactics are some of the best-kept secrets and can make a business much more successful in the long run.

The act of borrowing ideas from other companies is called "best " and can lead to vast improvements in if done properly. Since most small businesses have a much smaller budget than big businesses, the practices learned can save money and be even more beneficial for them than for the big companies. If a small business emulates another business's way of cutting costs, they will be able to do in a shorter period of time.



To begin borrowing practices from others, there needs to be a clear understanding of their methods. The best way to go about using successful practices is to do heavy research and ask questions to find out how others were able to achieve their goals. This step is important because if the practices are not studied well a small business will usually end up failing or wasting that they cannot afford to lose. A helpful tool for finding out better business practices is to send surveys to businesses that are successful in that job field.

Although emulating successful business practices is the goal, it is important for individuals to modify the practices to fit with their own business. Not everything will translate and there will be small, yet crucial modifications that need to be made.

Some of the most popular practices that small businesses borrow deal with communicating with others and . One way business owners cut corners is by having a with their top employees to discuss strategies for conducting better business and the direction they want to see the company head. Individuals may also sponsor retreats or getaways for , helping workers to bond and communicate better. This practice will also help get everyone on the same page as far as product development and business plans. Business owners can also poll and survey their employees, or the employees of other companies, in order to get their opinions on typical problems they face.

Many well-known businesses are now helping others research their successful practices in order to find the best methods for their companies. Some of these businesses are Home Depot, Wal-Mart, and Target. The research to be studied includes strategy models for how to run a successful partnership and real life examples of ways they saved money and cut costs. The research also includes access to popular certification programs and what those businesses learned from the courses. They also showcased the various rewards and recognition systems that they provided to their employees to encourage hard work and better communication.

The great thing about small business practices is that they rarely have to do the dirty work because big corporations have already done it. There are so many different business practices that translate from big corporations to small businesses, and small business owners can take advantage of the abundance of opportunities available to them. If small business owners can modify these popular practices in a way that will work with their company, they can save more money and have a more successful business with little effort. Greg Heslin is a best selling author on various legitimate work from home opportunities. To learn more about real work from home opportunities and see "check proof" of how some people are making $1,758 a day working from home, you can visit his web site at: http://www.Work-From-Home-123.com ]]> "Best Practices" In Your Company: Energy Gain Or Drain? http://www.artwoo.com/article/best-practices-in-your-company-energy-gain-or-drain http://www.artwoo.com/article/best-practices-in-your-company-energy-gain-or-drain#comments Fri, 23 Nov 2007 02:25:02 +0000 best practiceslatest fadbotchjobjobsemployees workenergy drain http://www.artwoo.com/article/best-practices-in-your-company-energy-gain-or-drain best practices"? In theory, as all of the organization's at their s, some of them are bound to discover better ways of doing things. A smart organization will have a way to detect these better ideas and spread them throughout the organization.

This energizes executives. They see a continually improving organization, one in which the next boost in the productivity of one department or job function may come from another branch thousands of miles away, or from an entirely different department.

Unfortunately, many companies don't apply best practices to collecting and spreading best practices! They the job again and again, alienating everyone who is supposed to apply the best practices along the way.

It's easy to tell when that's happening. When management announces training, or new policies, on a recently discovered "best practice," do employees groan and start thinking about how to waste as little time as possible on this ?

Are the front lines receptive, ready for an injection of ideas and new energy that will contribute to the company's success? Or are they resistant, making your latest "best practices" initiative just one more , one more distraction from their "real" ?

If "best practices" don't get much of a reception in your organization, don't blame the employees! It's more likely the system for transferring best practices from one region or department to others is not working very well.

And that's probably because you forgot the basics:

1. You didn't really start with a best practice! Maybe good initial results within one region aren't really due to the new practice, and won't hold up. If you rush to judgment based on early, incomplete data, you'll have everybody else adopting the new practice just about the time you discover that it doesn't work.

2. You tend to get all your great ideas from just a few regions or divisions. The rest of the company gets tired of always implementing suggestions from the favored few, and they'll automatically resist the next ideas that they know come from your favorite market, department, or vice-president!

3. You were too optimistic about how widely you could extend the practice. Sometimes the principles that work well in one division or region don't work in another. You need to seriously examine the "local" conditions of a given region or department before you assume the new practice can be productive there.

4. You turned a "bottom up" approach into a highly authoritarian "top down" approach. Management churns out "best practice" orders without attempting to get any buy-in from the employees who will apply them. And sometimes they "improve" the original practices to the point where they don't even work in the region or department that invented them in the first place!

5. You didn't make careful, well-designed employee communications the centerpiece of your efforts to spread the best practice. The biggest reason that best practices don't take root is poor communication. You expected employees to embrace the idea without proper positioning, explanation, and follow through. You didn't sell the ideas, and present the rewards and benefits that the new practices would bring to the employees (not just to the company).

There is a cure for most of these problems: patience. Few of these newly discovered best practices are so remarkable that they will transform your organization's fortunes overnight. You can afford the time to thoroughly understand these practices, truly measure how well they work, and to communicate them effectively to other employees.

Best practices can contribute to your success -- but only if you apply the best possible practices for collecting, communicating, and nurturing them throughout your company.

(c) copyright 2007 Will Kenny Will Kenny, owner of Best Training Practices, helps organizations deliver messages with impact, whether enhancing employee performance or reaching prospects and customers. Visit http://www.besttrainingpractices.com/ for free articles and case studies that will help you spread best practices. ]]> Safeguarding The Data With Anti Spyware Downloads http://www.artwoo.com/article/safeguarding-the-data-with-anti-spyware-downloads http://www.artwoo.com/article/safeguarding-the-data-with-anti-spyware-downloads#comments Tue, 12 Feb 2008 10:30:00 +0000 microsoft windows desktopnational cyber security alliancecomputer security softwarelogging programskey loggingpersonal usersusenet post http://www.artwoo.com/article/safeguarding-the-data-with-anti-spyware-downloads Microsoft Windows desktop computers. A number of jurisdictions have passed anti-spyware laws, which usually target any software that is surreptitiously installed to control a user's computer

The first recorded use of the term spyware occurred on October 16, 1995 in a that poked fun at Microsoft's business model.Spyware at first denoted hardware meant for espionage purposes. According to a 2005 study by AOL and the National Cyber-Security Alliance, 61 percent of surveyed users' computers had some form of spyware. 92 percent of surveyed users with spyware reported that they did not know of its presence, and 91 percent reported that they had not given permission for the installation of the spyware.

Many anti spyware downloads that you come across on the internet are free (for , not for businesses). How can they afford to give something so important away for free? And how good are these anti spyware downloads if they are free? Well, anti spyware downloads are just about the best deals on the planet. Because they are supported with discreet advertising, companies can afford to give a version out for free. They are also hoping that you will by future products from them after this free sample.

"The Printer Doesn't Work AGAIN": Often, sudden inexplicable problems with your printer is due to spyware infection, as the printer has trouble understanding what your computer is telling it top print. They can communicate smoothly again by installing anti spyware downloads. Theeee Coooopppuuuuttterrrr IIssss SSSlllooooooowwwwwwww: Spyware and key do not seek to cripple your computer, they just want to track your every online move to report back to Mr. Big. This can really slow your computer down. Anti-spyware can usually speed your computer back up.

"Where Did These Emails Come From?": Lots of times, you'll start getting emails that claim they are returning your email. But you never sent any emails off to these addresses in the first place. That's usually because of spyware. Anti spyware downloads can resolve this problem. The Revenge Of The Pop Up Ads: More annoying than cell phone commercials, pop-up ads can waste your time and your computer's memory. If you are off line and get pop-up ads, that's a blinking red neon sign that your computer needs ant-spyware ASAP.

"Jane =97 Stop This Crazy Thing!": If it seems more and more that working on your computer is like riding a bucking bronco, then you have spyware or a program. The "bucks" can include sudden crashes, new windows suddenly opening up to reveal ads, sudden computer memory loss, or your normal search engine has inexplicably been changed to another. This can all be easily fixed with an anti-spyware downloads. There are a mind-boggling array of anti spyware downloads to choose from. In order to decide, talk to your trusted friends about what security measures they use. You might ask your co-workers as well. Most consumers would rather go with a name they've at least heard of rather than just take the first program with the word free next to it. Roger Thompson advises consumers on jobs in the federal, defense and security sectors for portal http://www.jobsforuscitizens.com/index.php ]]> CRM Best Practices To Think About http://www.artwoo.com/article/crm-best-practices-to-think-about http://www.artwoo.com/article/crm-best-practices-to-think-about#comments Sun, 03 Feb 2008 00:35:01 +0000 resources management systemhuman resources management systemhuman resources managementcrm initiativesadaptive mannerorganizational involvementcostly investment http://www.artwoo.com/article/crm-best-practices-to-think-about
Ideas and Myths

A common misconception is that technology is always involved in CRM best practices. This is simply not true. A single package will not solve all of your problems. If there is no , the package will not do much for you. If there is no concerted effort to apply the system in an evolving and , all that technology just goes to waste. There has to be a change in the mindset. The package will not do your job for you. Problems are not solved by tools but those who use the tools.

It may also surprise you to know that some CRM best practices come from non-CRM-specific technology. So go check your existing IT resources. You may just have the components you need for your CRM system. Learn to use creativity to solve this problem. It has the advantage of introducing CRM into your organization without the need for a large and . An example would be using a human to track customer information instead.

The Bottome Line

CRM is also, ultimately, about results. It is not just focused on process as some would have you believe. All this effort should have an impact on your customer's experience. It should also have an impact on your bottom line. You must place your within these contexts if you hope to derive any benefit. But even though it's not solely about process, CRM is still process-based. Any successful initiative necessarily must have a process modification. It could be a small process or a large process. It does not matter. Just as long as there is a change. That is the only way for CRM to have value.

Something to avoid is to take on a narrowly focused CRM initiative. These are the projects that try to address a single customer-relationship problem. This simply does not work. What happens is that a number of these projects are developed and effort is halted. It is much more efficient to diversify within the context of a single, integrated CRM effort.

Since we are talking about framework, let us end with that idea. Build the framework first then add functionality to it. Hopefully, your initiatives are long-term strategic efforts and not reactive stopgap measures. Create your top levels first before going into all the details. Map out all your important points. Then, you can go ahead and create the lower level efforts within this framework. This avoids confusion and divided energies. What are CRM best practices? (http://www.crm-software-guide.com/crm-software-mistakes.htm)? Choose between all the CRM systems (http://www.crm-software-guide.com) on the market right now and find out how CRM software works (http://www.crm-software-guide.com/how-crm-software-works.htm) in http://www.CRM-Software-Guide.com. ]]> Parks Protect Amazon in Perul http://www.artwoo.com/article/parks-protect-amazon-in-perul http://www.artwoo.com/article/parks-protect-amazon-in-perul#comments Wed, 30 Jul 2008 11:29:27 +0000 commercial timber productionperuvian amazonlogging concessionsdeforestation ratesrainforest canopyforest disturbancecarnegie institution http://www.artwoo.com/article/parks-protect-amazon-in-perul Carnegie Institution's Department of Global Ecology studying satellite date have found that only 1 to 2 percent of in the occured in protected areas, which means that land-use and conservation policies have been successful. Protected areas are 18 times more effective at reducing deforestatio than unprotected areas.

Lead author Paulo Oliveira said, "We found that only 1 to 2 % of this disturbance in Peru happened in natural protected areas. However, there was substantial forest disturbance adjacent to areas set aside for legal logging operations. This leakage of human activity outside of is a concern."

Peru's tropical forests are larger than France, which stretch 661,000 sq km and is second only to Brazil's forest area. The Peruvian government has been conscientiously putting aside large areas as parks and reserves while allocating around 40,000 sq miles of forest for long-term by 2005. With of less than 1%, Peru has comparatively lower rates when compared to its neighbors.

Scientists used the Carnegie Landsat Analysis System (CLAS), a "satellite-based forest-damage detection system" that penetrates the to reveal the impact of logging. The CLAS system can uncover forest changes at a resolution of less than 100 by 100 ft.

GP Asner said, "Our approach has improved over the past eight years, but relies on a core set of methods that have consistently worked. We spent years developing them in Brazil, then went to Peru and completed this study in only a year. We are now operating over Borneo. Our approach is proving a good way to monitor rain forest disturbance and deforestation anywhere in the world."

Researchers found that Peru's forest disturbance and deforestation rates between 1999 to 2005 were only 0.2% a year, with an average of 244 sq miles and 249 miles a year. More than 85% of the damaged forests were in Madre de Dios and near Pucallpa. 75% of the damage was found within 20km of roads. Even within those limits, forests set aside by the government were more than 4 times better protected than areas not designated for conservation.

The authors said, "Overall, only 2% of the forest disturbances and 1% the deforestation detected in the entire study area occurred within the boundaries of natural protected areas. Furthermore, territories occupied by indigenous communities contained 11% and 9% of the total forest disturbance and deforestation, respectively. These results clearly show that these two forms of land-use allocation can provide effective protection against forest damage."

"The establishment of protected natural areas, the titling of native territories, and the sanctioning of selective logging activities, have combined with the Peruvian Amazon's traditional conservation allies--its remoteness and a complex hydrological network--to ensure a moderate level of success in the conservation of its forest ecosystems. Economic development of the forest sector, which employed 279,000 people nationally in 2001 (24), is essential for the well-being of human populations, but poorly monitored logging concessions, along with the challenges of uncontrolled road access, may hinder efforts to maintain ecological function and diversity in Peruvian rainforests in the future," the authors continued.

"Increased satellite monitoring of logging and other forest disturbances will thus be essential to conservation, management and resource policy development efforts in Peru and other rainforest nations," they concluded.

"This is another study from the Carnegie group showing the world how tropical forests can be systematically monitored amazingly quickly and at a reasonable cost." said Michael Wright of The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, which helped support the research. "I foresee that CLAS-like satellite analysis systems will become the standards routinely used by local conservation agencies to track rain forest disturbances and deforestation in the future."

The study was published in the on-line edition of Science Express this month.L. S. Sya [please visit Deforestation Watch.]Deforestation Watch was established to drive sustainability mainstream. Striving to be a center of green news, solutions and all things green, we also help corporations looking for green guidance.]]> Good Guitar Technique Will Allow You To Play Anything! http://www.artwoo.com/article/good-guitar-technique-will-allow-you-to-play-anything http://www.artwoo.com/article/good-guitar-technique-will-allow-you-to-play-anything#comments Sun, 22 Oct 2006 00:27:04 +0000 online guitar lessonspower chordssteve vaidigresslearn something newguitar workoutguitar technique http://www.artwoo.com/article/good-guitar-technique-will-allow-you-to-play-anything Steve Vai's legendary 10-hour comes to mind. But consider this...who do you think is the better guitar player? The person who hardly practices, or the person who practices on a regular basis? Of course it's the person who practices regularly!

I'm a strong advocate of practicing on a regular basis because with good , you can play anything! If you think about it, it makes perfect sense. If you can alternate pick most any any lick or picking pattern, then any time you're trying to you'll be able to pick it up much more quickly then if you don't have good technique.

Obviously you want to practice things that you have difficulty playing, or create your own exercises that are similar to those things you struggle with. By focusing your practice time on these things, you will improve much quicker. Then in the future when you encounter things you previously used to struggle with, you'll breeze right through it!

Think about it...if all you practice are , you just really limit yourself as to what you can potentially play. By focusing on certain techniques, you'll be able to do so much more. But you can still play power chords if you choose. I don't know, maybe some people are happy only playing power chords, but I ...

Now I'm not saying that you should go out and start practicing for 10+ hours per day. I never practiced for more then 3-4 hours per day. I think that what you practice is more important then how long you practice. Of course it's ultimately up to you. This is just how I view the guitar. Chris Thomas writes articles and does reviews of the top at http://www.guitarlessoncomparisons.com ]]> The Reproduction Patterns Of A Tropical Tree http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-reproduction-patterns-of-a-tropical-tree http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-reproduction-patterns-of-a-tropical-tree#comments Tue, 18 Sep 2007 08:20:01 +0000 tropical treescanopy treescontactel ninoreeking havocreproduction techniqueshorrendous event http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-reproduction-patterns-of-a-tropical-tree tropical trees on planet Earth have seen better days. Today, the world's second largest tropical rainforest is on death row. Is there a way to save this jeweled segment of this ecosystem? If this tropical tree dies off, a unique ecosystem will vanish, a place where trees have learned to pattern their . Tropical trees in Indonesia pattern reproduction by coinciding with the recurring arrival of .

There are global implications likely to occur that go along with this about to transpire. So, just how do tropical trees reproduce? More importantly, can they survive?

Tropical trees vary in terms of the timing, extend, and intensity of flowering and fruiting. Most tropical trees do not produce reliable fruit crops. The majority of trees rely on animals to help pollinate the flowers and spread out the seeds released to the forest floor. It is more likely than not that seeds will come into animal prior to germination. This unfortunately is a fatal meeting for the seed.

Mother Nature, specifically El Nino is another player in the reproductive cycle of tropical trees. Speaking of El Nino's relationship with tropical tree reproduction, there are climate conditions of the El Nino that activate immediate fruiting. This fruiting is essential for seed reproduction to continue in all varieties of tropical trees.

According to Lisa M. Curran, tropical ecologist at the University of Michigan, masting, the ability for trees to provide abundant seeds on the forest floor to feed animals in the ecosystem, offers a key strength. In a normal six-week masting period, a tropical canopy tree can release over 180 pounds of seed. Due to the fact that an abundant amount of seed is produced simultaneously, there is enough to germinate and foster new growth on the forest floor.

Yet, there are other adverse human conditions on this tropical tree's ability to reproduce: Logging, for one. In 1998, despite a major fruiting event that transpired during the 1998 El Nino year, no new seedlings were found. Even though a park under study is off-limits to logging=97at least it's supposed to be off limits=97the forest continued to lose the ability to regenerate itself.

Seed predators, for example, are unable to find food beyond the perimeter of the park. So, they venture inside and eat up the tropical seeds awaiting germination. This is but one issue surrounding the near extinction of various tropical rainforest.

Steps must be taken to aid in the reproduction patterns of tropical trees. For one, government action must take place. Since deforestation through logging has been a key element in the lack of tropical reproduction, it's up to us to find government subsidies or financial incentives to help in promoting progressive harvesting of tropical trees. Secondly, although it sounds obvious, we must prevent clear-cutting and burning of trees for industrial plantations. Without human intervention, many tropical ecosystems will die off. Avid full time hobby bonsai grower. Owner of http://www.mishobonsai.com a website with ressource for Bonsai seeds and Bonsai tree care. ]]> Tips For Care And Landscaping Your Real Turf http://www.artwoo.com/article/tips-for-care-and-landscaping-your-real-turf http://www.artwoo.com/article/tips-for-care-and-landscaping-your-real-turf#comments Thu, 13 Jul 2006 12:27:30 +0000 water evaporationwater loggingturf caredefinitelygrasselatedlawns http://www.artwoo.com/article/tips-for-care-and-landscaping-your-real-turf lawns. The green looking lawns are a result of painstaking efforts and some real . It is not very difficult to maintain the green turf as in golf courses or the horse races. Read all about it here

Easy and simple Real Turf Care Guidelines

A green looking turf that you see in the catalogues of golf clubs is not very difficult to maintain. You too can do this landscaping . All it takes is work and some common sense tips. You will be surprised if I were to tell you that you could have a good lawn if you follow the rule of 25 mm and the rule of third. Let me explain,

Watering of Lawn: You should water the lawn just enough so that the evaporation loss is replenished and the gets its due share. The rule of 25 gives the value of water loss through evaporation.

When watering the lawn. Take a dish and keep it in the area where watering is being done and allow about 25 mm height of water to get stored in the dish. After watering is complete, place the dish in the same where it was filled up and allow the water to evaporate. Note the time required for water to evaporate. You should water the lawn after this time interval.

The watering should be heavy and infrequent rather than frequent and shallow. When you water the lawn shallow, the root system starts looking for water and the root system does not penetrate deep in the ground. At the same time there should be no in any area. The water logging would destroy the grass in that area.

Over-watering will not kill the grass but water logging will do it. In fact over-watering is good. Infrequent over-watering coupled with generous use of nitrogen rich fertilizers will help in developing spongy grass on which you will feel when walking.

Watering of lawns should be done in the morning so that the water has time to penetrate to the ground. is highest during noontime. Watering at this time, would only allow higher evaporation. You do not want water to evaporate, you want it to reach the ground and penetrate the surface, so water in the morning or evening when evaporation rate is minimal.

Mowing The Lawns Second Real Turf Care

Mowing the lawns carefully and timely is the second care that you will give to the lawns. The rule for the real turf care is rule of third. When mowing the lawns, do not cut the grass more than the third of the existing blade length. A marine crew cut is not the best way to develop green grass. In fact, you are killing the grass if you give it a marine crew cut.

The root system does not develop properly when you give it a close shave and the growth of grass is reduced. Hence, the grass should never be cut close to ground. Depending on the type of grass the blade length could be between 20 to 40 mm. For example, the buffalo grass should be allowed to grow 30 to 40 mm in summer and winter before cutting. Follow the rule of third and the minimum blade length will be maintained.

When you cut the grass, you may leave the cut grass instead of removing it so that the grass gets its food from the cut grass. Care should be taken to see that thatching of soil should not occur; otherwise, grass growth could be restricted.

With two simple rules, you can get good-looking lawns. Andrew Caxton is the webmaster and successful author of http://www.lawn-mowers-and-garden-tractors.com . A guide on lawn mowers and garden tractors and how to choose the right type for your garden, including synthetic turf for different garden styles at http://www.lawn-mowers-and-garden-tractors.com/synthetic-turf.html ]]> The More Subtle Aspect Of Best Business Practices http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-more-subtle-aspect-of-best-business-practices http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-more-subtle-aspect-of-best-business-practices#comments Fri, 21 Sep 2007 08:15:00 +0000 business practicessales presentationsprincipletrusted advisorsign on the dotted linevague termdistinct advantage http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-more-subtle-aspect-of-best-business-practices business practices. Entire text books have been written on the various subjects that cover this rather . This article does not attempt to cover all of those subjects, but rather to focus on one often overlooked that many companies are facing today. That principle is .

Sales presentations are, of course, a part of best business practices. Let's face it, without sales most companies would have to close their doors. Commerce in its truest form is about sales. Nothing too revolutionary there. So if sales are such an important aspect of commerce, why are so many companies struggling to improve their bottom line?

One reason could be that they are not presenting the information that the buying client wants (and needs) to hear during the presentation. In many cases, a sales team is given a stack of pre-printed materials (the product line or service offered) and they just hand it out, to be honest about it. Then they ask for the order and are often surprised when they do not get the order. Today, more than ever before, the buying client wants and demands more from vendors. Increased competition both globally and domestic is forcing buying clients to re-examine the way they work with vendors and is also demanding that vendors be more helpful during the course of the buying and selling relationship.

So what does this have to do with best business practices?

When your sales team can meet with your client and know beforehand what the client is probably going to ask or wants to know more about, your sales team will have a over your less informed competitors. By being able to anticipate what the buying client wants to have addressed during the presentation, and by being ready to address those issues, you immediately propel yourself toward status. Buying clients want to have their concerns put to rest before they . When you are able to know, in advance, what those issues are, you are helping him or her make a quick and solid decision that will most often be in your favor.

Now, that is good business practices at work.

So how does one learn to master this anticipatory process? A great place to start is with Jack Howe's new e-edition of "30 Minutes to Prepare for the C-Suite Meeting." Howe has spent over thirty years learning and honing the process of researching in order to better understand what the buying client will want answered. He shows you how to do the same in simple, easy-to-understand language that will help boost your overall sales in less time than you might imagine possible. His eBook can be found at http://www.30minsto.com and it is well worth the few minutes it takes to visit the site and learn more about it and how his time-tested methods can help you become the trusted advisor with all of your clients and customers. Qigong For Business, Inc. is the successor to Performance Enablers LLC and Howe and Associates at http://www.30minsto.com. Since 1981, Howe and company have been providing business practices and coaching. ]]> Medical Assistant Career Opportunities http://www.artwoo.com/article/medical-assistant-career-opportunities http://www.artwoo.com/article/medical-assistant-career-opportunities#comments Sat, 02 Sep 2006 06:27:18 +0000 us department of laborfastest growing occupationsmedical assistantmedical practicesmedical assistantsfront deskgreeting patients http://www.artwoo.com/article/medical-assistant-career-opportunities US Department of Labor andquot;s is projected to be one of the over the 2004-14 period.andquot;

perform a wide variety of duties in physicians offices depending on the size of the medical office. In smaller solo or two physician practices the duties of the Medical Assistant may include some work. These front desk responsibilities vary from signing in and to scheduling visits and patient testing and admissions.

However, due to the high costs of physician liability insurance, rent and salaries, mega- are the norm today. These are medical practices that have 15-25 physicians. Generally in a practice like this duties are broken down and are very delineated between front office and back office. Duties such as greeting the patient, answering the phone, scheduling appointments and dealing with insurance would be the responsibility of secretaries and insurance specialists trained in front office duties.

The Medical Assistant would be responsible for back office duties exclusively. These duties would include preparing the patient for the exam, taking a patient history, checking blood pressure and pulse, perhaps performing an EKG. The Medical Assistant would be responsible for drawing blood and assisting the physician during routine office procedures, depending on the type of medical practice.

In the past most Medical Assistants received on the job training. All that was required for someone to become a Medical Assistant was a high school diploma. Today, as more medical practices are specializing and as services rendered in physician offices become more complex these medical practices are looking for Medical Assistants who have had formal schooling and hold a degree in Medical Assisting.

If you are thinking of pursuing a degree as a Medical Assistant there are many different types of specialized Medical Assistant degrees to choose from in a variety of specialties including cardiovascular medicine, internal medicine, ophthalmologic, dental, and pediatric. Each of these medical specialities have specific types of office treatments and testing which makes obtaining a degree as a Medical Assistant in a particular field of medicine invaluable when seeking a job. To learn more about Medical Assistant Schools please visit http://schoolguideusa.com/salter-cambridge.html ]]> Making Life Simple With Wireless Technology http://www.artwoo.com/article/making-life-simple-with-wireless-technology http://www.artwoo.com/article/making-life-simple-with-wireless-technology#comments Sun, 19 Aug 2007 13:20:01 +0000 wireless hot spotswireless cardswireless networkingwireless fidelitylocal computer storesecurity safeguardsinternet signal http://www.artwoo.com/article/making-life-simple-with-wireless-technology Wireless fidelity , or WiFi, is an amazing technology that allows you to network your computers, office, home, etc. without the need for wires. This makes networking so much easier and less messy because wires are not used. The computers simply connect to the network via radio signals.

Because of this easiness, many businesses, schools, malls, restaurants, cafes, stores, airports and other businesses have set up that allow anyone to log onto the network. This is amazing for individuals that need to be able to work from any location, however there are some disadvantages because hot spots can be used by unauthorized users if not adequately protected through different .

Hot spots are relatively new, but are growing in acceptance and popularity because of the incredible access it gives to students, travelers, business people and the like. Some hot spots are free, while others charge an hourly rate.

These days, if you go to an airport or hotel you will see signs that say internet zone or hotspot and will either say free or how to pay. Because of this evolution, individuals are able to work and study wherever they are, which makes traveling and working much easier and less downtime which is very important.

can also be installed in your home, which means you can work in any room in your home or even outside if you so choose. Many individuals are starting to realize how much easier this makes their lives and are installing the equipment necessary for a wireless network.

To get started, you will need an Internet connection, a router, and then for your respective computers. The router allows the to be routed throughout the home and the wireless cards that each computer has picks up the signal which eliminates the use of wires. All of this equipment can be purchased in your or online if you are looking for extra discounts.

If you are interested in installing a wireless network in your home, office, or business, then you can do some research online and install it yourself if you know even a little bit about computers. However, if you have a lot of computers you want to connect or are unsure of what you are doing, then you might consider hiring a professional to handle your wireless solution for you.

Once you have the wireless network setup anyone in your "hotspot" will be able to log onto the server as long as they are within range. However, if you want to exclude just anyone from logging on then you can use a virtual private network, Internet Protocol Security, or other security programs that will protect unauthorized users from logging onto your network. Robert Michael is a writer for Dvdn Wireless which is an excellent place to find wireless links, resources and articles. For more information go to: http://www.dvdnwireless.com ]]> Making Life Simple With Wireless Technology http://www.artwoo.com/article/making-life-simple-with-wireless-technology http://www.artwoo.com/article/making-life-simple-with-wireless-technology#comments Sat, 05 Aug 2006 02:27:11 +0000 hot spotswireless networkingwireless cardswireless fidelitycomputersrouterlocal computer store http://www.artwoo.com/article/making-life-simple-with-wireless-technology Wireless fidelity , or WiFi, is an amazing technology that allows you to network your , office, home, etc. without the need for wires. This makes networking so much easier and less messy because wires are not used. The computers simply connect to the network via radio signals.

Because of this easiness, many businesses, schools, malls, restaurants, cafes, stores, airports and other businesses have set up wireless that allow anyone to log onto the network. This is amazing for individuals that need to be able to work from any location, however there are some disadvantages because hot spots can be used by unauthorized users if not adequately protected through different security safeguards.

Hot spots are relatively new, but are growing in acceptance and popularity because of the incredible access it gives to students, travelers, business people and the like. Some hot spots are free, while others charge an hourly rate.

These days, if you go to an airport or hotel you will see signs that say internet zone or hotspot and will either say free or how to pay. Because of this evolution, individuals are able to work and study wherever they are, which makes traveling and working much easier and less downtime which is very important.

can also be installed in your home, which means you can work in any room in your home or even outside if you so choose. Many individuals are starting to realize how much easier this makes their lives and are installing the equipment necessary for a wireless network.

To get started, you will need an Internet connection, a , and then for your respective computers. The router allows the Internet signal to be routed throughout the home and the wireless cards that each computer has picks up the signal which eliminates the use of wires. All of this equipment can be purchased in your or online if you are looking for extra discounts.

If you are interested in installing a wireless network in your home, office, or business, then you can do some research online and install it yourself if you know even a little bit about computers. However, if you have a lot of computers you want to connect or are unsure of what you are doing, then you might consider hiring a professional to handle your wireless solution for you.

Once you have the wireless network setup anyone in your "hotspot" will be able to log onto the server as long as they are within range. However, if you want to exclude just anyone from logging on then you can use a virtual private network, Internet Protocol Security, or other security programs that will protect unauthorized users from logging onto your network. Robert Michael is a writer for Dvdn Wireless which is an excellent place to find wireless links, resources and articles. For more information go to: http://www.dvdnwireless.com ]]> Organic Gardening Resources On The Net http://www.artwoo.com/article/organic-gardening-resources-on-the-net http://www.artwoo.com/article/organic-gardening-resources-on-the-net#comments Sun, 16 Jul 2006 14:27:11 +0000 organic gardeningemailorganic foodfood coopsmagazinesorganic gardenerscyberspace http://www.artwoo.com/article/organic-gardening-resources-on-the-net organic gardening, you may be wondering where you can turn for helpful and reliable resources and information pertaining to organic gardening practices. As with so many things in the 21st century, the Internet and World Wide Web has become a wonderful resource and source of information for men and women interested in organic gardening in this day and age.

There are a growing number of websites on the Net that deal with organic gardening. For example, there are organic gardening coops that maintain websites that provide a whole host of information on organic gardening.

In addition to organic gardening and coops, companies that market products for oftentimes now maintain very user friendly websites on the Net. These sites provide information and also include the ability through which you can purchase product to meet your own organic gardening needs.

Some colleges and universities now maintain website venues through which you can access information about different types of gardening practices, including organic gardening. These websites can very helpful to a person who is looking for information about organic gardening.

There are now enterprises on the Net that publish in that deal with organic gardening. By subscribing to these publications, you can have delivered through organic gardening magazines that can keep you abreast of the very latest developments when it comes to organic gardening in this day and age. These magazines strive to give you the very latest information about organic gardening practices from around the world. In short, these can be very vital resources to a person interested in organic gardening in today's world.

There are also organizations that you can join in cyberspace. Through these organizations you can further your own self education about organic gardening. In addition, you can share information with like minded gardeners, with other men and women who are interested in organic gardening practices.

Finally, in association with these organization, there are websites that offer community forums and bulletin boards. Through these services, you can link up with other men and women around the world who are involved in organic gardening. In so many ways, the best ways to learn about organic gardening is to share experiences with other organic gardeners from different parts of the globe. Jena Luthowski writes about Graden Coupons, Save on Gardenning http://www.HomeGardenCoupons.com/ and Apricots http://www.homegardencoupons.com/Categories/Apricot.aspx ]]> The Natural Health Boom http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-natural-health-boom http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-natural-health-boom#comments Sat, 27 Jan 2007 22:27:04 +0000 alternative medicinemedicine featuresmedicine studiesconventional medicinecomplementary medicinedr deepak choprawestern medical community http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-natural-health-boom alternative medicine. Defined as any health practice which takes the place of, or is not compatible with , alternative medicine differentiates itself from because it uses only nontraditional methods.

Alternative a very broad range of practices. While some of the healing therapies come from Ancient Chinese principles, like acupuncture, and the use of herbal compounds, others are based on Ayurvedic or Hindu therapies. The latter include some of the most well-known therapies, such as the practice of yoga, diet changes and cultivating the connection between mind, body, and spirit.

The emphasis on mind, body, and spirit also constitutes the landmark of holistic health, which can be both alternative and complementary. One of the popular figures of this kind of medicine is Dr. Deepak Chopra, who leans toward alternative rather than medical thinking. Despite the fact that he is a graduate of a Western medical university, his teachings are largely contested by the medical community.

Massage, chiropractic techniques and practice, meditation, spiritual healing, aromatherapy and exercise practices such as Tai Chi are some other examples of popular alternative therapies. However, there is an almost inexhaustible list of alternative practices. In fact, many people use different forms of alternative medicine, sometimes even without realizing it, for example when they take herbal supplements or vitamins without seeing the doctor first. As such, using the natural supplement Airborne when having a cold instead of consulting the doctor means that alternative medicine is practiced rather than traditional medicine. Studies have showed that over 70 percent of adults over 50 years of age use some kind of alternative therapy in order to treat illness and disease and to maintain a good health.

Although the strongly opposes these practices, the ascension of alternative practices continues. This happens mainly because alternative practitioners often point to millenary traditions, although few clinical trials have proved their efficiency. However, given the advancement of complementary medicine there is now an entire host of medical schools where alternative methods are taught. Moreover, many physicians are now keen on learning about alternative medicine, as it offers more options in dealing with a medical condition.

More and more people now turn to alternative medicine because the traditional medicine can not provide them the means to cure when experiencing a certain condition. In fact, many Western physicians acknowledge the already established practices of alternative medicine and even recommend these therapies for patients whom they cannot help otherwise. Although a large range of physicians still remain skeptical, alternative medicine appears to many as a last resort solution.

Despite its popularity, alternative medicine is generally not covered by health insurance companies. Sometimes chiropractics may be part of a health plan, but otherwise nutritional supplements, acupuncture, yoga classes, or other alternative therapies must all be paid for by the beneficiary. However, alternative methods are increasingly popular because they pay attention not just to the physical body, but also to the spiritual, emotional and mental aspects of one's health. Natural Alternative Medicine http://www.methodsofhealing.com ]]> Oil and Gas Fears for the Amazon http://www.artwoo.com/article/oil-and-gas-fears-for-the-amazon http://www.artwoo.com/article/oil-and-gas-fears-for-the-amazon#comments Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:29:36 +0000 madidi national parkwestern amazonnational wildlife refugeoil and gas explorationnon profit organisationsarctic national wildlife refugearctic national wildlife http://www.artwoo.com/article/oil-and-gas-fears-for-the-amazon western Amazon, and have now completed a comprehensive map covering the area that shows the alarming extent to which the corporations have plans for commencing their destructive trade in their area.

The study identified 180 "blocks" that have been ear-marked for , an area that stretches 170 million acres, an area just smaller than that of oil rich Texas. Understandably, these findings have caused a huge amount of concern that the businesses are instigating a plan to begin operating in this delicate, bio-diverse portion of the world. The threat to wildlife and indigenous people is obvious, and the report found that many of the oil and gas blocks overlie areas of the greatest ecological wealth, meaning that any activity in the area would come at the cost of species that are already under threat, amphibians for example.

Environmentalists should be under no illusions as to the amount of pressure that businesses can exert on areas that have been in theory protected from their activities. The Arctic in Alaska is an example of an area that was recognised as being environmentally vulnerable, was defended through legislation and has still found itself under the avaricious eyes of the Bush administration and their oil drilling friends. When president calls for congress to authorize oil prospecting in a wildlife refuge, you realise that the measured, protective legislation put in place to guard environmentally valuable areas is all to easily brushed aside for the immediate plans of big business.

This study fond that the highest concentration of these 'blocks' were concentrated in the most pristine areas of the Amazon, and that even the world famous national parks contained within, such as Bolivia's , were earmarked for exploration. Overall, the study found that there are a total of 64 'blocks' in the Peruvian Amazon, covering around 121 million acres or 72% of the total land. Peru, like many other developing, Amazonian countries, has been driving toward increasing its hydrocarbon exploration in its own borders, although it is not currently allowing such activities in its national parks.

The report focused on the impact that road building would have on these remote, potted havens of biodiversity. As well as destroying the rainforest beneath their path, roads make previously inaccessible areas easily accessible to human influence, including illegal loggers and poachers. Illegal logging is already a major problem in the vulnerable Amazon, where the sheer scale of the area makes effective policing very difficult. It is estimated that illegal logging accounts for around half of all logging globally, and would be devastating to a developing Amazonian country as it would cause a loss of biodiversity without bringing any of the economic benefits to the country as a whole due to the loss in tax revenue.

The report went on to highlight the huge impact that opening up these secluded areas of jungle would have to the indigenous people who currently inhabit the area. Many of these communities would be extremely vulnerable to disease brought in from the outside world, and there is a concern that traditional cultures and ways of life would be placed under threat through coming into contact with people from outside the forest.Matt Gammie is a writer for the green camparison website ecoswitch]]> Credit Help For Mortgage Financing: Beware Of http://www.artwoo.com/article/credit-help-for-mortgage-financing-beware-of http://www.artwoo.com/article/credit-help-for-mortgage-financing-beware-of#comments Tue, 18 Apr 2006 02:50:03 +0000 montgomery county marylandcenter for responsible lendingpredatory lenderstargetmortgage lenderafsadiscriminatory http://www.artwoo.com/article/credit-help-for-mortgage-financing-beware-of predatory lenders."

In November 2005, Montgomery County, Maryland's county council enacted legislation to expand the categories of lending activities associated with discriminatory housing practices and increased the maximum fine for such activities from $5,000 to $500,000. The council sited practices such as charging inordinate amounts for prepayment penalties, points, and fees; steering borrowers toward more expensive mortgages; and refinancing existing mortgages with new ones that borrowers won't be able to repay based on their income or credit.

Predatory lenders typically what's known as the nonprime mortgage market, where people with blemished credit records try to borrow money for homes in less desirable neighborhoods, which means that it's often minority groups, such as African-Americans and Latinos, who are the victims of predatory lending practices.

However, February 2006, the American Financial Services Association (), challenged the ruling, contending that only the state has the power to enact legislation regarding mortgage lending practices--although the AFSA went on record as opposing discriminatory and abusive lending practices. The new law was supposed to take effect the second week in March, but lawyers persuaded a judge to delay the new law, pending a hearing. So it's yet to be determined if the Montgomery County law will remain on the books.

Regardless of the outcome in Montgomery County, however, predatory lending practices are illegal in most states. The describes a number of such practices on their website. Some of them include loan flipping, in which the borrower is forced to refinance a loan, sometimes several times, solely for the purpose of generating new fees for the lending institution. Another common practice is insisting that borrowers also purchase such things as credit life insurance or other products--again, primarily designed to generate more income for the lender.

The bottom line is that there are lending institutions that make a great deal of money by charging extra fees to those borrowers who can least afford them, thereby either depriving those borrowers of the American dream of home ownership or, worse yet, setting them up for eventual foreclosure.

As the real estate market slows down and interest rates creep up, it's more important than ever to become a knowledgeable consumer. Learn the basics of mortgage lending, so you'll know when you're being charged too much for a loan or for things you don't need. Shop around to see what's available, and then make sure you're comfortable with your loan payment, because you'll be paying that amount for many years.

Copyright © 2006 Jeanette J. Fisher Jeanette Fisher, author of interior design, real estate, and credit books teaches first-time home buyers and real estate investors how to meet the five mortgage requirements beyond credit scores. Credit Articles http://worryfreecredit.com/articles.htm">http://worryfreecredit.com/articles.htm FREE Credit Help ebook http://worryfreecredit.com ]]> Webwatcher - How Webwatcher Compares To The Competition http://www.artwoo.com/article/webwatcher-how-webwatcher-compares-to-the-competition http://www.artwoo.com/article/webwatcher-how-webwatcher-compares-to-the-competition#comments Sun, 10 Jun 2007 23:29:51 +0000 parental control softwareunwanted sexual solicitationsoffice of juvenile justiceinternet filtering softwareoffice of juvenile justice and delinquency preventionmonitoring softwarewebwatcher http://www.artwoo.com/article/webwatcher-how-webwatcher-compares-to-the-competition Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention indicates that increased proportions of young internet users were encountering unwanted exposures to sexual materials and online harassment, and 1 in 7 received . As bad as this seems the even more disturbing fact in the study is that the increase in exposure to unwanted sexual material occurred despite increased use of internet filtering, blocking, and in households of youth internet users. This means that either the being used was either ineffective or the parents were ineffective in their application of the . is claimed by many to be the most effective monitoring software on the market today. In this article we will examine three key features of monitoring software and how WebWatcher compares to other popular internet filter products on the market today in these areas.

Filtering Capabilities

This is what most parents look for in parental control software. A parents first thought is generally to have the ability to block access to inappropriate sites and material (i.e. keep the bad stuff out and let only the good stuff in). Filtering is done generally is two ways. The first is by direct blocking of websites and the second is blocking thru keyword lists and/or categories. Almost all control software will allow you to input websites to block. Only the more advanced and more expensive software will also provide the ability to filter by keywords. WebWatcher, in addition to direct and keyword blocking, will also allow you to block by category selection, which can be a big time saver (e.g. select gambling for example and all gambling websites are blocked). It also has the ability to create a white list, which allows the parent to block everything on the internet except for pre-approved websites (e.g. homework sites). Still, filtering, as advanced as it is, cannot totally block all unacceptable content. To overcome this inherent limitation in all monitoring software, the logging and monitoring capabilities are used to catch what might otherwise might me overlooked or missed.

Logging/Monitoring Capabilities

The logging and monitoring capabilities are generally what separate the good internet filters from the really excellent ones. Quality software will be able to record keystrokes (key logger), monitor internet activity, log chats, etc.. Instant messaging logging should include all popular networks including AOL, AIM, Yahoo, MSN, Windows Messenger and the currently popular MySpace chat (currently only the WebWatcher software appears to have the ability to monitor MySpace chat). The software should also be able to record email sent and received on all the popular email systems. And finally, make sure that the parental control software, in addition to performing the above tasks, also has the ability to properly format and display the results in a useable format. Raw keystrokes recorded in an unformatted form require too much additional time to try to decipher and can lead to frustration and eventually non use by the parent, which defeats the purpose of the software to begin with.

Ease of Use

The best internet filtering software in the world is completely useless if the parents cannot figure out how to quickly use and customize the software to suit their particular needs. Thus the ability to use the software and get the expected results are key to effective parental control software. Although WebWatcher rates well in its ease of use along with many other popular brands, it has two distinct additional features that appear to separate from the rest. Those features are its remote monitoring and multiple computer capabilities. WebWatcher is web-based, which means you have total access to the data from any computer, anywhere, anytime. Other parental control software with similar features charge an additional $10 per month for this feature. This can become quite expensive if the software is used for two or three years. WebWatcher is also designed to monitor multiple computers from one location. This is a great feature if you have several children and computers that you want to monitor from a central location (separate software purchase is required for each additional computer).

Despite all our best efforts it appears that the threat to our children's safety from the internet is still growing. It is our responsibility and duty as parents to protect our children while they are under our roof. Finding quality internet filtering software that can be used effectively is one way we as parents can protect our children. Matt Collins is a father, author, and the owner of several small businesses. He runs an informational website about parental control software products. To visit his website go to http://www.webwatcher-review.com ]]>