Rabu, 17 Desember 2008

Memindahkan File Joomla ke Komputer Lain

Memindahkan file joomla ke komputer lain masudnya kalau temen-temen ingin memindahkan website joomla temen-temen yang ada di localhost (tidak terhubung oleh internet) ke komputer orang lain atau komputer lain.
Misal temen-temen ada proyek untuk membuat website sekolahan nah sebelum online khan kita persentasi dulu sama yang pesan,terus dia minta filenya nah kali ini tutorialjoomla.net akan memberikan tutorial joomla tentang ini nih...!!

Begini caranya.......

  1. Zip dulu semua situs joomla kamu
  2. Export Database kamu dari phpmyadmin (http://localhost/phpmyadmin)
  3. Ambil flashdisk, pindahin ke komputer
  4. Jalan ke komputer tujuan
  5. Udah sampe komputer tujuan, unzip site joomla kamu di direktori localhost (mis,
    C:/XAMPP/HTDOCS/SITEKAMU )
  6. Import database site kamu di komputer baru ini (Nama database usahakan sama )
  7. Buka' file configurration.php di "C:/XAMPP/HTDOCS/SITEKAMU/CONFIGURATION.PHP"
  8. Langsung ke baris :
    1. 17 & 18, sesuaiin alamatnya :
    Code:
    var $log_path = 'C:\\xampp\\htdocs\\sitetemen-temen\\logs';
    var $tmp_path = 'C:\\xampp\\htdocs\\sitetemen-temen\\tmp';

    2. 31 - 24, sesuaiin konfigurasinya :
    Code:
    var $dbtype = 'mysql';
    var $host = 'localhost';
    var $user = 'root';
    var $db = 'databasesitetemen-temen';

    3. 48, isi password localhost temen-temen :
    Code:
    var $password = 'passwordtemen-temen';

Menerjemahkan Website ke Bahasa Indonesia secara Online

Bahasa menjadi salah satu kendala bagi sebagian pengguna Internet. Untunglah, Google telah menambahkan Bahasa Indonesia dalam fitur alih bahasa Google Translate. Melalui layanan ini, Anda dapat menerjemahkan sembarang teks, halaman web, bahkan situs web hasil pencarian Anda, dari dan ke Bahasa Indonesia. Lebih nyaman lagi, semua dapat Anda lakukan secara online tanpa harus menginstal sebuah program alih bahasa.

Google Translate (http://translate.google.com) cukup mudah digunakan. Meskipun hasil terjemahnya belum maksimal, namun keakuratan hasil terjemah Google Translate masih terus akan diperbaiki. Berikut ilustrasi kemampuan fitur alih bahasa dari Google ini.

Menerjemahkan Kalimat

  1. salin (copy) teks yang ingin Anda terjemahkan, sisipkan (paste) ke kolom Original Text yang tersedia.
  2. Pilih bahasa sumber teks di tombol kiri, lalu pilih bahasa tujuan terjemah Anda di tombol kanan.
  3. Klik Translate, maka hasil terjemah akan disajikan di kolom kanan.

Menerjemahkan teks

Menerjemahkan website

  1. Salin (copy) baris URL situs berbahasa asing yang Anda kunjungi atau ketikkan URL yang Anda tuju pada kolom isian Translate a web page.
  2. Pilih bahasa sumber teks di tombol kiri, lalu pilih bahasa tujuan terjemah Anda di tombol kanan.
  3. Klik Translate, maka hasil terjemah akan disajikan di jendela browser dalam bentuk frame.

Situs dalam bahasa asli

Situs masih dalam bahasa asli (Jerman)

Menerjemahkan URL Situs

Situs sudah dalam Bahasa Indonesia

Situs sudah dalam Bahasa Indonesia

Menerjemahkan Hasil Pencarian Google

  1. Lakukan pencarian di Google seperti biasa dengan kata kunci pencarian yang Anda inginkan.
  2. Perhatikan pada hasil pencarian akan muncul teks Terjemahkan laman ini (google.co.id) atau Translate this page (google.com).
  3. Klik teks tersebut untuk menampilkan situs hasil pencarian dengan bahasa yang sudah diterjemahkan.

Pilihan terjemah ke Bahasa Inggris

Pilihan terjemah ke dalam Bahasa Indonesia

Web Hasil Pencarian Sudah Berbahasa Indonesia

Website hasil pencarian (contoh : CNET.com) sudah berbahasa Indonesia

Satu fitur lagi yang masih dapat kita harapkan kehadirannya di masa mendatang, yaitu layanan kamus online (dictionary). Saat ini, kita belum dapat menikmati fitur ini untuk keperluan Bahasa Indonesia. Kita tunggu saja!

Senin, 01 Desember 2008

Rahasia Optimal Windows XP dengan Tangan Kosong


Sistem operasi Windows XP memiliki banyak fitur dan komponen tertanam dalam sistem operasi. Tetapi beberapa fitur ternyata tidak perlu digunakan tetapi Windows XP tetap melakukan loading kedalam sistem computer.

Run Service.msc (module default Windows XP)

Windows XP melakukan loading dari module program yang lengkap dengan tujuan untuk menyamankan pemakai sistem operasi selalu siap tersedia. Sayangnya tidak semua orang membutuhkan module program yang diloading dari sistem Default WinXP. Selain memakan resource memory karena module dijalankan pertama kali ketika computer bekerja, terkadang malah membuat sistem operasi Windows menjadi sedikit lebih lambat.

Fitur module program yang tidak diperlu dapat dimatikan melalui fasilitas SERVICE.MSC.

Caranya:

Masuk ke bagian Start dan Run serta ketik “service.msc”. Selanjutnya akan muncul daftar service dari program module yang defaultnya selalu diloading oleh Windows XP. Untuk mematikan service module Windows, pada gambar kedua anda melihat pada daftar program dan STATUS. Pada daftar status, anda dapat melihat apakah program Module Windows XP selalu dijalankan ketika pertama kali Windows bekerja, atau secara otomatis bila dibutuhkan baru bekerja dan terakhir tidak dijalankan sama sekali (Disable)

Dibawah ini adalah daftar komponen Windows secara default diloading tetapi kemungkinan tidak diperlukan untuk beberapa kebutuhan (Sumber Techtree)

Computer Browser
Module ini untuk memonitor daftar dari computer yang terhubung kedalam jaringan Network. Module Computer Browser dapat dimatikan bila anda mengunakan computer dirumah tanpa terhubung dengan network / LAN.

Distributed Link Tracking Client
Module ini difungsikan untuk memonitor hubungan antar NTFS file didalam computer sendiri atau jaringn network dengan nama domain. Fungsi module ini hanya dibutuhkan bila seseorang membutuhkan link ke computer lain pada sebuah file. Tidak semua orang membutuhkan link dari dan ke computer anda untuk sebuah file dan anda dapat mematikan (Disable).

Error Reporting Service
Fungsi module Error Reporting Service adalah memberikan laporan bila Windows XP terganggu. Fungsi ini tidak berguna dan dapat di Disable.

Help and Support
Mendapatkan file support dengan menekan F1 untuk mengaktifkan. Apakah anda cukup sering melakukan dan membaca help file dari Windows ?, matikan fitur ini.

Indexing Service
Indexes contents and properties of files on local and remote computers bertujuan untuk mempercepat access ke file dengan cara antiran secara flexibel. Service ini tidak dibutuhkan.

Net Logon
Supports pass-through authentication of account logon events for computers in a domain. Bila anda terhubung dengan network dan sebuah domain. Fitur ini diperlukan, tetapi bila anda hanya mengunakan computer sendiri saja dan tidak memiliki domain. Fitur ini dapat dimatikan.

NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing
FItur ini untuk memberikan access ke computer anda melalui Netmeeting lewat jaringan Intranet. Jika anda tidak berkenan memberikan access kepada orang lain, khususnya dengan cara Remote ke computer anda. Sebaiknya fitur ini dimatikan.

Network Location Awareness (NLA)
Module ini untuk mencatat dan menyimpan daftar network konfigurasi serta informasi lokasi. Fungsi ini tidak membantu, dan dapat dimatikan.

Network Provisioning Service
Manages XML configuration files on a domain basis for automatic network provisioning. Tidak dibutuhkan untuk computer home dan sistem simple network. Fitur dapat dimatikan.

Performance Logs and Alerts
Fitur module untuk mencatat performa computer dan kegiatan lain yang dicatat pada sebuah file (Log file). Anda tidak perlu pusing dengan performa sistem Windows anda, matikan karena tidak banyak berguna untuk stand-alone.

Portable Media Serial Number Service
Retrieves the serial number of any portable media player connected to this computer. Fungsi module ini tidak berguna dan hanya diperuntukan bagi Windows Media based/compatible (”PlaysForSure”) portable. Pemakai MP3 tidak membutuhkan fitur ini dan sebaiknya dimatikan.

QoS RSVP
Menyediakan pengiriman network signal dan kontrol pada local traffic. Fungsi module dengan konsep memberikan bandwidth lebih besar bagi kebutuhan aplikasi. Nyatanya fungsi ini tidak terlalu berdampak. Pilihan dapat dimatikan atau tetap digunakan.

Remote Desktop Help Session Manager
Manages and controls Remote Assistance. Belum diketahui fungsinya untuk apa, Remote Assistance bisa diterima. Atau tidak diperlukan dan dapat dimatikan.

Remote Registry
Memberikan otorisasi remote user memodifikasi registry pada sebuah computer. Sebaiknya dimatikan.

Security Center
Monitors system security settings and configurations.” Menampilkan Pop Up ketika firewall down, Anti virus telah out o date atau sistem Windows update sengaja dimatikan.
Bila anda selalu memonitor ke 3 fungsi diatas, fitur ini dapat dimatikan.Karena fungsi Security center hanya memonitor dan bukan mencegah dan lebih baik mengawasi langsung dari program pengaman anda.

Server
Dukungan file server seperti printer, file untuk berbagi atau share didalam network. Bisa dibutuhkan bisa tidak, bila anda tidak melakukan share antar computer didalam network. Fitur ini dapat dimatikan.

Smart Card
Manages access to smart cards read by this computer. Anda mengunakan Smart Card pada computer anda. Bila tidak sebaiknya dimatikan.

SSDP Discovery Service
Enables discovery of UPnP devices on your home network.” Windows akan memonitor hardware lain dengan sistem Plug and Play. Fungsi ini dapat dimatikan bila anda tidak lagi menambah perangkat lain atau hardware yang anda gunakan adalah permanen. Tetapi bila anda mengunakan banyak hardware sebaiknya fitur ini tetap diaktifkan.

System Restore Service
Performs system restore functions. Windows dapat mengembalikan sistem Windows dengan melakukan restore bila set point backup dilakukan. Dengan mengaktifkan system restore akan lebih mudah mengembalikan Windows bila terjadi crash serta malfunction dan mengembalikan Windows XP ke waktu anda melakukan backup.
Ada pendapat, sistem restore tetap diaktifkan karena lebih cepat mengembalikan sistem Windows seperti set point terakhir. Sayangnya sistem ini mengambil space pada storage. Keuntungannya, anda dengan cepat dapat mengembalikan sistem WinXP yang bermasalah
Pilihannya adalah antara kebutuhan anda apakah mengunakan sistem restore untuk mengembalikan Windows dengan penentuan set point yang anda lakukan. Atau mematikan (Disable) tetapi dengan resiko, bila terjadi crash pada Windows anda harus mengulang menginstall kembali. Keuntungan, anda mendapat space storage lebih besar.

TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper
Provides user experience theme management support for NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NetBT) service and NetBIOS name resolution. Matikan bila anda tidak memerlukan NetBIOS untuk network.

Themes
Provides user experience theme management. Untuk alasan performa, seperti menampilkan interface Win2000. Fitur ini dapat dijalankan melalui Desktop Properti. Jadi tidak ada alasan module ini diload. Anda dapat mematikan fitur ini.

Uninterruptible Power Supply
Manages an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) connected to the computer. Sudah jelas fungsinya bila anda mengunakan UPS memerlukan fungsi ini, fitur ini khusus hanya untuk UPS yang terhubung ke computer melalui COM port. Bila tidak, dapat mematikan.

Wireless Zero Configuration
Menyediakan fungsi otomatis untuk Wireless network adaptor. Bila anda tidak memiliki perangkat WIFI dapat dimatikan.

WMI Performance Adapter
Provides performance library information from WMI HiPerf providers. Tidak jelas untuk apa, dan dapat dimatikan.

Workstation
Creates and maintains client network connections to remote servers. Jika anda mengunakan sharing file didalam network, biarkan fungsi ini tetap bekerja. Bila anda tidak mengunakan fitur sharing dan computer anda berdiri sendiri / stand alone. Fitur ini dapat dimatikan dan tidak berdampak pada koneksi internet.

Senin, 17 November 2008

Windows Vista Tips


Windows Vista Tips

I have deliberately chosen a wide range of tips - something for everyone. A few of my tricks were also available in earlier operating systems, but that revelation does not make them any the less useful for Vista.

Mouse Scroll Wheel Resizes Icons

Let us start with a quick, easy, yet flashy Vista tip. We are going to resize the desktop icons by holding down the Ctrl key, and scrolling the mouse wheel. See how icons such as the Recycle Bin enlarge or shrink as you turn the mouse's wheel. By scrolling you can get over 20 different sizes of icon, there is bound to be one that suits you. Incidentally, this a classic for learning a tip once, on the Vista Desktop, and then applying wherever you go, for example try Ctrl + scroll the mouse wheel when you are next in Windows Explorer.

Kamis, 13 November 2008

School is in: 7 computer security tips for students


These tips can help protect the computers you use for school from viruses, hackers, spyware, and other attacks.

1. Perform basic computer safety maintenance

Before you surf the Web, you should perform three key maintenance steps to help improve the computer's security. Visit Protect your computer in 4 steps and follow the steps online to:

Use an Internet firewall.

Update your computer.

Use up-to-date antivirus software.

Use up-to-date antispyware software.

2. Don't open files from strangers

E-mail and instant messaging (IM) can spread viruses and worms if you aren't careful. (Most e-mail viruses are spread by people who are tricked into opening an infected file.)

You should never open a file attached to an e-mail or an instant message unless you recognize the sender and you are expecting the file.

For more information on helping to avoid viruses, visit Help avoid viruses that spread through e-mail attachments, 5 reasons to use Windows Live OneCare to help protect your computer, and Instant messaging safety and privacy tips.

3. Help fight spam and online scams

You can use technology to help keep junk e-mail from deluging your screen. To see how, read Help keep spam out of your inbox.

Phishing is another threat to your privacy that could lead to the theft of your credit card numbers, passwords, account information, or other personal data. To learn more, read Recognize phishing scams and fraudulent e-mails.

4. Learn how to protect yourself from spyware

If your Web browser has been taken over by pop-up ads, or there are toolbars on your computer that you didn't download intentionally, your computer might be running spyware.

Spyware is software that collects personal information from you without first letting you know what it's doing, and without asking for your permission.

You might get spyware if you download music or file-sharing programs, free games from sites you don't trust, or other software programs from a suspicious Web site.

If your computer is running Windows Vista you have spyware protection built-in. Learn more by reading What is spyware?

5. Take precautions when you go wireless

Many high school and college campuses have wireless networks, so you can surf the Web in the library, cafeteria, or a classroom.

These networks are convenient, but they do come with a security risk. If you set up your own wireless network at home or in your dorm room, read Windows Vista Features Explained: Wireless Networking or Improve the secuirty of your wireless home network with Windows XP and pay special attention to the section on wireless network security. Also read Use public wireless networks more safely to get more tips on WiFi security.

6. Password protect your computer—and lock it

Passwords are the first line of defense in protecting your computer from criminals, pranksters, or a careless roommate. If you don't use a password to log on to your computer, anyone can access your computer and unlock it.

Use our tips for building stronger passwords now, and be sure to lock your computer when you're not using it.

(To "lock" your Windows computer, hold down "Windows logo key + L." Follow the instructions on the screen to unlock your computer when you're ready to use it again.)

7. Back up your work

The image of students losing their term papers because they forgot to back up their work has almost become a cliché. Still, many of us don't have the time to back up.

If you use Windows Vista read Windows Vista Features Explained: Complete PC Backup. If you use Windows XP, you can let the Backup Utility do the work for you. To find out how, read Windows XP Backup Made Easy or try Windows Live OneCare, which offers easy backup and restore.

Minggu, 09 November 2008

How To Speed Up A Computer - 6 Tips For Optimal Computer Speed


Have you ever been in the middle working on your computer and suddenly it froze, crashed or came to a slow crawl? And you had to restart, lost your work, lost time and felt so enraged that if you had an ax...STOP! Don?t kill the computer. Here are 6 tips on how to speed up a computer.

1. INCREASE VIRTUAL MEMORY:

Virtual memory is the space your computer uses when it's short of RAM (Random Access Memory), which is the memory used when running programs like Office Suites.

Resetting the virtual memory usage on your computer, also referred to as pagination, is great way speed up a computer.

To access and reset the Virtual Memory:

On the Start menu,click My Computer. The My Computer window is displayed. Click View System Information. The Systems Properties dialog box is displayed. In the Systems Properties dialog box click the Advanced tab. Under Performance, click Settings. The Performance Options dialog box is displayed.

In the Performance Options dialog box, click the Advanced tab. Find the Virtual memory area. Click Change. The Virtual Memory dialog box is displayed. There you can make changes to the custom pagination. DO NOT exceed the limit given in the properties box of your windows system.

2. STORING FILES ON THE MAIN DRIVE:

Do not store lots of data on the main drive, which is where you install your windows operating system. Storing software like games, finance programs and other software on another drive of your computer is another way to speed up a computer?s performance.

3. RESETTING START UP MENU:

The speed with which your computer boots depends on the amount of programs that are set to be started automatically at booting. Removing unnecessary and unwanted programs from the start up process can greatly speed up a computer at the start up level.

4. TURN OFF SYSTEM RESTORE:

Having the system restore option on takes a lot of space from the hard drive. Freeing up a lot of physical memory by turning off system restore can significantly speed up a computer.

To access and turn off System Restore:

Click START, then click ACCESSORIES, then click SYSTEM TOOLS, then click SYSTEM RESTORE. Once there you can edit settings and then turn off the system restore option.

5. CLEANING INTERNET CACHE AND COOKIES:

Temporary Internet files affect browser speed. Regularly cleaning the cache and cookies will make your browser and computer perform at a faster speed.

To Clean Internet Cache and Cookies:

click Tools from your browser toolbar and click on Internet Options to delete and clear cache and cookies. This should be done on a regular basis to ensure ongoing improvement of computer performance and browser speed.

6. DEFRAGMENTING THE DISK:

Regularly defragmenting the drive will speed up a computer.

This tool can be accessed from the Start Menu then Accessories then System Tools.

WHAT ABOUT SOFTWARE THAT CLAIMS TO SPEED UP COMPUTERS?:

There is software out there that claims to optimize computer speed and performance, but these softwares are often costly and do not provide an all-in-one tool necessary to speed up computers to the max. And so you wind up buying several software programs, which ironically take up more space on your computer, in an attempt to fix multiple problems and improve computer performance. Not really the best solution.

There are many more elaborate tools for computer health. To learn more ways to speed up a computer, without software, as well as, procedures to automatically set convenient maintenance schedules all presented in step-by-step video guides visit: HOW TO SPEED UP A COMPUTER Please visit Shop 4 Laptop Auctions for the best priced laptop computers and accessories.

Selasa, 04 November 2008

How To Speed Up A Computer - 6 Tips For Optimal Computer Speed


Have you ever been in the middle working on your computer and suddenly it froze, crashed or came to a slow crawl? And you had to restart, lost your work, lost time and felt so enraged that if you had an ax...STOP! Don?t kill the computer. Here are 6 tips on how to speed up a computer.

1. INCREASE VIRTUAL MEMORY:

Virtual memory is the space your computer uses when it's short of RAM (Random Access Memory), which is the memory used when running programs like Office Suites.

Resetting the virtual memory usage on your computer, also referred to as pagination, is great way speed up a computer.

To access and reset the Virtual Memory:

On the Start menu,click My Computer. The My Computer window is displayed. Click View System Information. The Systems Properties dialog box is displayed. In the Systems Properties dialog box click the Advanced tab. Under Performance, click Settings. The Performance Options dialog box is displayed.

In the Performance Options dialog box, click the Advanced tab. Find the Virtual memory area. Click Change. The Virtual Memory dialog box is displayed. There you can make changes to the custom pagination. DO NOT exceed the limit given in the properties box of your windows system.

2. STORING FILES ON THE MAIN DRIVE:

Do not store lots of data on the main drive, which is where you install your windows operating system. Storing software like games, finance programs and other software on another drive of your computer is another way to speed up a computer?s performance.

3. RESETTING START UP MENU:

The speed with which your computer boots depends on the amount of programs that are set to be started automatically at booting. Removing unnecessary and unwanted programs from the start up process can greatly speed up a computer at the start up level.

4. TURN OFF SYSTEM RESTORE:

Having the system restore option on takes a lot of space from the hard drive. Freeing up a lot of physical memory by turning off system restore can significantly speed up a computer.

To access and turn off System Restore:

Click START, then click ACCESSORIES, then click SYSTEM TOOLS, then click SYSTEM RESTORE. Once there you can edit settings and then turn off the system restore option.

5. CLEANING INTERNET CACHE AND COOKIES:

Temporary Internet files affect browser speed. Regularly cleaning the cache and cookies will make your browser and computer perform at a faster speed.

To Clean Internet Cache and Cookies:

click Tools from your browser toolbar and click on Internet Options to delete and clear cache and cookies. This should be done on a regular basis to ensure ongoing improvement of computer performance and browser speed.

6. DEFRAGMENTING THE DISK:

Regularly defragmenting the drive will speed up a computer.

This tool can be accessed from the Start Menu then Accessories then System Tools.

WHAT ABOUT SOFTWARE THAT CLAIMS TO SPEED UP COMPUTERS?:

There is software out there that claims to optimize computer speed and performance, but these softwares are often costly and do not provide an all-in-one tool necessary to speed up computers to the max. And so you wind up buying several software programs, which ironically take up more space on your computer, in an attempt to fix multiple problems and improve computer performance. Not really the best solution.

There are many more elaborate tools for computer health. To learn more ways to speed up a computer, without software, as well as, procedures to automatically set convenient maintenance schedules all presented in step-by-step video guides visit: HOW TO SPEED UP A COMPUTER Please visit Shop 4 Laptop Auctions for the best priced laptop computers and accessories.

Kamis, 23 Oktober 2008

Fraudulent E-mails Trick Computer Users

Published: October 13, 2008

If you get an e-mail from the FDIC saying the federal government is here to help you, don't believe it.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation said last week e-mails have been sent from scammers, asking recipients to open and review an attached file.

One subject line of the e-mail states: "Funds wired into your account are stolen."

The fraudulent e-mail tells the recipient that proceeds from identity theft crimes have been wire-transferred into their bank account. Recipients are directed to open and review an attached copy of their bank account statement and then contact their bank account managers.

Do not open the attached file, and do not reply to the e-mail, the FDIC said.

The attachment is actually an executable file containing software which collects online banking credentials or other personal and confidential information that could be used to gain unauthorized access to on-line banking services or perpetrate identity theft and other criminal activities.

According to the FDIC, antivirus software programs have been detecting and removing the malicious attachment before the e-mail is delivered. However, if a recipient does open the attachment, the FDIC recommends updating anti-virus software patches and performing a complete scan of the computer and network, if applicable.

If a computer becomes infected and the user encounters difficulties removing the malicious code, users should contact their anti-virus software vendor. The FDIC highly recommends using anti-virus software.

Kamis, 16 Oktober 2008

Smart tips for your wallet and your life

A search engine is great if you already know exactly what you’re looking for. But if you’re simply hunting for great bargains, inexpensive hotels, or good parenting advice, you want a site that specializes.

As part of our week-long "Web Sites We Love" series, we’ve hand-picked 15 Web sites that we rely on for great deals, savvy advice, and an outlet for our shopping frustrations. (And be sure to share your own picks here.)

Smart shopping

Why pay retail prices if you don’t have to? The Web is full of discounts and bargains—if you know where to look.

Find Sales and Coupons Looking for bargains on everything from stand mixers to digital cameras to clothing? Then be sure to visit Dealhack, Ben’s Bargains, and Want Not on a regular basis. All three sites monitor rebate offers, coupons, and markdowns at popular shopping sites. To save time as well as money, subscribe to each site’s RSS feed in your favorite news reader and have deals sent right to you.

Score an Amazing Deal Woot takes an interesting approach to saving money: each day the site offers exactly one product at an amazingly low price. Products range from three-packs of wine to 31-in-1 ratcheting wrenches. It also provides a few side deals if the day’s main item doesn’t interest you. But you’ll have to be quick; some offers sell out quickly and every deal disappears after 24 hours. You won’t need everything Woot offers, but at these prices, you can afford a few impulse buys.

Tiny Showcase proves you don't have to pay a fortune for interesting artwork.

Outfit Your Mac If you’re looking for Mac accessories, look no further than dealmac. Here you’ll find good deals on RAM, hard drives, printers, speaker systems, headphones, and even refurbished Macs. And dealmac is a one-stop site for your digital needs—it also tracks HDTVs, MP3 players (iPod and others), and computer furniture.

Buy Original Art You don’t need a trust fund to start your own art collection. Each week, Tiny Showcase commissions an up-and-coming artist to create a limited-run print production of his or her work on archival printmaking paper. Each artist chooses a charity to donate a portion of the $20 to $40 price, so you’re supporting two good causes at once. Another great source is Etsy, an online marketplace for unique handmade artwork, gifts, and accessories. Products include jewelry, pet clothes, holiday cards, toys, and candles.

Consumerist

Share bad experiences and learn from others at this consumer-advocacy blog.

Sleep Well There are plenty of Web sites that can help you find cheap hotel rooms, but TripAdvisor’s user reviews help you make sure you’re not staying in a fleabag motel. The site boasts more than 15 million reviews—many with user-supplied photos—of hotels around the world. You can use the site to find the most popular hotels in a city, get advice from other travelers, or search based on type of traveler (seniors, honeymooners, families). You can then check room rates on bargain Web sites such as Orbitz, Expedia, Travelocity, and Priceline.

Free iTunes Store Downloads Every week, the iTunes Store offers free content—a few songs, possibly a TV show or two, and sometimes even a music video or a short. But finding all this free content—and remembering to find it each week—is a challenge. Keep up to date using the RSS feed from the Free iTunes Store Downloads Web site, which is regularly updated to track all free content on the iTunes Store.

Daytipper

Users rate the usefulness of all types of tips on Daytipper.

Fight Back When a deal sounds too good to be true, sometimes it is. With a tagline of “Shoppers Bite Back,” The Consumerist is a great place to look before you buy to avoid bad purchases or suspect companies. Recent posts on the influential consumer-advocacy blog warn about a company offering bribes to remove negative feedback, an unreliable moving company, and problems collecting a free item from a Verizon promotion.

Get advice

Life doesn’t come with a manual. Thankfully there’s no shortage of advice on the Web, covering everything from how to solve technical woes to how to get your kids to eat their vegetables. All you have to do is ask.

Simplify Everyday Tasks Daytipper is a community-driven site featuring small nuggets of advice and ideas for just about every aspect of your life. Want to know how to lock someone out of the house, even if he or she has a key? (Loosen one of the screws in the deadbolt.) Wondering what’s the best day to dine out? (Tuesday, because that’s when fresh deliveries are made.) Need to get rid of the smell of garlic on your hands? (Wash your hands with coffee grounds.) Each user-submitted tip is rated for usefulness and categorized, making searches easy.

Instructables

Instructables lets you follow step-by-step directions for creating a string of lights from ping-pong balls.

Get Some Parental Advice Being a parent can be rewarding—and completely overwhelming. Parent Hacks offers practical tips and ideas from real parents. Recent posts offer ideas on how to use a sled to keep kids entertained in the summer and how to create your own sandbox. Another great site is Momready, which offers categorized articles on everything from pool safety, to ways to fight boredom, to product reviews.

Show-and-Tell If you’re the type that likes to get the job done yourself, Instructables is your guide. The site offers step-by-step directions for just about everything you can imagine doing, from creating festive string lights out of ping-pong balls, to rescuing a hummingbird, to fixing a broken fan. Instructions are rated by fellow readers and organized into useful categories.

Be More Efficient Lifehacker hunts the Web for the best tips and tricks to make your life easier. Many of them focus on using your computer to be more productive, but you’ll also find ideas for taking better photos, creating a wall mural with chalkboard paint, and making your kitchen more functional.