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Surfing the Net for Jobs

The Internet is the newest of the job seeking tools. As much as it can also be great for human resources companies, take Solvo Global for example – but today we’re not focusing on this. Any serious job search today MUST include the intelligent use of the Internet. The benefits of the Internet are in its vast access to information and the speed with which it can find and transmit information. The pitfall is that many job seekers rely on it exclusively and expect miracles. The Internet is a tool to assist you in implementing the job search campaign components.

Identify companies and contact persons

By using a variety of company identifying databases the job seeker no longer has to rely on research from volumes of directories. The info found online is also more likely to be up to date. Most browsers will suggest company or business listings and check out the websites for the industry association that fits your search targets – if you are looking for companies that offer employee wellness programs, for example, you can check that.

Find “Spot Opportunities”

Just by entering a few keywords identifying the product or service of your industry your web browser will locate hundreds of interesting websites and articles for you to peruse. Many business journals and major newspapers have their own websites as well. 

Review job openings

A person can get lost in all of the jobs posted on the Internet. So you must be smart in using this aspect of the Internet tool. First of all, remember the jobs posted on the Internet are PUBLISHED! Just like classified ads. You will be dealing with the gate-keepers, so follow the procedures suggested previously in this chapter concerning classified ads. Many of the nation’s major newspapers can be found through CareerPath (www. careerpath.com).

senior-plumber-with-yellow-helmet-calling-on-the-phone

Tune Your Ears to Plumbing Noises to Better Detect Problems

The various tunes that our plumbing system plays is critical and greatly helps in knowing the possible plumbing problems that your home is suffering from. Early detection of these sorts of problems would enable you to take immediate measures that avoid further and even bigger messes.

The following are some of the most common sounds that your plumbing system may produce to indicate specific problems:

Hissing

If this type of noise comes from a slightly opened faucet, this basically tells us that there is excessive water pressure within your home plumbing. The best way to go about this is to contact your local water company and consult them whether it is needed that a pressure-reducing valve be installed on your incoming water supply pipe.

Hammering

Also known as water hammer is commonly heard whenever water is suddenly shut off causing the fast streaming water to be brought into a quick stop. The shock wave that is generated is the one causing the hammering noise. Properly installed cushions or air chambers would greatly help reduce the effects of these shock waves.

If hammering sounds in your plumbing has never been heard of before and, without warning, just starts, your air chambers are most likely to have been waterlogged. To correct this plumbing problem, turn off the flow of water behind the drenched chamber and turn on the faucet. As soon as the water is thoroughly drained, air will again restore the chamber.

Screeching

When a slightly turned on faucet causes deep screeching sounds, that disappears when you fully turn it on, chances are that the internal parts may be defective of loose. The solution to prevent this plumbing sound is to substitute the existing faucet or valve with a new one.

These are just some of the most common problems that homeowners face regarding plumbing. The solutions may range from simple parts replacement to the last resort of literally tearing into a wall, if the problem is at its worst. And as I have stated above, answering to these plumbing problems would definitely save you more troubles. But if you are not quite into plumbing, try not to do things yourself and eventually make a larger plumbing complication as you already have. You could always consult your local, skilled construction company workers. By doing so, you will be saving yourself energy, time and even money.

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Hire Right and Manage Smart

In a tight job market it’s not just difficult to hire – it’s also hard to keep your top performing employees.  Loyalty is no longer the name of the game.  Today good employees are more likely to move to the best job opportunity.  Businesses face two difficult challenges:

  • How do you hire the right person for the job? 

  • How do you keep the good performers?

“It’s key for both large and small companies to understand the critical success factors of hiring, promoting and retaining their people,” says a president of a local Washington state consulting firm.  “Employees can be your biggest asset or your biggest liability.”

The New Hiring Game

How can employers hire right and manage smart?  The traditional ways just aren’t working any more.  In fact, a Harvard Business Study revealed that the chances of a successful hire using the traditional “interview and resume” method are about 1 in 14.  Employers already know that this process is time-consuming, expensive and results are often questionable. So how can employers hire right? 

Available now is an “assessment tool box” to assist large and small companies hire right and manage smart.  Most are Windows based and easy to use, compatible with any computer environment. Job testing has been around for a long time.  With the new sophistication of assessments, employers can now answer these kinds of questions before they hire:

  • Does this person have the ability to do the job, even if the job changes? 

  • Is this person going to do what it takes for this job? 

  • Will this person fit my company and my customers?  

But there’s another new twist the old science of “aptitude testing” – it’s called “job fit.”  Assessment tools worth their salt can automatically build customized success patterns or benchmarks for any job.  Employers can now know why it is that some of the people they hire perform at extraordinary levels while others, who appear to be equally qualified, are only average performers.  By using benchmarks, businesses can match the right person to the right job.  It’s like cloning your star employees.

“Assessment tools can tell you whether the candidate is a good ‘job fit’, says an executive officer at a nation-wide search firm.  “We won’t present candidates to our client companies unless they taken a validated, reliable assessment. Our clients love the report –– it helps them separate the “better” candidate from the “best” candidate for the job.  Additionally, it helps the hiring manager know how to effectively manage and retain the new employee.”

Assessment tools are a critical part of any companies tool box.  They can make selection and hiring less painful and more successful.

Managing Right

Hiring smart isn’t the only factor in people productivity.  Once you’ve hired, how do you keep your good performers?  How can managers lead, delegate, coach, evaluate their people – not to mention getting business results and dealing effectively with their customers?  In a recent American Society of Training and Development survey, managers were asked: “What issues take up most of your time during the day?” The overwhelming answer was “people or team related issues.”

Today’s “assessment tool box” has tools that can help.  Managers no longer have to spend time trying to sort out people issues – a good assessment can do it for them.  Such tools even suggest a variety of solutions to the problem. Managers can now re-focus their efforts on the customer and the business.  Some typical assessment resources in your workforce toolbox should include:

Team Tools

Putting an effective team together is much more than assigning people to work on a project.  A team analysis tool will lessen the personality conflicts that drain teams of energy and slow results.  Team assessment tools suggest work strategies that increase the likelihood of team success.

A Kent, Washington manufacturing firm used a team analysis tool when building a critical “problem solving” team.  The vice president of operations, sponsor of the team, said: “The team analysis told us we didn’t have enough members with high analytic skills.  That would have been a disaster considering the problem we were facing. We shifted team membership and the team’s solution was incredible. The customer loved it and we gained some major points.”

Team tools can also help when existing teams aren’t working.  An assessment tool will automatically identify problem areas and offer solutions.  As a manager, team leader or team member, this information is vital to success. Effective teams can achieve objectives such as cutting costs, improving productivity, meeting quality control standards, just to mention a few.  And when a team wins, everybody wins.

Individual Development Tools

Assessment tools also provide insights and information about individual employees:  how quickly they learn, deal with change and conflict, receive feedback, etc. This information can clarify a manager’s strategy and help the manager deal with the individual more effectively and build his speech with a keynote speaker.  Assessment reports suggest new ways to coach the employee, and present a picture of his/her potential growth and development in the organization.  Managers let the assessment tools diagnose and suggest solutions –– they can then spent time helping direct reports grow and develop.

Some tools focus on specific job competencies.  The latest in assessment tools is geared toward Customer Service.  The assessment identifies people who have the natural behavioral traits for great customer service.  The tool also suggests coaching approaches, training suggestions and even flags customer service reps who may have a tendency to “over-commit” to the customer.

Call Center assessment tools identify and help hire employees who fit the very unique “call  center culture.” Where retention rate is low, assessments can help companies hire people who are well-suited to the work, either inbound or outbound.  Employees who are a good fit perform better, are more reliable and they stay with the company longer. And you just can’t get this information from references, resumes or interviews.

Assessments can even support an organization’s succession planning strategy.  If you know that some people can deal with change better than others or have stronger problem solving skills, you can better place them in your organization.  In this way, they benefit the business and remain challenged and happy employees. 

Management Development Tools

The “assessment tool box” also provides a way for supervisors, team leaders and managers to develop themselves.  One of the hottest professional development tools is referred to as “the 360.” A 360 tool provides feedback on critical factors for effective managerial performance.  Direct reports, boss, peers, customers — even the managers themselves complete a survey form. The completed forms are then sent to an outside processing center to ensure confidentiality or handled anonymously on a web site.  A customized feedback report is sent to the manager comparing perceptions from different work-place sources and prioritizing development needs. 

Using a good 360 instrument is “managing right.”  Perhaps for the first time, managers can quantify their competencies, verify the results from a variety of perspectives and identify ways to improve.  Organizations that use a 360 effectively can positively impact retention, productivity and business results.

Things to Look Out For 

Investing in assessment technology requires some homework.  Here are some things to consider:

  • What Human Resource/Business strategy will the assessment support or enable?

  • What’s the best way to introduce this into the organization? 

  • Who administers the process, HR, business units or individual managers? 

  • When will assessments be a requirement or optional? 

  • What best: a web-based assessment, on-line or stored on a local drive? 

  • What’s the best way for the test to be administered:  on-line or paper and pencil?

  • Is the assessment reliable and valid?  Has it been tested? Is there a technical manual that describes the testing process and the results?

  • Can the assessment be used for hiring? 

  • Does it meet the criteria set by the ADA, EEOC and Civil Rights Act?  

Decide what best meets your organization’s requirements.  The choices are varied and you’re sure to find one that fits your needs.

Summary

An “assessment tool box” is key to hiring smart and managing right.  The tight job market makes the tool box even more critical, but any company that plans to successfully compete in the new millennium should take advantage of what assessment technology has to offer.

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Lanyards And Badge Holders

Lanyards and badge holders are accessories that many companies as well as individuals use in the work environment to identify themselves. It has become crucial for employees in a company to identify themselves for accountability reasons, especially when dealing with clients. When employees are required to wear lanyards and badge holders as forms of identification, any complaints that are brought forward by clients can be directed to a particular person.

Lanyards and badge holders benefit for Companies

Companies that require their employees to put on lanyards and badge holders identifying them by name also get better customer relations out of it. The employees are more careful to deal pleasantly with the clients to avoid any complaints that may taint their reputation.

Marketing

Lanyards and badge holders can also be used as marketing tools. The company’s logo can be printed on the strap. This way, employees can be mobile marketing tools though this may not be very effective as they will unlikely wear company lanyards and badge holders outside of the work environment. Still, any kind of marketing, including lanyards and badge holders, should not be disregarded in a competitive market.

Wholesale

Companies can purchase lanyards and badge holders in bulk, for distribution to all their employees. Lanyards and badge holders can be customized to the requirements of the company, with the logo being included and the strap color being the company’s official color. Dealers in lanyards and badge holders will be able to give a good deal for bulk items, and the customizing will not be as costly as it might be for a few pieces.

Social events

Lanyards and badge holders are not only used by companies and their employees, but also by other individuals. Lanyards and badge holders may be required for an event that will involve a lot of people, such as concerts or graduation ceremonies or sporting events. These are places where officials are present to assist guests, and they can only be identified from the crowd by their badges. It is common practice for event organizers to order lanyards and badge holders for their officials for efficiency.

Event officials

During social events, there is usually some level of risk when it comes to dealing with crowds of people, as they may turn out to be unruly and in disorder. However, with lanyards and badge holders, officials can be easily identified and are able to take control of situations without any resistance, since their authority is recognized.

Other uses

Lanyards and badge holders really come in handy in different situations. For instance, a coach may use a lanyard to carry a whistle. In addition, personal lanyards may also be chosen from an array of styles that will work well with your outfit during an event.

Variety

Lanyards and badge holders come in different colors, material, and quality. It is therefore important that you know what you want. For a one-day event, cheap lanyards and badge holders may suffice, but for employees, quality will need to be given attention as you will want them used for a long time. For a great variety and perfect service in creating your lanyards, check Southern Girls Gifts.

Ten Golden Rules of Home Cleaning

Young hispanic woman at home, doing chores and housekeeping, wiping floor with water in living room

The primary goal in home cleaning is to remove dirt and keep your home clean and tidy. Professional house cleaners are trained to give you cleaning services up to a satisfactory level by following ten golden rules of home cleaning:

1. Clean up immediately – Spills and stains are generally much easier to clean up when it’s dealt with them immediately. That’s why cleaners are trained to ask home owners specific questions of the areas they are about to clean up. For example: tomato sauce stain on your carpet – carpet stains are easiest to remove when they are fresh. The longer you wait the more chance the stain has to set. The rare exception is mud tracked onto your carpet. The experts would know the easiest way to clean the mud is when it is let to dry first then vacuum it.

2. Clean from the top down – Gravity could make life very difficult when it comes to home cleaning. Cleaners always clean surfaces working down from high to low. For example: when doing overall cleaning of a house start on the top floor and work the way down to avoid tramping dirt through the rooms that are already clean.

3. Think dry, then wet – When cleaning a room, expert cleaners start using dry methods first such as dusting, sweeping and vacuuming. After dry method is applied then it’s time for using multi-purpose cleaners, mopping, ect. By following this golden rule we prevent dirt floating around the house which would benefit customers who are allergic to dust particles and also would be much easier for the home cleaners to do their job properly.

4. Start with the least harmful approach – Good professionals use the gentlest cleaning methods (in every cleaning situation they have the right cleaning tools) in order to protect sensible surfaces in your home. The intention is to always like to leave your place shiny, clean and tidy so you feel good after using the home cleaning services.

5. Let time do the work for you –  Cleaning experts are trained to do multitask cleaning services using a method called ‘time management trick’. This method makes cleaning easier and faster. For example: when cleaning furniture, the cleaners spray chemicals throughout the room then leave them for a small period of time so they can do their magic. Meanwhile the cleaner would start cleaning another room by following the ten golden rules for home cleaning.

6. Carry supplies with you – Home cleaners always keep the core cleaning products close to them when cleaning the house. This saves the cleaner a lot of time and allows to be precise and quick. The most important cleaning equipment is always placed in a safe place, a large plastic bucket with good handles. This makes the work of experts easier for them and safe for any other people in the house.

7. When in doubt, get advice – There are home cleaning situations when cleaning experts hit a rock and may be unable to complete their job or are having difficulties for some reason. In such situations they would contact other professional cleaners from their company and ask for expert advice.

8. Don’t soak, go easy on the spray – Home cleaning experts are trained to have the knowledge of safety hazards on fragile items such as electronics, computer screens, framed artworks and furniture that can be harmed by applying cleaning sprays or liquids.

9. Read the directions – Cleaning professionalists are instructed to check all expensive items manufacturers’ cleaning instructions if unsure of the origin of the surface. They also advise all customers to keep these instructions where possible. This makes the cleaners life easier and quicker.

10. Get protection or don’t start cleaning – Last but not least the home cleaners are trained to take care of themselves and people around them. Many cleaning products contain acid, bleach, abrasives and other ingredients that can damage their eyes, skin and even their lungs. It’s not allowed for cleaners to mix cleaning substances together. When applying hazard chemicals the cleaning experts are instructed to always ventilate the places they clean.

Gotta live with Neighbors

Neighbors are a part of our life whether we like it or not. Day in and day out we need to face them. We cannot avoid them; the best thing is to learn the methods how to deal with them. 

We generally need not see any neighbor, but can know their presence because of their nocturnal habits or their music tastes which may drive away our sleep for days. 

It doesn’t have to be all bad news though, when we are lucky enough to have a good relationship with our neighbors, it can be a wonderful thing. You really can borrow things from them when in need and they might invite you to their BBQ’s rather than just smoking you out.

We have some benefits if the neighbors are good:

  • They become great friends and offer moral support in times of our troubles.
  • They could be your link to the community, if you’ve made a long distance move, or you’re living alone.
  • When you go for some other place they can look after your house, your pets.
  • And they may baby-sit if you have any infants.
  • Their kids may become the best friends to your own kids thus fostering the relationship for the benefit of all.

How can you become a good neighbor:

That awful noise ?

  • Keep yourself aware of the level of noise your house is making when windows are open.
  • If the floor of your house is wooden and you live upstairs, take care to make sure that you don’t make noise with your shoes. During the night times that is more important than ever.
  • Attend to any renovating stuff during the day. Anything that requires loud noise should be kept to reasonable hours.
  • If the lights of your house at any part are closer to your neighbors make sure that they won’t be lit up for long and disturb your neighbors.
  • Let them know well in advance if you’re going to have a party or undertake renovations.
  • Check the regulations to find out what times you should limit noise.

And etc …

  • Now what do you do if you are new to an area? Rush up and introduce yourself to all your neighbors as soon as you unpack the things.
  • Ask all of them to come to your house for a dinner for getting to know each other better.
  • Make sure your children don’t disrupt your neighbors too much with their noisy playing.
  • Small things count – like telling the neighbor not to hang out their washing in the afternoon if you’ll be having a barbecue. You can approach with honesty and sincerity that it will disturb your plans and you would be very happy if they consider your request.
  • If your neighbor is away – it’s your chance to make your neighbor impressed. You can offer to collect their mails or mow their garden too, unless of course it is not of a size of a football court.
  • If they are interested in making their house look occupied, you could also offer to park your car in their driveway.
  • Keep your yard reasonably tidy – especially if your neighbors are in a position where they can look down into it.

Oh God ! Bad neighbors

You might think – it’s a good idea to yell out unmentionable obscenities when you have been jolted from sleep at 3am. Tread carefully though, the last thing you want to do is start a competition or a fight. Here are some ideas for dealing with difficult neighbors.

  • If a neighbor is doing something that annoys you, approach them first. Most of the time, they may not even be aware that they are causing a disturbance
  • After talking to a neighbor about an issue, perhaps put it in writing this time, telling them you intend to take the matter further if something isn’t done.
  • Provide your neighbor with a copy of the noise regulations in your area.
  • Keep notes of dates/times that you notified anyone of annoyances.
  • Talk to other neighbors about the problem. Perhaps they can also speak to the offender – the more support you have, the better.
  • If you are renting, speak to your landlord if you’ve been unsuccessful in dealing with a problematic neighbor.
  • You may call the police if the situation requires it.
  • You may also take your neighbor to court for serious offences as a last resort.

Pet problem

Often, the causes of neighborly disputes are not loud stereos and hotted-up Ford Mustangs. Continuous barking sessions at 3 am are enough to drive a rift through even the best relationships. Here are some tips for keeping the peace:

  • Bring your dog inside at night if it barks excessively.
  • If you have cats that stay outdoors put bells on their collars to stop them killing birds.
  • Unless you plan to breed your cats, have them de-sexed. This will stop your Tom harassing the female kitty under the next door neighbor’s window at night.
  • If a neighbor’s cat torments your canaries, or insists that your yard is a litter box, scatter some orange peels or pepper around its favorite places.
  • Make sure your yard is secure, so that your dog doesn’t go wandering around the neighborhood.
  • If you’ve got noisy birds, move their cages into the garage or inside overnight.

Maintaining a few simple rules will be a step towards living in a feel-good neighborhood. It’s not hard to be a good neighbor – whether you’re living in a suburban area or an apartment block, the recipe for peace and quiet is quite simple. Keep the volume down, keep Rover away from the roses of other folk, and keep smiling.And if you’re moving your home and, besides from the help with new neighbours, you also need help with the moving process, check Busy Beez Movers.

The New iPad iOS 4 Upgrade

Business professionals, social users, and IT departments – it’s the biggest iPad upgrade that appears to have something for everyone.

Apple Inc has released the 4.2 version of iOS, which brings a variance of new capabilities and features across the iPad consumer market.

The update is a free download through iTunes, or the official Apple store online, and it will upgrade the iPad from iOS 3.2 to iOS 4 which is a quite an enhancement considering the iPhone was only upgraded iOS 4 a few months ago. This along with the iPod Touch are the only Apple devices to run from the same operating system.

Multitasking on iOS 4

With the 4.2 update, it works the same way as iPhone multitasking. If you are not an iPhone user, multitasking works by enabling the user to quickly switch between apps while saving the state of open apps which is very much like minimizing windows (or should we say programs with reference to Apple), but not closing them completely. This is particularly important if the user copies and pastes items between apps whether it is for business or social exercises.

To access multitasking you simply double-click the home button.

Folders on iOS 4

An iPad user can now create folders using iOS 4 to organize apps into groups and categories to avoid the need of having to flip through an endless number of screens to find the app they are looking for.

Lost iPad Security Measures

The new feature ‘Find My iPad’ was previously part of Apple’s paid MobileMe service but with iOS 4.2 it is now free. Once enabled if one loses their iPad or they just want to see it on a map, the user can go to the Apple website and locate it. Then if the iPad is lost they can send a message to display on the iPad screen, for example, please call this number … They can also set a remote passcode to lock it, or even remotely wipe the data off of the device.

Remote Distribution for Businesses

These are a few developments for the corporate sector – Remote Device Management and Wireless App Distribution are now included within the new operating system. IT Departments can not only roll out own custom business apps to corporate iPad users over Wi-Fi or 3G but also configuration changes and monitor compliance with policies but also delete all data simulating the Blackberry Kill function.

The apps do not have to go through the Apple App Store and users do not have to sync through iTunes or a computer in order to get the company apps.

Multiple Mailboxes

The 4.2 upgrade supports multiple Microsoft Exchange mailboxes with its Unified Inbox feature. It also enables the user to list folders of those email accounts into a unified inbox where they can see their latest messages threaded together.

iPad Printing

AirPrint is a new feature which lets the user print wirelessly from an iPad. A print option is added to the menu for printing documents, photos, and web pages and the iPad automatically recognizes compatible printers in the vicinity, this new feature is subject to development.

Finding Text

The enhanced search box feature in the web browser on the iPad now allows the user to search for text on the current web page as well as the browser itself.

One may think that Apple may be outdoing itself with the number of continuous developments it releases, but when a device as competitive and wanted as the iPad, and with many competitors releasing or about to release their tablet PCs, it is no wonder that Apple rollout new upgrades quickly. With iOS 4 developed to target the business sector as well as social, Blackberry who has been the business favorites up until now may need to step up their game.

Why You Need a Universal Remote Control

Universal remote controls can almost replace all the remotes that control your home theater and surround sound system. By consolidating to one remote, you can simplify many tasks and gain more control over other aspects of your system.

Remote Control Replacement

Universal remote controls, in the most basic way, replace the remote that came with your electronic device. They can be very simple and do basic functions such as on/off, channel up/down, and volume up/down. Often the remote that came with a component gets broken or lost and a universal remote is an easy alternative to buying a replacement from the manufacturer. More sophisticated remotes can do much more than act as a replacement.

Remote Control Macro

One of the most powerful features of a universal remote control is the macro. A macro is a command executed by the remote that replaces several clicks from multiple remotes. For example, you might have a macro to turn your HDTV on, go to input one, turn on a cable box, turn on a home theater receiver, and select a cable box on the home theater receiver. Instead of using each individual remotes to go through the process, you can have a macro on the remote that only requires one press of a button to send out all of those commands to your electronics.

Macros can be very customized and sophisticated. One macro could turn on the home entertainment system, another turn the HDTV on to a kids television channel. The remote can keep track of what is turned on and off. A simple “off” button can turn everything off when you are finished.

Hard Buttons and Touch Screens

Universal remotes come with different types of buttons. The most basic have hard buttons, like the ones that come with most electronic components. Others move up to a color screen with labels that you can design or select from to go next to designated hard buttons. The high end models have touch screens and hard buttons. The touch screens can be highly sophisticated with pictures and graphics to guide you through your options for components.

IR and UHF

Universal remote controls communicate with your equipment in two basic ways, infrared (IR) and ultra high frequency (UHF). IR is the way traditional remotes communicate with electronic components. The remote sends a beam across the room to a receptor on the component. UHF remotes send a signal through the area that can actually go through walls and work throughout your house. UHF remotes need a receiver that has an IR emitter to send IR signals to your components.

Programming a Universal Remote

There are different ways to program the remote. The basic ones require you to enter codes for each component in your home theater system. The nicer remotes have a program that runs on a computer. The program allows you to select the components in your systems by model number. You can then program a macro by selecting what settings each component should be in for each macro to work. Then you simply connect your remote to the computer to transfer the settings.

Universal remote controls can make the home theater experience better. By making the operation of your HDTV easy enough for anyone, it is a smart buy. With a wide range of prices, universal remote controls can be found for any budget.

Environmentally Friendly Ways for Recycling a Laptop Computer and its Parts

electronic recyclingDisposing of old laptop computers is a complex process that is not always environmentally friendly. This article discusses how to safely recycle laptops and their parts.

Every computer will eventually reach the end of its useful life. If it is simply and older model that is still in good working order an individual might want to consider cleaning the hard drive and then donating it to a worthy charity.

If, however, the laptop is no longer functional, has a broken screen, or is simply beyond repair, recycling of the computer is far preferred over simply sending it to the landfill. This article presents a basic guide on how to recycle a laptop in an environmentally friendly way.

Environmentally Friendly Ways For Recycling A Laptop Computer and Its PartsHow To Prepare A Laptop For Recycling

Before trying to recycle laptop computer components it is always important to either wipe the hard drive with a special software utility. If possible remove the hard drive altogether and keep it if there are any concerns about privacy. Some laptop recycling programs ship equipment overseas for processing and may or may not have privacy concerns as a top priority.

How Does Modern Industry Recycle Laptops and other Computers?

Remember that all laptop computers (and all electronic components in general) contain heavy metals that in most cases are soldered onto the motherboard or incorporated into the various components. Some of these metals are toxic to the water supply (lead, mercury, and cadmium) while others are valuable as a reclaimed resource (gold, copper, etc.). A good laptop recycling program will remove as much of the heavy metal components as possible before ultimately crushing the remaining pieces.

electronic waste management

Hewlett Packard is one of several computer manufacturers that operate recycling programs for old laptop and desktop computers. As mentioned previously the discarded computers are scavenged for parts then crushed. These pieces are then passed through magnets and other similar processes that remove the aluminum and other easily extracted metals before leaving the plastic remains to be sold as scrap. Other facilities remove the crushing steps and instead melt down the entire device, skimming off and extracting the copper for use in other applications.

Always Verify How The Laptop Is To Be Recycled

If being environmentally friendly and socially conscious is important then verifying the methods and subsidiaries of a recycling program is important. Before handing over the broken hardware find out where the recycling facility is located and whether that facility does the work on site or does partial processing then sends the pieces on to another facility.

Many companies with lofty goals have sent used computers to other countries under the guise of helping to spread the technology to those that cannot afford it. In some cases these scrapped computers wind up being torn apart by individuals hoping to process the metals on their own, often with deadly or debilitating side effects.

What is Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)?

CVS is a condition resulting from focusing the eyes on a computer display for long, uninterrupted periods of time. Symptoms transpire since the visual strains of computer-related tasks go beyond the visual proficiencies of the person to carry out the tasks comfortably, in most cases.

Viewing distances and angles used for computer work are also different from those commonly used for other reading and writing tasks. This can place additional demands on the visual system as the eye focusing, and eye movement requirements are different. Special eyeglasses or lenses with implemented rebates could help abate the problem

CVS can a be a painWorkers of the age 25 to 45, in particular, may find adjusting to these work requirements difficult.

Important: Work that is visually and physically fatiguing may result in decreased work performance, increased error rate and is a source of worker discomfort and reduced job satisfaction

Symptoms

Vision problems experienced by PC users are generally only temporary and will cease after stopping computer work at the end of the day. Some users may, however, experience prolonged effects such as blurred distance vision and headaches after work. It is vital to address the cause of these problems, as continual uncorrected visual fatigue may worsen with extended computer use.

Common symptoms include:
  • Eyestrain
  • Fatigue
  • A headache
  • Blurred or double vision at a distance and/or near
  • Dry or irritated red eyes
  • Loss of concentration
  • Increased error rate
  • Worker discomfort
  • Reduced productivity
  • Reduced job satisfaction

Treatment

It is important that there are no underlying vision problems, as even a minor problem can significantly affect worker comfort and performance at a PC.

Normal specs or contact lenses designed for fashion purposes may not provide adequate correction for computer work. Specific occupational lenses prescribed to meet the unique demands of computer work may be indicated. Specific accommodative support lens designs and high-performance HDV lens coatings can help to maximize visual concentration and clarity and reduce visual fatigue and discomfort.