RLROUSE Infoblog

Articles and information to power your life!

Should I buy an OEM version of Windows 7?

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Question:

I’m in the process of ordering the parts needed to build a high-end gaming PC and a friend told me that I can save some money by buying an OEM version of Windows 7 Pro. Do you know of any reason why I shouldn’t?

Answer:

Actually, Yes. In fact, there are several reasons:

First of all, OEM Windows 7 discs sometimes come pre-loaded only with the drivers required to operate the hardware in the PC brand/model that it was intended to be sold with. There is a good chance that your OEM disc will NOT include the drivers required to make your third-party hardware operational.

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The basics of oral health for pets

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In many homes, pets are considered family. People call their pets their children, but don’t remember one of the most important responsibilities of owning a pet: taking care of their teeth! Just like kids, dogs and cats can develop gum disease, cavities and plaque build up. Dental care for pets is often underestimated but is something that should not be ignored.

The first step in taking care of a pet’s teeth is brushing them at home at least three times a week. It is best to begin brushing their teeth at a young age and changing the technique as they get older. When they are young, it is common for it to take a while for them to get used to their teeth being brushed.

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The freshest summer wedding colors

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Summer weddings are light and breezy by definition. Set the tone for your summer soiree by choosing a color palette which suits the season. Heree are some of the freshest colors for summer weddings:

Citrus Colors – Think about how refreshing a glass of ice cold fresh squeezed lemonade is on a steamy summer afternoon. That is just the effect you will achieve when you choose a palette of citrus colors for your summer wedding. Mix and match lemon yellow, lime green, and tangerine orange with abandon, as they all flow together beautifully.

An easy way to introduce this color combination is to use real fruit as part of the wedding decorations. Fill clear cylinders or footed vases with fresh lemons, limes, and tangerines for centerpieces. They can be made more elaborate by topping them with floral arrangements, or let the fruit make the statement. Choose one of the signature hues for the bridesmaid dresses and jewelry sets, bringing the full color palette together in their bouquets. Lightweight chiffon or organza dresses will be especially wonderful in the citrus shades.

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Four tips for staying debt free

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So, you’ve scrapped for every penny, tightened your belt so far you’ve started cutting your own notches, fought tooth and nail and now, finally, you’re debt free. The spring is back in your step and, as the weight of financial woe slips from your shoulders, you feel about three feet taller.

Getting out of debt can be a real battle. It takes a lot of will power and mental strength to keep going but, as they say ‘the night is darkest before the dawn’. Once you are out, naturally you’re going to feel, as well as relieved, a little proud. But there is another old saying worth keeping in mind, ‘pride cometh before a fall.’

So once you get debt free, how do you make sure you don’t relapse into the negative habits of the past? Here are four tips for helping you remain on solid financial ground:

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Is it safe to update the BIOS on my PC?

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Question:

I have a 2 year old Acer desktop PC that has never had the BIOS updated because I’ve always been afraid something might go wrong. Besides, why “fix” something if it isn’t broken, right?

The problem is I just purchased a new eSATA card, and when I try to install it the system hangs on boot-up. I contacted tech support for the maker of the card and they told me I’ll need to update the PC’s BIOS in order to get it to work.

My question for you is how safe is the process of updating a computer’s BIOS? I’ve heard that sometimes something bad will happen and the computer will stop working at all. Any advice for safely updating my Acer’s BIOS? —Beth G.
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