MalekTips: 7-22-2004
 
Welcome to the latest issue of the MalekTips newsletter, providing computer and technology help and tips. We appreciate your subscription!
 
This is a digital camera and digital photography special issue with over 95 new tips added!
 
Read just some of what you can find by visiting the following web addresses:
 
* Enjoy your travels even more by taking great digital photos! Learn the steps to take before you go out on a trip to help ensure you have everything you need. Research your destination's location, weather, and sunrise/sunset times. And, look around for unexpected places to find great photo opportunities.
 
* Planning on purchasing a digital camera? Make sure to take into account the total cost of ownership, which may include extra batteries, memory, and other accessories. Don't make your purchase decision on optical zoom and megapixels alone as other digital camera features may help you take great pictures. And if this is your second purchase, learn some things you can do to take advantage of your older camera.
 
* Low-light situations can prove difficult even for experienced digital photographers. Make sure you bring along a tripod to keep your digital camera steady during long exposures. If one isn't available, this newsletter provides other tips you can follow to keep your photos from being blurry or completely dark.
 
These tips and more, over 95 in total, can be found below in the latest version of MalekTips - just access the links for the full tips. Enjoy! And remember - if you have a computer or technology question, be sure to visit the MalekTips forums at http://www.malektips.com/forums
 
Andrew Malek MalekTips.Com
 
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* Recent MalekTips Front Page Stories *
 
7-19-2004: Latest Bagle/Beagle Worm
 
More versions of the Bagle / Beagle worm continue to be developed. Read more information about W32.Beagle.AG@mm from Symantec. Like other versions, infections are spread through executable and zipped attachments, so always be careful when receiving e-mail with such files. As mentioned in a tip on MalekTips, even if you know the e-mail sender, an attachment may still be a virus - always check first.
 
Link (External Site): http://www.sarc.com/
 
Link: http://malektips.com/emb0011.html
 
7-18-2004: Archived Newsletters Online
 
I've just uploaded 3 archived issues of the MalekTips Computer Help newsletter, covering tips on Digital Cameras, Internet Explorer 6, Microsoft Word 2003, Windows Media Player, Windows 2000 and DOS, Windows XP and DOS, Windows XP and Explorer, and more. If you're not a newsletter subscriber and want to see what's been recently added to the site, or if you are a subscriber but want to catch up on the latest tips, check them out.
 
Link: http://malektips.com/maillist/computer_help_newsle
tter_06-16-2004.html
 
Link: http://malektips.com/maillist/computer_help_newsle
tter_07-02-2004.html
 
Link: http://malektips.com/maillist/computer_help_newsle
tter_07-02-2004.html
 
7-16-2004: Latest Bagle/Beagle Worm
 
Mass-mailing worm Bagle.AF / W32.Beagle.AB@mm has received a medium rating from Trend Micro and a 3 rating from Symantec. Infections are spread through executable and zipped attachments.
 
Besides mass-mailing, this worm also opens a backdoor to allow communication from various, presumably compromised, domains. Like other Bagle / Beagle variants, it will attempt to shutdown various firewalls, antivirus software, security software, etc. This virus can infect most versions of Windows.
 
To help prevent your PC from getting infected, always follow safe computing practices. Keep your operating system up-to-date with patches. Use an antivirus scanner and keep it updated. Use a firewall and keep it updated. And always be careful when opening executable or zipped attachments!
 
Link (External Site): http://www.trendmicro.com/
 
Link (External Site): http://www.sarc.com/
 
* Tips! *  
 
Over 95 new tips have just been added to MalekTips!  
Thanks for subscribing.  
 
Buying a Digital Camera - Effective Pixels and Foveon X3  
Sometimes advertised digital camera pixel counts can be deceiving.  
http://malektips.com/buying_digital_camera_0009.ht
ml  
 
Buying a Digital Camera - Don't Expect a Camera to Come with Enough Media  
Buying a digital camera? Be prepared to buy some extra media.  
http://malektips.com/buying_digital_camera_0010.ht
ml  
 
Buying a Digital Camera - What to Look for to Take Night Photography  
Helpful features some digital cameras provide to take better night photos.  
http://malektips.com/buying_digital_camera_0011.ht
ml  
 
Buying a Digital Camera - Don't Get Caught Up in Megapixels  
Megapixels are not everything when it comes to buying a digital camera.  
http://malektips.com/buying_digital_camera_0012.ht
ml  
 
Buying a Digital Camera - Consider the Total Cost of Ownership  
You won't just be purchasing a digital camera - you may need to buy accessories.  
http://malektips.com/buying_digital_camera_0013.ht
ml  
 
Buying a Digital Camera - Be Careful with Very Cheap Prices  
Beware of the digital camera 'package deal' sales technique.  
http://malektips.com/buying_digital_camera_0014.ht
ml  
 
Buying a Digital Camera - Pre-Programmed Scene Modes May Help  
Scene modes make it easier to take digital camera photos in tough lighting conditions.  
http://malektips.com/buying_digital_camera_0015.ht
ml  
 
Buying a Digital Camera - Does Flash Come with an SLR?  
Consider the total cost of ownership when purchasing a digital SLR.  
http://malektips.com/buying_digital_camera_0016.ht
ml  
 
Buying a Digital Camera - Uses for your Old Digital Camera  
Don't throw away your old digital camera - here are some ways to get some use out of it.  
http://malektips.com/buying_digital_camera_0017.ht
ml  
 
Buying a Digital Camera - How Much Optical Zoom is Needed?  
Do you require a digital camera with 6x optical zoom, or is 2x or 3x enough?  
http://malektips.com/buying_digital_camera_0018.ht
ml  
 
Digital Camera Accessory - Make Sure Your Camera Strap is Tight  
Help prevent your digital camera from breaking during your photo shoots.  
http://malektips.com/digital_camera_accessory_0011
.html  
 
Digital Camera Accessory - Bring Along a Mini-Flashlight  
Illuminate your digital camera controls during the dark of night.  
http://malektips.com/digital_camera_accessory_0012
.html  
 
Digital Camera Accessory - Consider an Add-On Lens  
Increase your digital camera's optical zoom with an add-on lens.  
http://malektips.com/digital_camera_accessory_0013
.html  
 
Digital Camera Accessory - Tripod Manufacturers  
A listing of digital camera tripod manufacturers so you can compare models.  
http://malektips.com/digital_camera_accessory_0014
.html  
 
Digital Camera Accessory - View Your LCD on Bright Days  
Prevent your digital camera's LCD screen from being washed out due to excess sunlight.  
http://malektips.com/digital_camera_accessory_0015
.html  
 
Digital Camera Accessory - Bring Along a Notebook or PDA  
Record your digital camera photo subjects.  
http://malektips.com/digital_camera_accessory_0016
.html  
 
Digital Camera Accessory - Remote Cord or Shutter Release  
Prevent 'camera-shake' by using a remote cord or shutter release.  
http://malektips.com/digital_camera_accessory_0017
.html  
 
Digital Camera Accessory - Carefully Attach the Lens Shade  
Prevent dark spots around your digital camera images.  
http://malektips.com/digital_camera_accessory_0018
.html  
 
Digital Camera Memory - Transferring Files Between Cameras May Fail  
Most digital cameras cannot share media cards without reformatting.  
http://malektips.com/digital_camera_memory_0010.ht
ml  
 
Digital Camera Memory - Should You Buy a USB 2.0 Card Reader?  
Advantages and disadvantages of a USB 2.0 memory card reader.  
http://malektips.com/digital_camera_memory_0011.ht
ml  
 
Digital Camera Memory - Consider Buying a Media Wallet  
Protect your digital camera memory from the elements.  
http://malektips.com/digital_camera_memory_0012.ht
ml  
 
Digital Camera Memory - Don't Format Media with your PC  
Digital cameras may not recognize memory formatted with your PC.  
http://malektips.com/digital_camera_memory_0013.ht
ml  
 
Digital Camera Memory - Turn Off Your Camera When Switching Media  
Switching media while a digital camera is on may cause damage.  
http://malektips.com/digital_camera_memory_0014.ht
ml  
 
Digital Camera Memory - Older Cameras And Higher MB Cards  
Older digital cameras may not recognize newer memory cards.  
http://malektips.com/digital_camera_memory_0015.ht
ml  
 
Digital Camera Memory - Does Your Camera Support Write-Accelerated Cards?  
Write-Accelerated (WA) cards may speed up photo taking in some circumstances.  
http://malektips.com/digital_camera_memory_0016.ht
ml  
 
Digital Night Photography - Use Night Program or Scene Mode  
Let your digital camera's presets help you take great night photos.  
http://malektips.com/digital_night_photography_000
1.html  
 
Digital Night Photography - Long Exposure Time  
A long shutter exposure can aid in taking clear, crisp night photos with your digital camera.  
http://malektips.com/digital_night_photography_000
2.html  
 
Digital Night Photography - Blur is Not Always a Bad Thing  
Artistic use of blur can aid your digital camera night photography.  
http://malektips.com/digital_night_photography_000
3.html  
 
Digital Night Photography - A Tripod is Vital  
Use a tripod to steady your camera when taking long exposures for night photography.  
http://malektips.com/digital_night_photography_000
4.html  
 
Digital Night Photography - Avoid Optical Zoom If Possible  
Using your digital camera's optical zoom may increase 'camera-shake'.  
http://malektips.com/digital_night_photography_000
5.html  
 
Digital Night Photography - Don't Always Rely on Flash  
Flash may not always help your nighttime digital photography.  
http://malektips.com/digital_night_photography_000
6.html  
 
Digital Night Photography - Reduce Camera Shake with Special Lens  
Special lens may help you take better night photos by reducing 'camera-shake'.  
http://malektips.com/digital_night_photography_000
7.html  
 
Digital Night Photography - Consider Taking Photos at Dusk  
Shooting photos at dusk may provide your digital camera with just enough light to take great cityscape photos.  
http://malektips.com/digital_night_photography_000
8.html  
 
Digital Night Photography - Increase Your ISO  
Increase your digital camera's ISO setting to allow for less available light  
http://malektips.com/digital_night_photography_000
9.html  
 
Digital Night Photography - A Full Moon may Enhance a Photo  
Try to add a full moon to your night photos for dramatic effect.  
http://malektips.com/digital_night_photography_001
0.html  
 
Digital Photography - Exposure Compensation Tool  
Use exposure compensation to lighten or darken your digital photos.  
http://malektips.com/digital_photography_0008.html  
 
Digital Photography - Does Your Camera Have a Reset Button?  
Can you easily reset your digital camera settings to the default?  
http://malektips.com/digital_photography_0021.html  
 
Digital Photography - Wash Fruits and Vegetables First  
Make food photos look better with glistening fruit and vegetables.  
http://malektips.com/digital_photography_0022.html  
 
Digital Photography - May Just Have to Wait  
Patience may be required when taking outdoor digital photos to get the perfect lighting.  
http://malektips.com/digital_photography_0023.html  
 
Digital Photography - Why Use Manual Focus?  
Reasons why one should sometimes use manual focus even with advanced digital cameras.  
http://malektips.com/digital_photography_0024.html  
 
Digital Photography - Onscreen Ruler or Grid  
Align your photos correctly with your digital camera.  
http://malektips.com/digital_photography_0025.html  
 
Digital Photography - Black and White LCD  
Don't fret if your LCD's image turns to black-and-white; you may not have enough available light for a color image.  
http://malektips.com/digital_photography_0032.html  
 
Digital Photo Archive - Backup - ZIP Files May Not Save Space  
ZIPping digital photos may not provide the extra space you expect.  
http://malektips.com/photo_archive_backup_0003.htm
l  
 
Digital Photo Archive - Backup - Stand-Alone CD Burners  
Copy photos on digital media directly to a CD, bypassing your computer.  
http://malektips.com/photo_archive_backup_0004.htm
l  
 
Digital Photo Archive - Backup - Remove Your Backup Devices When Not in Use  
Keep your backup device unplugged to lessen its chance of getting hit with a computer virus.  
http://malektips.com/photo_archive_backup_0005.htm
l  
 
Digital Photo Archive - Backup - Backup Software  
Software programs to aid you in backing up digital photos.  
http://malektips.com/photo_archive_backup_0006.htm
l  
 
Digital Photo Processing - Still Using Windows 98?  
Consider upgrading your version of Windows for more digital photo features.  
http://malektips.com/digital_photo_0004.html  
 
Digital Photo Processing - Make a Photograph Look Old  
Make your photos look like they were taken decades ago.  
http://malektips.com/digital_photo_0005.html  
 
Digital Photo Processing - Give Your Photos an Edge  
Place a fancy border or edge on your printed digital photos.  
http://malektips.com/digital_photo_0010.html  
 
Digital Photo Processing - Cool Down Your Photos  
Winterize and cool down your digital photos  
http://malektips.com/digital_photo_0011.html  
 
Digital Photo Processing - Increase Your Computer's Memory  
Increased computer memory may make editing digital photos easier and faster.  
http://malektips.com/digital_photo_0012.html  
 
Digital Photo Processing - Never Disconnect a Camera While Transferring Photos  
Always safely disconnect your digital camera from your computer as per operating system instructions.  
http://malektips.com/digital_photo_0013.html  
 
Digital Photo Processing - Free Image Manipulation Tool  
Comfortable with the command prompt? Here is a free digital image manipulation tool that is perfect for batch processing.  
http://malektips.com/digital_photo_0014.html  
 
Digital Photo Processing - What is P.I.M. (Print Image Matching)?  
Print Image Matching can help ensure your photo print colors match your originals'.  
http://malektips.com/digital_photo_0015.html  
 
Digital Photo Processing - Don't Resave As JPG Files  
Resaving edited JPG files may decrease overall image quality.  
http://malektips.com/digital_photo_0016.html  
 
Digital Photo Processing - Consider a Larger Monitor  
Upgrade to a 17-inch monitor or higher if you edit many digital photos.  
http://malektips.com/digital_photo_0017.html  
 
Digital Photo Processing - Try Every Filter Once  
Experiment with your digital photo software's filters.  
http://malektips.com/digital_photo_0018.html  
 
Digital Photo Processing - View Your Photos on a TV  
Display your digital photos on TV for your friends and family to enjoy.  
http://malektips.com/digital_photo_0019.html  
 
Digital Photo Processing - Provide Descriptions for Photos Placed Online  
Describe your digital photos if you place them on the web for those who normally have picture viewing turned off.  
http://malektips.com/digital_photo_0020.html  
 
Digital Portrait Photography - Flash Can Reflect Off of Clothing  
Flash can have undesirable effects with clothing or bright jewelry.  
http://malektips.com/portrait_photography_0008.htm
l  
 
Digital Sports Photography - Know the Game or Event  
A little research in a sporting event can go a long way into taking better photos.  
http://malektips.com/digital_sports_photography_00
02.html  
 
Digital Sports Photography - Take Plenty of Photos  
The more photos you take, the better the chance several will come out great.  
http://malektips.com/digital_sports_photography_00
03.html  
 
Digital Sports Photography - Capture the Emotion of a Great Play  
Capture players' expressions with your digital camera.  
http://malektips.com/digital_sports_photography_00
04.html  
 
Digital Sports Photography - Get Plenty of Sleep Before an Event  
Ensure your concentration level is high when taking sports photos.  
http://malektips.com/digital_sports_photography_00
05.html  
 
Digital Sports Photography - A Long Zoom is Essential  
Take great sports photos even if you are in the 'cheap seats'.  
http://malektips.com/digital_sports_photography_00
06.html  
 
Digital Sports Photography - Fast Shutter Speed is Crucial  
Prevent your sports photography from becoming blurry.  
http://malektips.com/digital_sports_photography_00
07.html  
 
Digital Sports Photography - Don't Forget the Scoreboard  
Snap a few scoreboard photos to help tell the story of a sporting event.  
http://malektips.com/digital_sports_photography_00
08.html  
 
Digital Sports Photography - Know Your Camera  
Understanding your digital camera's features can help you take better sports photos.  
http://malektips.com/digital_sports_photography_00
09.html  
 
Digital Sports Photography - Anticipate Shutter Lag  
A digital camera's slow shutter speed can prevent you from taking great photos if you don't plan for it.  
http://malektips.com/digital_sports_photography_00
10.html  
 
Digital Sports Photography - Be Careful with Your Camera and Equipment  
Prevent your digital camera and equipment from getting damaged.  
http://malektips.com/digital_sports_photography_00
11.html  
 
Digital Sports Photography - Capture the Anticipation of a Moment  
Tell a story with your sports photography on the events leading up to a play.  
http://malektips.com/digital_sports_photography_00
12.html  
 
Digital Sports Photography - Look for the Unexpected  
Sometimes the most interesting sports photo opportunities are not found on the playing field.  
http://malektips.com/digital_sports_photography_00
13.html  
 
Digital Sports Photography - Photos to Inspire Your Photography  
Get your creative juices flowing with these places where you can find great sports photography.  
http://malektips.com/digital_sports_photography_00
14.html  
 
Digital Sports Photography - Increase ISO Settings  
Reduce your required digital camera shutter speed by increasing your ISO.  
http://malektips.com/digital_sports_photography_00
15.html  
 
Digital Sports Photography - Bring Plenty of Batteries  
Ensure your digital camera does not run out of power when taking sports photos.  
http://malektips.com/digital_sports_photography_00
16.html  
 
Digital Sports Photography - Be Considerate with Golfers  
Don't use flash in the middle of a golfer's backswing.  
http://malektips.com/digital_sports_photography_00
17.html  
 
Digital Sports Photography - Use Breaks in the Action Wisely  
Use timeouts in sporting events to care for your camera equipment and prepare for later shots.  
http://malektips.com/digital_sports_photography_00
18.html  
 
Digital Sports Photography - Prepare for the Elements  
Don't let the rain, wind, sleet, or snow keep you from taking great sports photos.  
http://malektips.com/digital_sports_photography_00
19.html  
 
Digital Travel Photography - Point Upwards to Signify Openness  
Point your digital camera slightly up when taking landscape photos to signify freedom and openness.  
http://malektips.com/digital_travel_photo_0006.htm
l  
 
Digital Travel Photography - Pre-Trip Checklist  
A checklist of items to bring and tasks to do before taking digital photos on a trip.  
http://malektips.com/digital_travel_photo_0007.htm
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Digital Travel Photography - Get Maps and Directions Online  
Locate digital photo opportunities with online maps and directions.  
http://malektips.com/digital_travel_photo_0008.htm
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Digital Travel Photography - Take Photos at a Museum?  
Considering taking digital photos at a museum? Read this tip first.  
http://malektips.com/digital_travel_photo_0009.htm
l  
 
Digital Travel Photography - Find Sunrise and Sunset Times  
Taking photos at sunrise or sunset can add excitement and warmth to your travel photos.  
http://malektips.com/digital_travel_photo_0010.htm
l  
 
Digital Travel Photography - Look for Natural Frames in Doors and Windows  
Frame your travel photography with open doors and windows.  
http://malektips.com/digital_travel_photo_0011.htm
l  
 
Digital Travel Photography - Capture Reflections on Water  
Find lakes, streams, and oceans that reflect their surroundings for dazzling digital photos.  
http://malektips.com/digital_travel_photo_0012.htm
l  
 
Digital Travel Photography - Consider 'Photo Bingo' with the Kids  
Pass the time on long road trips by playing 'photo bingo'.  
http://malektips.com/digital_travel_photo_0013.htm
l  
 
Digital Travel Photography - Shoot Straight Up in a City  
A common trick when taking photos representing power and commerce.  
http://malektips.com/digital_travel_photo_0014.htm
l  
 
Digital Travel Photography - Watch What You Carry  
Lighten your weight when traveling around taking digital photos on your vacation.  
http://malektips.com/digital_travel_photo_0015.htm
l  
 
Digital Travel Photography - Focus on Buildings' Uniqueness  
Take digital photos of what makes architecture unique to a particular area.  
http://malektips.com/digital_travel_photo_0016.htm
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Digital Travel Photography - Remember Plaques  
Take digital photos of plaques that tell the story behind a statue or monument.  
http://malektips.com/digital_travel_photo_0017.htm
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Digital Travel Photography - Museum Photo Taking Tips  
More tips on taking great digital photos at a museum.  
http://malektips.com/digital_travel_photo_0018.htm
l  
 
Selling Digital Photos - Create an Attractive Portfolio  
Display your photography skills in the best way possible.  
http://malektips.com/selling_digital_photos_0001.h
tml  
 
Selling Digital Photos - Take Plenty of Photos  
Increase your chances of taking great photos by snapping away more often.  
http://malektips.com/selling_digital_photos_0002.h
tml  
 
Selling Digital Photos - Include a Contact Sheet  
Print a hard copy of your digital photo collection with thumbnail pictures.  
http://malektips.com/selling_digital_photos_0003.h
tml  
 
Selling Digital Photos - Consider a Photo Business Card  
A photograph on a business card may stand out from others'.  
http://malektips.com/selling_digital_photos_0004.h
tml  
 
Selling Digital Photos - Consider Stock Agencies  
You may be able to make a little extra cash by selling digital photos to stock agencies.  
http://malektips.com/selling_digital_photos_0005.h
tml  
 
Selling Digital Photos - Separate Your Portfolio By Theme  
Categorize your photos to make it easier for your potential customers to find what they want.  
http://malektips.com/selling_digital_photos_0006.h
tml  
 
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
 
* Copyright Notice *
 
This newsletter can be redistributed, in electronic or print, provided that no changes are made to this document and this notice is left intact. If you wish to redistribute just pieces of this newsletter, such as certain articles, contact Andrew Malek for information.
 
MalekTips is published by Envision Programming:
 
Envision Programming attn: MalekTips PO Box 11592 Knoxville, TN 37939-1592
 
This issue of MalekTips is Copyright 2004 Andrew Malek of Envision Programming. All other copyrights and trademarks are properties of their respective companies.

Note that due to tip recategorization, some of the URLs mentioned in the newsletter may have changed. If you have any problems finding a particular tip, use the MalekTips "Search" feature to conveniently find what you are looking for.

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