Is your digital camera compatible with your computer?Written by Doug Rogers
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computer. When you plug a memory card into memory reader, you should notice a new hard drive on "My Computer." Your computer will consider memory device to be a hard drive and will allow you to manage pictures as if they were files on a hard drive. Many new cameras are directly supported by Microsoft XP If you plug a USB cable into camera and a USB slot on computer, you might discover that your computer knows how to read pictures off camera. Digital cameras offer an economical way to get into photography. After you pay for camera, it doesn't cost anything to take pictures. You just need a computer to allow you to view and save your pictures. After you have saved a bunch of pictures in your computer, I suggest you to transfer them to a CD or DVD. If you do not, someday you may lose all your pictures if your computer ever crashes. One other thing you need to be aware of is that older computers will have a hard time working large megapixel cameras that are being produced today. If you have an older computer and go out and buy yourself a 8 or 10 megapixel camera, you may suddenly find you that you may have to buy a new computer too, or at least upgrade one you have. The hefty picture files that are created by these large megapixel cameras use a tremendous amount of computer memory and can cause an incompatible computer a lot of problems. The average needs of most people really do not require a large megapixel digital camera unless you plan on printing large photos. So it is best to keep this general rule in mind when considering a digital camera. A typical 2-megapixel camera will produce a very good 4 x 6 inch image using a typical desktop color inkjet printer. With a 4 -megapixel camera, you can turn out a very good 8 x 10 print, which is largest print anyone who is not a professional is likely to need.
Doug Rogers has worked as a freelance photographer for the past 25 years in various fields of photography. In the past two years he has become an avid and devoted fan of digital photography. For tips on better digital photography and the latest reviews on the newest digital equipment that hits the market, Subscribe to his monthly Newsletter “The View Finder” at http://www.best-digital-cameas-review.com
| | Dragons: A History of Mythology and BeliefsWritten by Johann Erickson
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dragons whose whole existence was to serve and protect a kingdom, or prince, and they display most sterling qualities of loyalty and sacrifice.
Part of reason it is so hard to define what constitutes a dragon, is wide variance in their physical images. In Eastern culture dragon started out as an elongated, almost serpentine creature, usually, but not always showing four shortened legs, and a spaded tail. They were covered in scales, had a crest on head, and were brightly colored in many hues. In Western culture, traditional image of dragon is of an almost reptilian animal, usually green, with wings like a bat, and breathing fire. Some also have feathers. Which is likely what leads to confusing dragons with gryphons (leonine in hind quarters and raptor-like in front quarters) and phoenix (a mythical bird).
As mythology of dragons in both cultures became shared through world travel, line between two images blurred, so that some Western representations, now show a definite eastern influence.
Today, popularity of science fiction, and such role-playing games as Dungeons and Dragons, means that dragon figurines are a hot commodity. From pewter or other metal game pieces, to wood carvings, Chinese jade and crystal, dragon has become a symbol of magic and mystery, a tangible piece of other worlds, that can be held in our hand, and admired for exquisite craftsmanship put into every piece. Whether they are hand cast pottery, or hand-blown glass, dragon figurines add a splash of brilliance to a desktop, bookcase, or display pedestal, where they can rule over their kingdom.
Notable Dragons - The Tarasque dragon-like monster of Tarascon, France, was charmed and led back into city by St. Martha, where he was stoned to death by people.
- Dragonroot, also known as Jack-in-the-pulpit. Used for medicinal purposes, but only after root is dried. Taken internally while fresh it causes death by gastroenteritis.
- Leviathan, a biblical creature who has wrapped his body around Earth, and holds its tail in its mouth, lest Earth fall apart.
Johann Erickson is the owner of Online Discount Mart and TV Products 4 Less. Please include an active link to our site if you'd like to reprint this article.
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