Connecting On The RoadWritten by Gregg
Are you one of those travelers who simply cannot stand to be apart from your internet connection? And are you wondering how you can still have get email or surf web while on road? Not to worry because technology is here to help! First, let’s talk about your actual computer equipment. The kind of equipment you’re taking with you and determining how you will both store and use it is important. If you have a laptop, you have freedom to pretty much sit wherever you like inside your RV – from couch to your driving recliner to dinette or even outside. Storage consists of putting laptop in its storage case, and stowing it away in a safe place. (Remember, laptops can handle a little toss now and then, but it’s best to secure them as you would any other valuable, breakable item.) If you have a desktop with a PC and monitor, you’ll need to be a little more creative. First, decide if you’ll be leaving your PC and monitor out while you travel. For your PC, consider putting in on your dinette bench wedged between 2 pillows. For your monitor, set it on dinette table and anchor it with bungee cords. Wrap one could around bottom to form a circle, then use several other cord to attach it to various locations such as handles on cabinets or even pole holding up table. If you have other accessories – e.g., a printer – consider securing this just like your PC. How you’re going to connect depends on a few things: How much time do you plan to spend on internet and what exactly will you be doing. Where will you be going and how close to “civilization” will you be? How much traveling will you be doing each year to offset cost of equipment? TIME If you’re someone who just wants to check your email, and do a minimal amount (less than 1 hour per day) of surfing, your best bet is to use PC offered at many RV parks, or those that allow you to hook up your laptop to their phone line. Both of these may be free or just involve a small fee. On flip side, if you want/need to spend several hours per day checking email or surfing web (because you’re running a business, for example), you have a few options to consider: Cell Phone. This can either be via a cord that connects from your PC to your cell phone and which your cell phone provider should offer. The connection is going to cost you by minute – just as your cell phone calls do, and you must purchase cord and software. Upside: Low cost to get started. Pitfall: Slow connection speed, charged by minute, and possibility of having to upgrade your cell phone frequently to keep up with technology. Air Card. This card – which is about size of a credit card - is inserted into slot on your laptop (or PC, if available). The connection speed isAre you one of those travelers who simply cannot stand to be apart from your internet connection? And are you wondering how you can still have get email or surf web while on road? Not to worry because technology is here to help! First, let’s talk about your actual computer equipment. The kind of equipment you’re taking with you and determining how you will both store and use it is important. If you have a laptop, you have freedom to pretty much sit wherever you like inside your RV – from couch to your driving recliner to dinette or even outside. Storage consists of putting laptop in its storage case, and stowing it away in a safe place. (Remember, laptops can handle a little toss now and then, but it’s best to secure them as you would any other valuable, breakable item.) If you have a desktop with a PC and monitor, you’ll need to be a little more creative. First, decide if you’ll be leaving your PC and monitor out while you travel. For your PC, consider putting in on your dinette bench wedged between 2 pillows. For your monitor, set it on dinette table and anchor it with bungee cords. Wrap one could around bottom to form a circle, then use several other cord to attach it to various locations such as handles on cabinets or even pole holding up table. If you have other accessories – e.g., a printer – consider securing this just like your PC. How you’re going to connect depends on a few things: How much time do you plan to spend on internet and what exactly will you be doing.
| | 5 Steps to Crime Prevention at your MarinaWritten by Marc Eskew
Spending day or weekend on your boat is one of pleasures most boaters look forward to all time. Unfortunately, marinas where vessels are stored at are just as susceptible to crime as our homes and places of work, if not more so. Criminals prey on two facts. (1) Many boats are left alone for days and weeks at a time and (2) when a boater heads out onto water, criminals know that they have more than enough time to burglarize their parked car.With that being said, it becomes important for boat owners to learn some common-sense practices for keeping property on their boats and in their vehicles as safe as possible. Listed below are five steps that boaters can take to help protect their property from crime. 1. Mark It This is a proven deterrent and you will have a better chance of having your property returned if it is stolen. Etch or engrave an identification number, such as you vessel ID number, onto all of your valuable items. This will enable authorities to trace lost or stolen items back to your vessel. Also, enroll in a crime prevention program, like Boat Watch USA. It is free, and you receive a Vessel ID decal which includes a warning for all would be perpetrators to avoid your vessel. Place this decal where it can be easily seen from most common spot your vessel is boarded from. Boat Watch USA also offers smaller Boat Watch USA warning decals to affix prominently to your major equipment. 2. Record It Secondly, record in detail all of your valuable equipment. Compile a written inventory of your boat, trailer, and all onboard equipment. Boat Watch USA includes with it’s free service a form to list unique details and other special identifying features of your vessel. If you have a trailer, you can include particulars about it too. List all electronics, outboard engines, and other gear by brand name, model and serial number. Be as descriptive as possible for both police and insurance companies. Again, Boat Watch USA offers an online vessel equipment log where owners can record equipment information and keep it readily available for law enforcement and insurance companies should they need it. 3. Photograph It Photograph or video tape interior and exterior of your vessel, showing all installed equipment and additional gear stowed aboard. These photographs should show any identifying marks or scratches that can be useful in recovery efforts of law enforcement. Include photographs of open drawers and lockers with all contents revealed. Date and sign photographs and add clarifying or identifying messages as necessary. Store these photographs or video tapes in a safe location outside of your boat, such as your home.
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