There is nothing wrong with this, otherwise we would all be guilty of a crime. Facebook is one of the top photo sharing social networking sites on the web. But what happens when you want to clear out your albums, close your account or even just backup your photos? No one wants to have to go through each one individually and right-click/save. Who has the time for that?

Luckily, these three handy tools have you covered.

PhotoGrabber

This handy little desktop application is easy to use for either your own photos, or tagged photos in friend’s albums. All you have to do is download the program, start it up on your desktop and give it access to your Facebook account. This is done through the same kind of sign in authentication you get when you post under a social networking account on a third party site.

Once you have it up and connected to your account, you can select what photos you want and of who. For example, you can choose to download all tagged photos from an entire album, including comments, and then say who of. It should give an entire list of your friends to scroll through.

Pick & Zip

A bit of a larger program, this interesting app lets you download it onto your desktop and then access it like any other piece of software. It connects to your Facebook account through a direct sign in similar to the one used by PhotoGrabber. It also has many of the same features as that program, such as being able to download other people’s albums.

However, there is a ‘Find My Photos’ button that makes it easier to seek out your own tags. It will also go through community and fan pages to look for anything that has you tagged in it. You can even customize your selection more fully, and then download that rather than the whole lot. Which can make it a space and time saver.

Fluschipranie

This is a great add-on for Firefox that is still technically in the experimental phase, but still rather good. It works by allowing you to right-click on an album and select to download it through the add-on. It almost always works, and is a fast download system that takes no room on your desktop and can be easily removed if you decide you no longer need it.

There are a couple of issues with it. One is that it has trouble with certain language characters, such as Chinese, Arabic and Hebrew. Hopefully, this will be fixed in an update. There are also occasionally problems with downloading extremely large albums, but this is rare.

Conclusion

These are three easy to use tools that will allow you to pull any photos you like with a few clicks of your mouse from Facebook. Obviously, there are many more out there. If you have a program you would like to share, let us know in the comments.

Jessy is a social media junkie blogging for Life Insurance Finder, the free app to pick life insurance plans online. Meet us on Facebook!

Credit: kakissel

3D printing is a process which creates 3D objects by layering materials on top of each other. They allow designers to create prototypes which will give an accurate representation of the final product. Beginning in around 2003, there are 6 different types of printing from inkjet which layers resin, fused deposition modelling using molten polymer and digital light processing where light is shone on liquid polymer which hardens.

Originally, out of the price range for us normal folk to own, printer kits are more affordable ranging from $350 – $1800 USD. However, now with probably the first of many 3D printers for the home, The Cube will be exhibited at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas during January 2012. This portable, colour, 3D printer comes in at just under $1300 so not within everyone’s price range but cheaper than most. Rajeev Kulkarni, Vice President for 3D Systems said “With the Cube™ printer, personal 3D printing becomes a reality for everyone. “Every affordable, easy to use 3D printer we bring to the market underscores our commitment to democratize access and accelerate adoption of our 3D content-to-print solutions for the benefit of consumers, artists and developers alike.” The printer comes with access to 50 printable models immediately and also membership to their website Cubify.com which allows both developers and consumers to exchange ideas. Despite not being on the market until early 2012, The Cube aims to bring 3D printing to the masses.

So far the 3D printer has been used to make replica bones which have then been implanted into the human body but now aircraft designers are looking at the idea of using the technology to build and aeroplane wing. Researchers are now looking at the possibility of recreating tissue and organs. This could be a massive breakthrough for the medical profession in terms of organ replacements. Students at the Ravensbourne college have made recently made a copy of the O2 Arena (formally the Millennium Dome) and forthcoming plans are to make replicas of artefacts held by museums so that historians can examine them more closely.

So is 2012 the year for 3D printing? Despite objects taking a long time to print (some are left on overnight), they are easy to make last minute adjustments without causing too many problems. But with so many uses from displays to the classroom (schools in California are already installing them), surely prices will have to come down as demand rises and more companies begin to make them. A whole new industry will be made with gifts, cards and even life size models of your favourite footballer! The best thing about it, you can make it as personal or as general as you like.

As useful as 3D printing maybe, it comes with its critics. What with the headlines that music piracy has brought with it, will 3D printing end up with companies suing individuals who have copied their bed or kettle?

This article was produced by inkjet cartridge stockists, PrinterInks.com.

With more than 500 million users, Facebook is the most popular website in the world. So, how do you take advantage of it and create a successful Facebook page of your own?

1. Keep it casual

Facebook is far more laid-back than traditional websites. There is no need for fancy sales pitches or hyped-up promises. People log onto Facebook to relax and interact with their friends. If you want your fans to have a favorable impression of your page, you’ll skip the formalities and talk to them like they’re your friends.

2. Turn it into a community

After all, that’s what Facebook really is – a giant community. Encourage your friends, your email list, and anyone else you can think of to become a fan of your page. Then, show off some personality. Letting people see the “real you” makes you less of a “corporate entity” and more of a friend.

Encourage your fans to come to you with feedback, ideas, and questions. Publish links, pictures, and status updates that are interesting enough to provoke a response. If you really want to be successful on Facebook, you’ll do everything you can to remove the walls between “corporate professionals” and “regular people”.

3. Give people a chance to spend money right on your page

Getting rid of the sales pitches doesn’t mean that you can’t make any money directly from your Facebook page! There are Facebook shopping carts out there that will upload all of your products and even a “buy” button so that people can shop right on your fan page.

Having a Facebook shopping cart eliminates the need for people to click through to your regular site. And, when it comes to the world wide web, the easier you make it on shoppers, the more money you will make!

4. Give your fans things that you don’t given anyone else

Exclusives are a great way to establish a feeling of community – while also encourage more people to become your fan. If you become known for giving Facebook-exclusive coupons and discounts, you’ll wind up with plenty of fans that are looking for a good deal!

Kirsty LaVier is editor for Shopping Cart Reviews, the leading site dedicated to helping you find the Best Shopping Cart.

So, I am all too familiar with the aches and pains that are associated with long term ‘lap-topping’, above and beyond that which comes from sitting at a traditional desktop computer. The good news is that I have decided to do something about it.

I have discovered ways to help relieve some of the pains and stresses that go along with using a laptop, as well as working on any computer all day long. Let’s face it, sitting at our computers all day can be great for business. Our bodies, not so much.

Typical Ailments we Battle

Among some of the worse ailments that come along with working at a computer all day are a sore back, hips, and neck. And, I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to invest all my earnings into a back pain specialist, or a series of physical therapy sessions.

Other ailments include fatigue, poor posture, and weight gain. Ironically, all of these I just mentioned can intensify the other aches and pains if we don’t get them under control. It’s a Catch-22, so to speak, isn’t it?

So, read on to find out what you can do right now to counter it.

1. Ergonomics Tools and Ideas

One of the downfalls to working on a laptop, is that it doesn’t allow for ergonomics as easily as the traditional desktop computer, because it’s an all-in-one system, rather than separate components. However, Dr. Tamara James of Duke gives some valuable information for protecting our bodies while working on a laptop.

She recommends using a docking system, and work with an external monitor that can be adjusted in height. Also, an external keyboard allows you to use one that is ergonomic in helping to reduce strain on the wrists. If you can avoid Carpal Tunnel, do. It often requires surgery, with a recovery of about 6 weeks. And, there’s no guarantee that it will be successful.

If you see a Chiropractor, ask them to check your wrists if you are having some pain through them. I was amazed a few years ago when I thought for sure I was facing surgery, until my Chiropractor did just one adjustment on them.

Some people might not want to deal with all the extra external components mentioned above. So, an option would be to buy a device that elevates the laptop slightly, and on an angle. The angle creates the proper alignment so your neck and eyes are not strained, as well as the wrists.

2. Lumbar Chair

Talking about a good lumbar chair warrants its own section. The reason is because it’s really important to your overall well-being when sitting all day, including how you use it.

Having a good lumbar chair doesn’t automatically relieve you of all pain. In fact, it won’t help at all, if you aren’t sitting at it properly. Here is what you need to get the most out of your chair:

*  Adjust the height so that your feet are resting comfortably on the ground. If this isn’t possible, place a box on the floor so your feet can rest on it. This will help take away some stress on your lower back.

*  Roll the chair right up to your desk, so that your upper arms are resting by your side, and the monitor is an arm’s length away. Just like the dinner table, elbows should be off slightly.

*  Adjust the monitor’s height so you are looking into the center of it, without bending your neck.

*  Sit all the way back in the chair and that the lumbar curve fits right into the small of your back. Leaning forward puts a lot of stress on your lower back, hips, and even the neck.

All other options on the chair are purely personal, such as padding and ease of rolling. Sit in a few to try them out before buying one.

3. Drink Plenty of Water

I know, it seems odd that I am discussing water when talking about laptops. But, it makes sense, because I am talking about remaining our healthiest while working at a laptop.

First, drinking lots of water is healthy, period. Second, it will most likely encourage you to get up once in a while to take a break, which is great for your body. Getting up and walking around during the day will rejuvenate both your body and your mind.

4. Eat Light and Healthy Snacks

Again, it makes sense. By eating healthy and taking care of our bodies, it will take some pressure off our joints, literally. Our weight and strength both play a role in how much we hurt.

If we snack on light and healthy snacks, it will not only get us up for a break, but also will lead to more energy, both body and mind.

5. Get Up and Move During Your Breaks

If you want to eliminate some of the pain from sitting all day, don’t sit all day. Take a couple breaks, or as many as it takes… before you are too stiff to move at all. Movement will do your body a world of good, as well as your career.

In Closing

Hopefully I have shared some valuable information to help you remain healthy while working at a laptop all day. I know it has all helped me, and the result is more energy for my career, and my family.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jason Munroe is a freelance writer, living in California with his family. He is currently writing a series of articles on ergonomics alongside a Chiropractor in Sacramento, CA.

Reclaiming Lost Light

Getting the most from a smartphone should be a goal for everyone, including the maker of the smartphone. Some people from Cambridge University are thinking along the same vein and want to put solar cells into smartphones to catch the unused light and return it back to the battery. Apparently, around 64 percent of the light that an OLED ( Organic Light Emitting Diode ) screen puts out is lost. If the display is installed in a smartphone it disappears inside the case of the smartphone. It also is scattered around in other places and bleeds from the edges of the screen. With all this light being lost, it makes sense to try to get some use from it.

A Small Improvement Is Better Than Nothing

The Cambridge researchers are trying to put the solar cells on the back, inside and on the sides of the OLED displays of smartphones to catch the light. The light will then be converted into electricial energy and sent to a capacitor, not the battery. This kit would make up an OLED assembly. Since the display is the major strain on a battery, the efficiency is important. The system in this form achieved an efficiency of 11 to 18 percent.

The Solar Cell With The Fifteen Dollar Name

The large name for the solar cells is, “thin film hydrogenated amorphous silicon”. The solar cells are accompanied by a thin film capacitor, that smooths out the energy output of the solar cells to avoid damaging internal components. It is estimated that a smartphone with a 3.7 inch display will be able to generate five milliwatts of power with this setup.

Do Not Look For This Technology Too Soon

Five milliwatts of power is hardly anything to a smartphone battery. This technology is just beginning, so do not look for it in your smartphone any time soon. It will allow a smartphone to go longer between charges, but may take a back seat to improving the efficiency in processors, which also use a lot of energy. Both are still in process and will someday allow a smartphone to leave its “battery hog” status.

Daniel is a proficient writer that loves to cover everything related to technology. He also a contributor to http://howtotradecommodities.co.uk/ where you can get some useful information when it comes to trade commodities.

ipad, iphone and the Smartphone

The ipad tablet computer is used all over the world as a platform to view and interact with both audio and visual media such as movies, games, music and even books. But the capability of the ipad to access the Internet makes it a device that helped put lightening fast travel planning on the map. Users can simply pull up airline information and book flights anywhere in the world, saving hours of time and trouble. Transportation, lodging and other travel necessities take no time at all to organize for the busy business or individual traveler. The iphone and other so called “smart” phones offer users the same conveniences in addition to telephone communications. With built in Global Positioning Systems, a myriad of compatible applications and compact size, these devices streamline the searching, booking, payment and travel process for literally millions of travelers each day.

Peer to Peer Sharing

Two of the most costly travel items can be finding quality affordable accommodations and transportation. With peer to peer travel sharing, people save time and money along with creating unique experiences and meeting new people. Airnb is a peer sharing company that began with the desire of two college alumni to help fellow graduates coming to town for a popular design conference and finding all hotels booked solid. The men decided to offer their own place as lodging. The idea skyrocketed and, eventually, Airnb was born. The company connects people who have extra space with those looking for somewhere to stay. Travelers simply join the website and get access to homeowners who are willing to share their space. Details of the transactions are handled through Airnb’s website.

On Board Entertainment

In the past, finding ways to keep young ones (and adults) entertained on the road could be a daunting task. But with modern vehicles, a touch of a button can keep passengers entertained for hours on end. Many vehicles today are fitted with the very latest in televisions, stereos, DVD players and game systems which bring the recreation room to the confines of the automobile.

Commercial transportation has also jumped on the bandwagon in order to keep travelers happy and coming back. Beginning in the 1930’s, airships such as the Hindenburg entertained passengers with a piano lounge and bar during long flights. Today, entertainment for aircraft, train and bus passengers includes a large variety of audio, video and gaming entertainment. Newshounds can enjoy up to the minute streaming news, music lovers can listen to their favorites to their heart’s content. Video on demand and movies can be watched either from a large screen or built in screens at the seat. In flight games, map systems and audio feeds from the flight crew is also provided as entertainment to airline passengers.

Traveling From Home

Whether you are unable to physically travel or are planning for a dream trip, viewing the world from the comfort of your own home is another way that technology has changed travel. With the advent of the internet, the world’s borders have been removed and it is now possible to actually see where you will be traveling. Just like the postcards of old, getting a real time glimpse of an exotic location can be enticing enough to inspire you to be there in person. Technology like Google Earth with Google Street View can let you zoom right in to the exact location in full color. For family members who are far apart, Skype and other cyber communication technology bridges the distance by letting loved ones talk while looking at each other in real time.

Airport Automation

Airport automation makes traveling so much easier for arriving passengers. Some systems automate border processing in a secure and easy to use manner. One Australian system, SmartGate, is used by the New Zealand Customs Service as well as Australian Customs. The system automatically does the immigration and custom checks that are performed by Customs Officers. The technology is available to adult passengers who hold ePassports, which are biometric enabled documents that allow users to swipe their passport at kiosks throughout the airport. Among its security features, the traveler’s face is scanned by three cameras to ensure the identity of the traveler. This and other airport automation have added to the fast paced, high tech environment of today in which we travel.

Kristy is a road trip fanatic and freelance travel writer for Drive My Car Rentals. Whether you’re seeking caravans for hire in Darwin or luxury Brisbane car rentals, DriveMyCarRentals.com.au have a huge range on offer right around Australia.

As Smart phones and tablets become more popular and are in higher demand for reliable information, Skoda has stepped in to meet this increase in interest. Journalists favor the technology of Smart phones and tablets to keep them up to date on all relevant information. Skoda will see to this need by providing constant access to this up-to-date information (not hindered by time or place) outpacing the competition by being the forerunner in vehicles that can adapt to the needs of the owner.

Information will have an ease of use much like a personal computer. Skoda’s new mobile application is harmonious with internet searches in first hand information. Breaking News, PR release, photographic coverage, newly released films, and technical data on the industry, or personal contacts on hand will be a great complement to any industry professional. While in its pilot stage, the new Skoda mobile application will be an exclusive Apple addition for devices operating on the iOS system. A future expansion will extend the service with a larger number of features and mobile function. Content will be available in Czech, English, and German. Further languages are on the horizon in major industry cities as developments in multimedia are finalized for non-stop access in the applications.

Skoda’s entry into the highly competitive marketplace in developing applications for complementary use with iPhones and iPads was unleashed during the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. A new logo and branding identity were shown with the SKODA Auto’s breakthrough in the compatibility of their mobile application. News from the brand’s worldwide activity was presented on the SKODA Media Services iPad Application. An analysis of the full range of Skoda’s current models id offered. An additional feature is breaking product news and updated material covering the Škoda Motorsport racing division.

This application is specifically geared to the journalism industry and representatives of mass media news. The reliability of having consistent current and breaking news is a must for this fast paced field. The relative ease of instant access to the latest information, including videos and photos, is truly a revolutionary step for Skoda and one that was well received by consumers.

The Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) was an opportunity to see some of the expanded technology with the advancing Skoda Media Services. Android was welcomed into the online portfolio of services for mobile media by Skoda.  The platform for the iPad and iPhone resonated with so well, the design and functionally were lapped over to the Android user market With downloadable press map for IAA included with accessibility to Android users, Skoda Media services is building a solid reputation as a multimedia portal and the fastest growing mobile platform available to the marketplace.

The post is contributed by Peter Smith. Peter loves to swim in currents of intellectuality and exclusivity. Visit his site for  zuinige auto and lease auto.

Yahoo - One of the most famous and unsavoury evictions happened in the month of September, when Yahoo’s CEO, Carol Bartz was fired by the Chairman over a phone call. It may seem more like a ridiculous example of corporate behaviour, but analysts suggest that Carol was unable to get on good terms with Yahoo’s partner in China, Alibaba. And, with the investors becoming restless, Yahoo did not have many options. Carol, though, did not take this sacking very lightly. And her 2 sentence parting email did reflect the sort of tumultuous relationship she shared with the company bosses – “I am very sad to tell you that I’ve just been fired over the phone by Yahoo’s Chairman of the Board. It has been my pleasure to work with all of you and I wish you only the best going forward.” Clearly, this was not the copy-book style of leaving the company and had more adventure and aggression than most HR managers would have given a thought to.

Hewlett Packard – The next high-profile eviction happened at the Hewlett Packard headquarters, where the then CEO Leo Apotheker was asked to leave after being at the helm for 11 months only. Now, HP has had a less than favourable relationship with its CEOs in the past and have already sacked 3 CEOs in the past 6 years. However, Leo was considered a weak candidate and the company highlighted his inability to lead a large organization and show executive leadership through prompt and crisp decision making. This was essential from the point of view of consolidation of HP’s business in the IT verticals comprising of the sales of laptops, computer systems, server systems, handheld computers and the Storage systems. Essentially, Leo’s tenure of 11 months saw all round negative pessimism around the Hewlett Packard’s financial outlook.

Olympus – Olympus gets added to our list for sacking its CEO, Michael Woodford in the month of October. The official explanation for the sacking was an attempted circumvention of the management structure in force at the company. However, there are multiple stories going round the globe with some analysts believing that Michael was shown the door after he highlighted and disapproved of the dubious accounting practices being used in the company. You may note that Olympus eventually admitted to accounting mis-management and fraud to cover the losses of $1.7 billion that it had incurred in the securities business. Will Michael be reinstated? Well, some analysts seem to be holding out some hope on that front.

Acer – Lastly, Acer’s Gianfranco Lanci resigned in April after he fell out with the strategy to lead the Taiwanese computer maker. He had been associated with Acer since 1997, and it was in 2004 that he became the CEO. He was one of the significant powers that enabled Acer’s acquisition of US based ‘Gateway Computers’ in 2007. Infact, Lanci’s exit does raise a few questions given the fact that he has had a good and successful stint at Acer.

We are sure that more CEOs will find the going tough in the next year. These are actually tough times for the technology companies and it may not be a surprise to see some of the well-known faces of today to relegate from the front-line to the list of ‘former leaders’ of repute.

Mike Long is a professional tech writer who focuses on tech happenings across the globe. Amongst his notable areas of interest are Micronet handheld computers, Amazon’s Fire and Google’s IPTV.

When Will It Arrive?
Though facts are hard to come by, the next iPad will in all likelihood appear sometime in late February or early March. Richard Gardner, a noted analyst with Citi, predicted a February launch date. Gardner went on to estimate the starting cost at $499 or higher, with the iPad 2 dropping in price in order to clear remaining inventories of old stock. Apple’s predicted to move up to 40 million units of the iPad 2 by the end of the year. In order to make the iPad 3 a success, they’ll have to offer something substantially better to attract new customers beyond their dedicated fan base.

Potential Specifications
According to industry insiders, the iPad 3 is already under production. True to form, Apple is predictably tight-lipped on specifications, design, and potential features. However, we can make some educated guesses as to what type of hardware the iPad 3 will sport. The iPad 3 will most likely feature the new Apple A6 quad-core CPU, 1 GB of RAM, and an HDMI port. In order to keep up with Android, it’ll also most likely be capable of 4G download speeds. Furthermore, the new iPad 3 will most likely boast a more refined, higher-resolution AMOLED screen.

The Tablet Market In 2012
As many analysts have already pointed out, 2012 will probably be a weak year in terms of demand for mobile devices. The ongoing global economic downturn doesn’t show any signs of letting up, despite rosy predictions from economists that the worst is behind us. That’s going to hurt sales of the iPad 3 as consumers prioritize and curb their technology spending habits. The iPad 3 may feature a 7” version to offer more diversity in Apple’s lineup, as many Android producers offer 7″ and 10″ variants of their tablets.

The Final Word
It’s doubtful that the iPad 3 will be as successful as the iPad 2. Though analysts expect sales to be typically strong for Apple, the market for tablets is no longer in its explosive phase of growth. Many already own either Apple or Android tablets, and new users are entering the market at a slower pace. Regardless, Apple is finally facing real competition from other manufacturers in the tablet sphere. If they want to keep Android from steamrolling them in the tablet game, they’ll have to step it up a notch. If history is any guide, they’ll deliver the goods when it matters most.

I am a freelance writer and frequent traveler. The best things in life can’t be seen but are felt. My loves include my adorable teacup pigs and my friend and actor, Daniel Hayes.

How does the Amazon Cloud work?
Amazon’s cloud, AWS works by taking all of the hard work that is needed by the Kindle fire and does it for it, so that the Kindle doesn’t have to. The Cloud is comprised of faster CPUs, larger amounts of memory and network connections that are greater than the Kindle is capable of; this allows the cloud to do all of the hard work while the Kindle simply reaps all the benefits. Such are the advantages of cloud computing, which is about to redefine web browsing and information technology forever.

Some other benefits of cloud computing with Amazon Silk include smart caching. Smart caching allows Amazon Silk to know which web pages most people go to after viewing the one they’re currently on and therefore already have that page loaded while the individual is reading the current page. Another example of smart caching is that when the user is viewing an image or loading an image on the kindle fire, the user will be zoomed out anyway, so a 5,000-kilobyte image and a 500-kilobyte image will look the same. The Kindle fire then takes that 500 kilobyte image and makes it available while loading the 5k version, in case the viewer wants to zoom in later.

How does Amazon Silk work and what does it look like?
When opening up Amazon Silk for the first time there will be an area that is dedicated to bookmarks that are chosen based on how many times the owner visits them. In order for a web user to navigate to the websites they need only to touch one of the bookmarks and they will be redirected accordingly.

New tabs can also be opened in Amazon Silk and to do this the user needs only to press the small plus sign in the corner. The user will then be presented with a new tab and a new empty search bar. To place a web address within the search bar the user will then need to type in the address and press enter. After the Kindle has located and loaded the web page the search bar is removed from the screen so that there will be more room for viewing web pages.

To zoom in and out of web pages Amazon Silk features the common method that is supported by touch screen devices for Apple. Simply pinch or pull on the screen to make the image or page zoom in or out. To bookmark a site on Amazon Silk simply select Menu, and then select the option that reads, “Add bookmark”.

What else does Amazon Silk offer?
The web browser also supports flash content. Amazon Silk chooses which website versions will appear better on the device, the mobile version or the regular version. Amazon Silk users can opt out to change this preference, however and have the web pages always appear the way they prefer.

What kind of security does Amazon Silk offer?
Security has been one of the biggest questions for the Kindle fire’s new browser and privacy has been a fairly large issue. Because Amazon is a company reliant on advertising, the implications of allowing Amazon to have full and total access to what is being viewed and what searches are made on the device have had some negative responses from the online population.

Amazon claims that the device does not link searches with user accounts and that all history that is kept by the device is done so for the use of making Amazon Silk operate faster. Amazon also specifies that they do not release any information regarding customer’s search history to third parties.

There are so many options for web hosting, and Adrianna Esposito consults small businesses on how to find the best options for their budgets.