Once the ninth planet and farthest away from the sun, Pluto has been bumped.  That’s right … now this frozen celestial body is known as a dwarf planet.

A little over seventy-five years has gone by since Clyde Tombaugh spotted Pluto, a little flashing light on the photographic plates he was perusing.

Tombaugh realized that this light he spotted was past Neptune in the solar system line-up, big enough in mass to be spotted and that it orbited around the Sun.

Since that time, the public, on the whole, figured that the discovery of Pluto was the final addition to the planet line-up in the solar system, where the Sun provided the central point that all nine planets orbited around.  Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto became the recognized mantra that all school kids had to memorize in science class.

As telescopes and other scientific instruments became more sophisticated, a lot littler objects have been tracked and recognized as asteroids and comets, like Halley’s Comet just provided fodder for our fascination with the heavens.

Because of the number of new celestial objects being found in our solar system, this increasing phenomenon sparked scientists and astronomers to create new parameters of what defines a planet.

With a lot of dissention among the many members of the International Astronomical Union, the major governing body of Astronomy in the world, they came up with a basic new definition of a planet.  Unfortunately, Pluto did not fit the bill.

So, in late 2006, the International Astronomical Union officially declared that the solar system now only has eight planets in the line-up instead of nine.  Pluto became a dwarf planet.  So, what constitutes a planet and what is a dwarf planet? Read on to find out.

New definition of a planet:

The new definition of a planet, as designated by the International Astronomical Union, states that a planet is a celestial object or body that is in orbit around the Sun.

In addition, in order to be a planet, this celestial object must have enough mass to have its own gravity, so that it can resist against unyielding forces, so that it creates a round “planet-like” shape.  Also, a planet must completely clear an orbit around the sun or “clear the neighborhood” as astronomers like to call it.

A dwarf planet, as Pluto is now classified, has two characteristics in common with full-fledged planets.  It is a celestial object that orbits around the Sun and it also has enough gravity to beat the severe forces against itself in order to create a relatively round circumference.  However, the remaining characteristics of a dwarf planet set itself apart.

For one, a dwarf planet has not “cleared the neighborhood” during its orbital path around the sun.  Secondly, a dwarf planet must not be a satellite. (A satellite is a celestial body that typically orbits a planet or other mass that is larger than it and not made by man.  Moons are also known as satellites.)

With this new designation of Pluto as a dwarf planet, now the solar system is comprised of the eight planets from Mercury to Neptune as well as a number of smaller celestial objects like comets, asteroids, and anything else that cannot be classified at a satellite, also known as small solar system bodies or SSSB. While these new definitions for planets follow some controversy, many scientists agree that it was time to have a formal definition for a planet.

The universe is vast and our solar system still holds many secrets and undiscovered celestial bodies. Without some clearly defined parameters, any new discoveries would be up to intense scrutiny and debate on how they should be classified.  The new definition of a planet should help when classifying new discoveries.

However, for scientists, the discoveries are absolutely fascinating and continue to drive space programs into more and more advanced technology for research.

The discovery of extrasolar planets:

Most astronomers are more than convinced that with the size of our galaxy and the number of stars that could be something like the Earth’s sun and the number of planets that could be orbiting around each of these stars is practically proof that there are other living creatures out there in this galaxy and in neighboring galaxies.

For most, the thought that there is another ‘Earth’ somewhere very far away, with people living lives similar to those of us on Earth, and that these two developed planets with developed life exist without knowledge of each other, well, that thought is simply boggling.

Most people focus on the Earth, and perhaps on the moon and maybe on another planet or two that is of interest for some reason.  While it is known that there is no other life even remotely like human life on any of these planets, the Solar System in which the Earth is found, though incredibly large on human standards, is really just a speck in the grand scheme of things.

The Solar System is just a small part of the Milky Way Galaxy, a miniscule part, really, and in addition, there are many other galaxies beyond the Milky Way.  It’s all a matter of relativity.

When viewed from the Earth, the prospect of another Earth out there somewhere is highly unlikely, but if you zoom out and look at the Earth in the grand scheme of things, everything reverses and suddenly it seems unlikely that the Earth orbiting the sun could be the only planet with life in such a vast expanse of sky.

The night sky that Earthlings look up into at night isn’t even the beginning.  For example, the Hubble Telescope, which is still currently the best technology that NASA has for this kind of searching in neighboring galaxies although a new one is soon coming, is an incredibly strong telescope.  However, this telescope can only see giant planets the size of Jupiter or bigger when looking into neighboring potential solar systems because the distance is so incredibly vast.

Even then, when the Hubble ‘sees’ a planet all the way out there the Hubble telescope is not actually spotting the planet itself, it is simply spotting a change in the brightness of the star that the planet is orbiting.  As the planet passes in front of the star, the brightness of the star changes, it dims a little, and when this is observed it is thought that a planet is passing in front of the star.

In order to confirm that it is an orbiting planet and not a passing meteoroid, astronomers continue to watch the same star in order to see if the dimming happens periodically.  When the dimming happens on a given interval, it is said that the celestial body is, indeed, a planet.

This requires a lot of stargazing and so far the Hubble has only investigated an absolutely tiny area of the sky beyond the Earth’s Solar System, again, a tiny piece of the sky in relative terms.

NASA and other astronomers around the globe are jumping to further investigation, excitedly looking for the next possible Earth.  Of course, if another Earth is ever found, at current space shuttle speeds, it will take tens or hundreds of thousands of years to reach it to make contact with whatever life inhabits it.

The mysterious green glow from Venus:

There is still much mystery surrounding the green glow found on the night side of Venus.

Most scientists agree; however, that this nighttime showing of lights is a result of a collision of oxygen particles, creating an oxygen molecule. The energy from this molecule is transferred to a third atom, which releases the energy as a green light.

Though this theory is widely accepted, there is still much that is not understood about the green glow. For example, it was assumed that for a planet to have this phenomenon its atmosphere must be rich in oxygen.

However, Venus has very little molecular oxygen in its atmosphere. Only one in ten million molecules in the atmosphere of Venus is oxygen. The green glow is detected 60 miles up in the atmosphere. Oxygen makes up one out of thousand molecules at that height. Venus actually contains an atmosphere filled with mostly carbon dioxide.

The mysterious green glow coming from Venus is also strange because two decades ago scientists observed the opposite. In 1978 two Soviet spacecrafts reported no colorful glow, but did detect lightning on Venus.

Later, an American spacecraft detected low- frequency radio signals. On Earth these signals are associated with the electrical discharge from lightning strikes. Then again in 1990 NASA recorded static sounds similar to what is heard on an AM radio on Earth during a thunderstorm. Furthermore, in 1993 a student in Arizona took seven pictures that appeared to show flashes similar to that of lightning.

In their latest looks, scientists have turned up no signs of lightning, but did observe a mysterious green glow coming from Venus. The Cassini probe passed by Venus in 1998 and detected no static from the electrical discharge generated by lightening. Again in 1998 the probe detected no static from Venus when it passed merely 10, 000 miles from the planet’s surface. Cassini easily was able to record the static bursts as it passed by Earth, despite being 50, 000 miles away.

In 1999 researchers at the S.R.I. International in California were able to detect the obvious green glow coming from Venus after pointing the telescope at the planet for only eight minutes.  Scientists are puzzled at the atmospheric conditions on this neighbor planet. Why is it that every time they take a look they see something different? Why is there so much contradictory evidence over the last two decades?

Dr. Thomas G. Slanger, a scientist at S.R.I., proposes an explanation to this mystery. He speculates that the sun may be energizing the few oxygen molecules that Venus possesses. The Sun is now at the height of its eleven-year cycle and seems to be vitalizing the rare molecules, causing the green glow.

The sun stimulates the rare oxygen atoms on the dayside of Venus. The oxygen is the circulated to the dark side of the planet within a few hours of formation. The atoms are moved to the opposite side of the planet so quickly because the upper atmosphere of Venus rotates more quickly than the surface.

On Earth there is a similar green glow, known as aurorae, or the northern and southern lights. This phenomenon occurs mostly near the poles of Earth. The multi-colored lights are created when charged particles from the solar wind excite gas molecules in the upper atmosphere. Venus, on the other hand shows no evidence of aurorae because it does not possess a strong magnetic field like Earth.

Further research is being planned in order to unravel the mystery surrounding our neighbor planet. It is anticipated that gaining knowledge about Venus and its atmosphere will help us learn more about our own planet, as well the possibility that there is potential for life in other places in our solar system.

Now, most Instant Messaging tools utilize some form of VoIP. Free World Dial Up and Skype still lead the path into the VoIP future. What will the future hold for VoIP Questions abound, but with major corporations making the switch, we can rest assured that VoIP is here to stay. With that in mind, there are the top five new VoIP products.

Here are the top five new VoIP products:

1. Skype for Windows

Skype’s new Windows 1.4 offers many new features for their customers. It includes free call forwarding from one Skype account to another Skype account as well as providing interchangeable Skype and Microsoft Outlook features. It is designed to allow for one click calling on Microsoft Outlook contacts, further combining the relationship between voice and data.

The new Skype also allows easy downloading of ringtones, sounds, and pictures. There are an estimated 56 million Skype users and over 100,000 new Skype registrations per day.

Ebay has made plans to purchase Skype for 2.6 billion dollars if Skype’s figures continually improve into the year 2008. Ebay would like to combine Skype’s VoIP technology with the E-Bay infrastructure.

2. The Viper Wi-Fi 3100v Phone- Viper Networks

Wi-Fi stands for Wireless Fidelity, which is the standard for Ethernet wireless services. Here is one of the top picks in VoIP Wi- Fi phones. The Viper Wi-Fi 3100v Phone uses prepaid minutes so there aren’t any monthly fees. The phone works over the Viper wireless system. By utilizing the Viper Network, which offers service, phones, and adapters you, will thoroughly enjoy Viper VoIP freedom.

3. Sun Rocket Internet Phone Service

Sun Rocket Internet Phone Service supplies VoIP technology for a great price. You will receive two phone numbers, a dual handset, and an expandable phone system. It also includes E-911 support. Because of the dual integration with VoIP and the Internet, users are able to handle all of their calling features from their interactive Web based logs.

Features include voice mail, call blocking, call forwarding, call waiting, caller ID, three way calling, and it comes with a Do Not Disturb feature that automatically routes calls to your Voice Mail. Sun Rocket’s home page includes a detailed listing of their services and product features.

4. Vizufon Cip-4500 Broadband VoIP Video Phone

The Vizufon Cip-4500 Video Phone allows you to see your caller. It comes with your own static SIP phone number, allows you to temporarily block outgoing video images, and even connects to the Internet. The personal address book is incorporated with video images so that you can identify your contacts. It is compatible with LAN, DSL, and Broadband connections. This phone is perfect for small businesses as well as residential households.

5. 8×8 Packet8 Broadband VoIP Service with DTA-310 Phone Adapter CD

The 8×8 Packet 8 VoIP Service Phone Adapter will get you started with your new VoIP service. This adapter is affordable for both residential and business VoIP users. It is compatible with Broadband and DSL Internet connections. Packet 8 subscribers will be able to convert their home telephones into VoIP technology and for a low monthly fee; they will be able to subscribe to Packet 8’s unlimited calling service.

Features include, unlimited calling within the US and Canada, Voicemail, Caller ID, Call Forwarding, Call Waiting, Three Way Calling, Call Block, Toll Free Calling and Emergency 911 plus many more.

VoIP is the acronym for Voice over Internet Protocol. VoIP is gaining momentum as a valid alternative to standard telephone service. It has many benefits, ranging from the fact that it is a cost effective way to handle your telecommunications needs to all of the features that are usually bundled with your service at no additional cost.

Not only are residential customers turning to VoIP for their telephone needs, but many businesses are opting for VoIP for their preference of choice as well. Residential consumers appreciate the fact that they can save money on their long distance bills and reduce the amount of tax paid, and businesses love the advantage they have by using integrated VoIP software applications. The cost of setting up a small business or call center with VoIP is tremendously cost effective, when compared to wiring and installing a landline system.

Things you need to use VoIP:

VoIP provides users with more flexibility and freedom. To use VoIP you will need a high Speed Internet connection, a computer, speakers or microphones, or a VoIP enabled phone.

For residential users, many people prefer to use the VoIP phone adapter. This will enable them to use their standard telephones with their VoIP service. You can even connect cordless phones to your VoIP phone adapter.

Depending on the nature of a business, selection of a business VoIP phone will vary. For some applications, a desktop convergence phone will be required. Possibly a multi lined phone may be needed for VoIP business transactions. Or simply, agents will use headsets and microphones attached to their computers. Options are plentiful and every day, programmers are creating new services, products, and phones.

WiFi:

WiFi is the acronym used for Wireless Fidelity. Wireless Fidelity is the technology used to create wireless networks. Equipment and devices, such as laptops and PDAs are examples of devices that can operate on wireless networks. A wireless network operates on radio signals. Access points are maintained and when your wireless device comes in range of the access point, your connection will be made and you will be able to log on to the Internet.

VoWiFi phones:

Wireless Fidelity has met VoIP and the result is VoWiFi. This, as you can imagine, stands for Voice over Wireless Fidelity and is another way of saying wireless VoIP phones. Just as VoIP has proven to be a competitive force for the telephone companies, VoWiFi appears that it will give cellular service a run for its money in upcoming years.

Right now, there are many critical issues that beset VoWiFi, yet that hasn’t stopped die-hard tech users from experiencing and enjoying this new technology. There are a limited amount of VoWiFi phones available on the market, but if you are determined to try this service, you will be able to find one.

A VoWiFi phone will operate as long as you first have VoIP services enabled. Then simply take your phone into one of the “access points” otherwise known as “hotspots” and watch your VoWiFi phone make a connection and allow you to make unlimited free long distance calls, all while going mobile.

Along with the innovation of VoWiFi phones, there are some other phones on the market and still in development phase that incorporate both VoWiFi and Cellular service. Cellular service is known to charge “roaming charges” when you leave the network’s range. By using a Hybrid- half cellular; half VoWiFi, you can take advantage of “hotspots” instead of incurring roaming charges. Hybrid users say that they have found this to be incredibly beneficial and cost effective.

Currently in production are Hybrid and VoWiFi phones from makers, such as Vonage, Verizon, and Cingular. Currently Cingular does offer a WiFi plan and phone. These phones are currently in market use in Japan and are expected to really hit American consumers during the years 2006-2007. Another factor concerning the development of WiFi phones is the need for more available hotspots. It is believed that when VoWiFi bursts on the American market scene, Fortune 500 companies and other big businesses will first utilize it.

Though it is still relatively early to run to your nearest cellular phone store and request VoWiFi, if you are technologically inclined and determined, you can make it happen. As for the rest of us, time will tell when we will be able to access VoWiFi and all of its associated products in all of their glory.

What is global warming?

When it comes to global warming, you will find that it is defined as the rise in the earth’s temperature, due to the increase in the emission of greenhouse gases.  Although all of the vehicles on the road do have a negative impact on global warming and the environment, it is not the sole cause.

Here are some best ways to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions from your vehicle:

With that in mind, transportation is an issue that should be discussed. It has been said that each car that is taken off the road can reduce carbon emissions by as much as seven to eight hundred pounds!

Although there is proof that our vehicles have a negative impact on the planet, most of us keep on driving, as if there were nothing wrong. Why is this so? It is largely due in part to a popular misconception. Unfortunately, many drivers believe that they have to completely give up their vehicles or buy a new, energy efficient one.

Of course, these methods are the best ways to go about reducing the amount of carbon dioxide that enters into the earth’s atmosphere, but it is important to remember that these two options are not your only.

As previously stated, you do not have to completely give up your vehicle to help in the fight against global warming. What you will want to do, however, is limit your uses. Are you able to carpool or use public transportation? Is your workplace within walking distance? If it is, you may want to leave your vehicle in your driveway.

With that in mind, be sure to remember that you do not have to completely give up your vehicle. For instance, you may need to drive yourself to and from the supermarket. If so, try and invite a friend along or carpool with another family member.  Also, limit your shopping trips and get as much as you can all in one trip. These are all steps that can help.

In keeping with using your vehicle, it advised that you get your vehicle checked. Does your car’s air filter need to be changed? Are your tires properly inflated? Did you know that these two simple things can save you money, while helping to stop the affects of global warming? They can.

In fact, many experts suggest that you change your car’s air filter once a month. As for your car tires, keeping your tires properly inflated at all times can help to get you better gas mileage, as well as lessen the amount of pollutants that come from your vehicle.

As previously stated, one of the best ways to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions from your vehicle is to upgrade. If you are driving an older model, you may want to consider upgrading.  There are a number of affordable energy efficient vehicles and hybrids available for you to choose from.

Even if you are unsure as to whether or not a new car is in your budget, you may still want to take a look at what is available. Many consumers are actually surprised with the affordability of many hybrids and other energy efficient vehicles.

As a reminder, you are urged to do your part to help limit the amount of carbon dioxide that enters the earth’s atmosphere from your own vehicles. With that in mind, its important to remember that you do not have to go completely green, which is a term used to commonly define global warming activists. Every step that you take to help in the fight against global warming, no matter how large or small, is likely to help.

Here are the top Ten VoIP phones:

Uniden UIP1868P 5.8 GHz VoIP Phone System

Features include:

-Corded Base Keypad and Duplex Speakerphone

-5.8GHz Digital Expandable (up to 10 handsets) System

-Extra Caller ID Handset and Charger included

-Cordless Handset & Base Speakerphone

-Programmable CID or Memory Locations at handset and base.

-Do Not Disturb Setting

-Transfer Memory Locations between Handsets

-New Message Waiting Indicator with Alert Tone Options

-20 Distinctive Ring Options

Zyxel Prestige 2000W 2.4 GHz Cordless Phone

Features include:

-Headset compatible; 2-year warranty

-IEEE 802.11b wireless standard; 2.4 GHz signal

-Site Survey; 64128-bit WEP encryption

-Caller IDcall waiting compatible, display and dial

-Redial, hold; speaker volume control

Uniden expandable phone system Free with Sun Rocket Subscription

Features Include:

-Two Handsets

-Speakerphone on each phone

-Headset compatible

-Caller Id and Voice Mail Indictor

SOYO G668 VoIP Telephone

Features Include:

• Standard and Protocol• IEEE 802.3 802.3 u 10 Base T 100Base TX• Major G.7XX and gsm610 audio codec• H.323 V4• MGCP RFC2705• SIP RFC2543• Net2phone private protocol• TCPIP Internet transfer and control protocol• RTP Real-time Transport Protocol• RTCPReal-time Control Protocol• VADCNG save band with• DHCPDynamic Host Configuration Protocol• PPPoEPoint to Point Protocol over Ethernet• DNSDomain Name Server• TelnetInternet’s remote login protocol• FTPFile Transfer protocol• HTTPHyper Text Transfer protocol• Build in H.323 proxy

Grandstream Budgetone 101

Features Include:

-Support SARPRARP, ICMP, DNS, DHCP, NTP, TFTP protocols

-Support NAT traversal via STUN & symmetric RTP

-Interoperable with various 3rd party SIP end user device, ProxyRegistrarServer, and gateway products

-Advanced Digital Signal Processing (DSP) to ensure superb hi-fidelity audio quality

-Advanced and patent pending adaptive jitter buffer control, packet delay & loss concealment technology

-Support popular vocoders including G.723.1 (5.3K6.3K), G.729AB, G.711 (a-law and u-law), G.726, G.728, and wide-band G.722 (Model 102D). Dynamic negotiation of codec and voice payload length

-Support standard voice features such as Caller ID Display or Block, Call Waiting, Hold, TransfForward, FLASH, in-band and out-of-band DTMF (RFC2833), Dial Plans, off-hook auto dial, configurable emergency dialing (e.g., 911), early dial, click-to-dial

-Support 3-way conferencing (Model 102D), full duplex hands-fredomain acoustic echo cancellation (pending), redial, call log, volume control, voice mail with indicator, downloadable ring tone (pending)

-Support Silence Suppression, VAD (Voice Activity Detection), CNG (Comfort Noise Generation), Line Echo Cancellation (G.168), and AGC (Automatic Gain Control)

-Support DIGEST authentication and encryption using MD5 and MD5-sess.

-Provide easy configuration thru manual operation (phone keypad and Web interface) or personalized automated provisioning via central configuration file for mass deployment.

-Support for Layer 2 (802.1Q VLAN, 802.1p) and Layer 3 QoS (ToS, DiffServ, MPLS)

-NAT-friendly remote software upgrades capability (via tftp) even from behind firewallsNATs.

-Support for fail-over SIP server and DNS server (pending)

Grandstream BudgeTone 102

Features Include:

-Two RJ45 10Base-T Ethernet ports

-Support SARPRARP, ICMP, DNS, DHCP, NTP, TFTP protocols

-Support NAT traversal via STUN & symmetric RTP

-Interoperable with various 3rd party SIP end user device, ProxyRegistrarServer, and gateway products

-Advanced Digital Signal Processing (DSP) to ensure superb hi-fidelity audio quality

-Advanced and patent pending adaptive jitter buffer control, packet delay & loss concealment technology

-Support popular vocoders including G.723.1 (5.3K6.3K), G.729AB, G.711 (a-law and u-law), G.726, G.728, and wide-band G.722 (Model 102D). Dynamic negotiation of codec and voice payload length

-Support standard voice features such as Caller ID Display or Block, Call Waiting, Hold, TransfForward, FLASH, in-band and out-of-band DTMF (RFC2833), Dial Plans, off-hook auto dial, configurable emergency dialing (e.g., 911), early dial, click-to-dial

-Support 3-way conferencing (Model 102D), full duplex hands-fredomain acoustic echo cancellation (pending), redial, call log, volume control, voice mail with indicator, downloadable ring tone (pending)

-Support Silence Suppression, VAD (Voice Activity Detection), CNG (Comfort Noise Generation), Line Echo Cancellation (G.168), and AGC (Automatic Gain Control)

-Support DIGEST authentication and encryption using MD5 and MD5-sess.

-Provide easy configuration thru manual operation (phone keypad and Web interface) or personalized automated provisioning via central configuration file for mass deployment.

-Support for Layer 2 (802.1Q VLAN, 802.1p) and Layer 3 QoS (ToS, DiffServ, MPLS)

-NAT-friendly remote software upgrades capability (via tftp) even from behind firewallsNATs.

-Support for fail-over SIP server and DNS server (pending)

The global warming debate

When it comes to the big global warming debate, you may be wondering who is doing the debating. In all honesty, you will find that it is a wide range of people. While most scientists and meteorologists agree that global warming is a cause for concern, not all do.

In addition to a few well known meteorologists and scientists, there are many political figures and even some celebrities who voice their opposition to global warming, namely global warming support groups.

In keeping with those behind the opposition of global warming, you may be wondering if they have ulterior motives. Of course, some do.

In fact, in Al Gore’s documentary on global warming, titled An Inconvenient Truth, he highlighted and showed documentation of the actions taken by many politicians and those with stocks in energy companies who opposed global warming. In some instances, these individuals knowingly disregarded scientific evidence and sugarcoated global warming, so that it didn’t seem like an important issue at the time.

As for the global warming debate itself, you will find that there are some variations. For example, many of those who oppose global warming and downplay the severity of it claim the changes that we are seeing are not unexpected. Many have believed that polar icecaps would melt anyways, a slight rise in the earth’s temperature isn’t that unexpected, and sea levels have been rising slightly for years now.

In keeping with those who believe that the changes we are seeing would occur anyways, there are others who are concerned with taking action.  One of the biggest ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is to reduce pollution in the air.

Many political figures and other environmentalists want homeowners and business owners to use less energy and switch to environmental friendly electricity, like wind or solar powered electricity.

Those who oppose global warming feel that this could have a negative impact on businesses who oppose or cannot afford these changes. If this is the case, many claim that the harm caused to the economy would be much worse than what global warming would or could do.

There are also those who oppose global warming because they view it as a scam. These are individuals who often believe that there is nothing wrong with the planet and the environment, unlike some of the opposition mentioned above, who do often acknowledge something is wrong, but they just don’t know what.

Those who believe global warming is a scam claim it is used to raise money for environmental organizations and groups. Yes, these groups do ask for donations, but they aren’t required.  There are an unlimited number of ways that you can fight global warming without donations; therefore, this opposition is often viewed as unrealistic and unreliable.

Although every American is able to have their own views and beliefs, the debate surrounding global warming does have a number of consequences. Perhaps, the greatest consequence is confusion, as many Americans do not know who they should believe.

To use Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP, you will need some basic things.

First needed is an up to date computer with High Speed Internet access. You will also need to have updated audio and video Codecs as well as the updated version of DivX. You can keep your computer updated by utilizing your Windows Update program.

You will also need to decide which service provider you will like to use. A good idea is to make a written list of your needs, wants, and features in a phone. This will help you compare different plans and choose the service provider that will best fit your needs.

If you are looking for residential or business service, make sure that you note that in your list. Residential plans usually come in two forms- basic (which is a certain amount of minutes) and unlimited (which will give you unlimited local and long distance talk time).

Business plans can include amenities such as multiple phones, greater minute talk time, greater unlimited calling plans, business features bundled with your plan, faxing and voicemail to your computer capabilities, and extras such as yellow page listings. Check with the company to find the plan that meets your requirements.

The service provider that you select will also let you know what type of computer requirements you will need. Make sure that your computer is up to date and in compliance with your chosen provider’s requirements.

You will also need a Telephony Adapter. Your VoIP service provider will provide this.

With a phone adapter you will be able to transform your household phone into a phone that will work with your VoIP service. Phone adapters simply plug in to your Cable or DSl modem by an Ethernet cable, and then you can connect your telephone to the adapter with a phone jack. You can also connect a portable phone to the adapter and have a portable phone that operates on your VoIP service. This is not to be confused with a cellular phone; this is just a standard portable phone to be used indoors.

You will also have the option of choosing your phone number. This is one of the best features that VoIP has to offer. If you just want to transfer your old number to your new VoIP system, check with your service provider before making your final decision. Many VoIP providers will allow you to transfer your phone number. If you want to select a different area code, this option has many advantages. First, for friends and family members who don’t have unlimited long distance calling, selecting the same area code as them can save them money. They will appreciate being able to call you as if it were a local call.

This strategy is also very beneficial for those whose businesses are targeting specific areas. Say there is a California company, yet they want to increase business in Tampa, Florida. By selecting the Tampa, Florida area code, they can increase sales and productivity by having a local number for customers to call. This also reduces the need for a toll free number.

You will also need to install your features and activate them. This can be done easily over the Internet.

VoIP comes with many features included in your service plan. For residential customers these include Voicemail, Caller ID, Call Forwarding, Call Block, and Do Not Disturb. Always check with your service provider for a detailed listing of the features included with your plan. For Small businesses, amenities such as multi phone users, free fax lines, and integrating your VoIP and web features are all available. VoIP also contains many of the same features bundled with basic plans as well. When you are choosing a provider, compare their business plans and select the one that best fits your business needs.

As VoIP technology continues to advance, a new array of accessories appears on the market. Today you can choose from VoIP phones, headsets, and even VoIP videophones that work as a web camera incorporating video with your audio.

Finally, you will need to enjoy using your VoIP service. Whether you choose basic or unlimited plans, you will find that VoIP provides more freedom, reliability, high standards of quality, and the most cost efficient method of handling your telecommunications needs then thought possible.

Global warming is defined as the warming of the earth’s temperature. This rise in temperature is attributed to greenhouse gases. Unfortunately, global warming involves a lot more than just a slight rise in the earth’s temperature.  For that reason, global warming is an issue that should cause you concern.

As previously stated, global warming involves a lot more than a slight rise in temperature.  Although the affects of global warming are widely debated, as many of these changes can also be attributed to other causes, our planet is changing.  In many aspects, it is changing relatively quickly.

Impact of global warming

When it comes to global warming, many individuals wonder why they should be concerned. If you are one of those individuals, you will want to take a close look at the changes in which we are already seeing. Many of these changes have been attributed to global warming. For starters, we will focus on the temperatures.

In recent years, we have noticed a steady rise in temperatures.  In 2006 and 2007 in the United States, many cities and towns saw record breaking temperatures. Many are also seeing a later arrival of winter weather. For example, some cities and towns are seeing snowfall later than normal. These same areas are also experiencing fall and even summer like temperatures, when it should be freezing outside.

In keeping with the temperature changes, there is some confusion. Although many areas of the United States have experienced record breaking temperature increases, others have not. This is what leads to the confusion. Since global warming focuses on the rise of temperature, many wonder why that isn’t always the case.

Part of global warming involves instability in the atmosphere. This instability can not only lead to higher temperatures in certain areas, but it can lead to erratic weather in other areas.

Although a rise in temperature is enough to make many people believe in global warming, many others wonder what else they can expect.  Most of us will not see the drastic and horrific affects that global warming will have on the earth. This, however, does not mean that global warming isn’t important or that it is an issue that should be pushed aside.

Even though you may not experience the full impact of global warming, your children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren may. So, the impact that global warming should have on your life should be a proactive one.

When it comes to being proactive, in terms of global warming, there is a lot that you can do.  Many experts believe that the sooner we stand united and take action, the sooner we can end the threat of global warming or at least reduce the impact of it. Your goal, especially as a parent, should involve reducing the amount of carbon dioxide and other pollutants that you, yourself, put into the air.

The best way to do this is to take a look at your home and your vehicle. Can you purchase energy saving items, such as a car, household appliances, or even light bulbs? These are just a few of the many steps that you can and should take.

As outlined above, global warming is starting to take affect now. Even those who debate global warming cannot avoid the changes that are occurring. These changes, whether or not they are directly related to global warming, can have an impact on the earth from now to years to come.