INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Many programs will install extensions that start up with your computer. They are designed to provide quick access to that program, but too many can significantly increase your startup time. The icons here are programs that have started up with your computer. Click the arrow (Double Arrow) on the left to expand and see all the icons. The method for removing individual programs varies, but in general right-clicking on the icon will bring up a menu. In this menu, there may be an option to remove it from the startup. If not, there is usually an Options, Preferences, or Tools menu where you can adjust the startup settings. Some programs will not appear in the notification area, but still start when the system does. To remove unseen programs, go to the Start menu and type "msconfig". Select programs you don’t want to start and click Disable. This will prevent them from starting with Windows. Be sure that you know what you are disabling; you can disable critical Windows services in this screen that can keep Windows from functioning properly.

SUMMARY: Remove unnecessary programs from startup. Look in the notification area in the bottom-right corner of the desktop. Select the programs that you don’t need at startup. Remove unseen programs.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Many flashes come with a diffuser, which is a milky, translucent piece of plastic that you put over the flash. This helps soften the flash when you need to aim it at the subject but don’t want a harsh light. You can use opaque tape, a piece of white paper, or even a piece of a milk jug to diffuse your flash. Simply affix the material over the flash and take your photograph. Using a opaque but colored material, such as fabric, tape, or paper, to diffuse your flash will add color to the photo. You can create interesting color effects by playing around with different colored materials as a flash diffuser. Keep in mind that using a colored material may make your photo look unnatural, so this is best for when you want a unique photograph, rather than for standard portraits or landscapes. Placing an umbrella in front of your flash, so that your flash shoots through the umbrella, creates a more even light for your subject. This also softens the light and tones down the shadows and definition in your photograph.

SUMMARY: Use a built-in diffuser. Cover your flash with an opaque material. Cover your flash with a colored material. Shoot your flash through an umbrella.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Tension and anxiety aren’t helpful to you or your baby, and they can increase gas and burping.  This is a chance to engage in low-key activities you enjoy. Watching movies with friends, reading a book, or getting a massage can be therapeutic as well as fun. Deep sighs can also cause you to swallow more air than normal, which in turn leads to gas. Along with helping you relax, meditation will also help you to breath more calmly and effectively, thus eliminating any extra air you might be swallowing.  Meditation has multiple benefits. It has been shown effective to minimize mood swings, to increase self-awareness, and decrease stress, which has a direct correlation to burping. You can practice mindfulness meditation in almost any setting. Yoga improves breathing, strengthens the abdominal muscles which will help you with excess air, and burping.   Yoga has also been connected to better sleep, decreased anxiety, and fewer headaches. Avoid hot yoga, poses that require lying on your belly or back, and any pose that puts pressure on your abdomen. Sleep is crucial during pregnancy, and getting a solid eight hours each night can help minimize annoying pregnancy symptoms. When you go to sleep at night, lie on your left side with one or both of your legs tucked up and bent. This position will help your digestive tract to do its job, reducing the amount of gas your body produces at night.  Avoid exercise close to bedtime. Practice relaxation techniques to help with insomnia, and reduce stress.

SUMMARY: Stay calm, and carry on.  Practice mindful meditation. Sign up for a  yoga or meditation class specifically designed for pregnant women. Get enough sleep.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: There are a few different types of solar cells to buy, and most good options are either made in the United States, China, or Japan. However, the best cost-to-efficiency option is most likely polycrystalline cells. The number of cells you should buy depends on the amount of energy you’re looking to produce. The specs should be listed when you purchase the cells.  Make sure to buy extras. These cells are extremely fragile. Cells can most easily be bought online through websites like Ebay, but you may be able to purchase some from your local hardware store. It may be necessary to clean wax off of the cells, if the manufacturer ships them in wax. To do this, dip them in hot, but not boiling, water. Each cell shouldn’t cost more than $1.30 per watt. You will need a thin board made out of a non-conductive material, such as glass, plastic, or wood, to attach the cells to. Lay out the cells in the arrangement you will use, then measure the dimensions and cut a board to that size.  Leave an extra inch or two at both ends of the board. This space will be used for the wires that connect the rows together. Wood is a more common backing material to choose because it’s easier to drill through. You’ll need to drill holes in it for the cell wires to pass through. When you look at your polycrystalline cells, you’ll see a large number of small lines going in one direction (the long distance) and two larger lines going in the other direction (the short distance). You will need to connect tabbing wire to run down the two larger lines and connect to the back of the next cell in the array. Measure the length of that larger line, double the length, and then cut two pieces for each cell. Using a flux pen, run 2-3 lines of flux down the length of each cell strip, or group of three squares. Make sure to do this on the back of the cells. This will keep the heat of the soldering from causing oxidation. Use a soldering iron to melt a thin coat of solder onto the back of the cell strips. This step is not necessary if you purchase pre-soldered tabbing, which is often a better option because it cuts time in half, heats up the cells only once, and wastes less solder. However, it’s more expensive. Heat the first half of a piece of tabbing wire with a soldering iron. Then bond the wire’s end to a cell. Repeat this bonding process for each cell.

SUMMARY:
Purchase the cells. Measure and cut a backing board. Measure and cut all of your tabbing wire. Flux the work area. Solder the tabbing. Bond the wire to the cells.