TODAY'S TOURBUS TOPICS: MASHUPS / POWER SUPPLIES / JOB SEARCH

In today's TOURBUS, you'll find out how a mashup is different than a fender bender. You'll also learn the warning signs of a failing power supply, and how to replace one if needed. I've also got tips on how to use online job search engines, and an update on the One Laptop Per Child program. Read on!

What is a Mashup?

Mashup is a term that's become popular to describe Web 2.0-ish sites that combine the features or functions of one website with another. But the term has its roots in music, where creative (or bored) people have combined the vocal and instrumental tracks from two or more songs to create a new song.

Website mashups typically festure a high level of interactivity, user input, social networking, and sometimes even encourage others to use them as the basis for derivative works. Many popular mashups involve maps, but there are some very clever video mashups, photo mashups, search & shopping mashups, and news mashups. Read on to learn about some of the best mashups, as well as the legal and ethical challenges involved in creating mashups...

http://askbobrankin.com/what_is_a_mashup.html

Installing a New Power Supply

Here's a question that came my way recently: > "My computer is making a loud noise that sounds like a fan going
> bad. A friend told me I should replace the power supply. Can you
> give me some tips on installing a new power supply?"

If you have a noisy fan, a burning smell, smoke or flames shooting out the back of your computer, take it as a warning sign that your power supply may need some attention. Another possible indicator of a failing power supply is your computer shutting down or restarting at seemingly random times.

Fortunately, replacing a power supply is not rocket science. In fact, it's one of the easiest computer components to replace. If you catch the problem early, you can avoid problems with other components, and since most power supplies are relatively cheap ($20-$40 USD) it won't break the bank, either. Here's the scoop on why power supplies fail, and how to replace them:

http://askbobrankin.com/new_power_supply.html

Online Job Searching

Online job searching and recruitment has exploded in recent years. It's a great example of a tedious, frustrating task that the Internet has turned into a point & click process. No more waiting for the Sunday paper, and wading through scores of small-print listings. No more mailing or faxing your resume. And with a bit of luck, your future employer will find YOU.

Internet job searching is also convenient for those seeking employment outside their immediate area. With online job search engines, you can do a search for employment locally, nation-wide, or internationally. Get the scoop on internet job searching, where to post your resume, and what mistakes to avoid in the process:

http://askbobrankin.com/job_search_online.html

XO - The $200 Laptop

Almost two years ago, I wrote about the One Laptop Per Child project. At the time, the goal was to produce fully functional $100 laptops for use by poor children in third-world countries. This admirable project has made quite a bit of progress, even though they had to adjust their price point for the XO Laptop upwards to about $200.

And yes... you CAN purchase an XO Laptop for personal use. Starting on Nov. 12, you can participate in OLPC's "Give 1 Get 1" program, which will be open to people in North America for about two weeks only. The program allows you to purchase two XO laptops for US$399 -- one for you or your child, and one for a child in a developing nation.

To learn more about the amazing little XP Laptop, or for details about the "Give 1 Get 1" program, read on...

http://askbobrankin.com/xo_the_200_laptop.html

That's all for now, see you next time! -- Bob Rankin