Archive for December, 2009

Should I Upgrade From Xp-pro To Windows 7?

December 29th, 2009

I am considering upgrading from Windows XP-Pro to Windows 7.
I was wondering how reliable is this operating system?
Do you still have to load and run anti-virus and anti-spyware software
and run them periodically to clean up the trash from
surfing the internet? Are there a lot of DRM issues with playing
music or video in regard to copyright issues. Do I have to load
additional codecs just to watch a DVD on my computer
or is pretty much plug and play? I do not want to
illegally copy audio or video, but I do not
want to have to jump through a bunch
of hoops to merely play audio or video.
Your comments are appreciated,
harry

I Want To Learn To Surf Realy Bad But I Live Very Far Away From Any Ocean?

December 28th, 2009

Any tips on how a guy could make some money to stay there for awile

Scuba Divers: Wondering If And Why To Go For Aow Certification?

December 28th, 2009

Hello divers,
I did a standard 8-week course and got my open water cert back in college about 10 years ago. I have since logged several dives including wrecks, deep dives and night dives, and I’m working on 100 hours TBT. (Small beans to many of you I’m sure, but unfortunately I usually only get to dive while on vacation, and had a year or two with no dives, bummer.) My question is should I get my advanced cert?
I have been on dives (like an 80-foot wreck dive) where AOW was “required”, but they asked to see my log book, checked the experience summary and said “no problem”. So, given that, and for someone who mostly does tropical reef dives while on vacation maybe two weeks per year, is it worth the time/expense going for AOW? No desire/plans to go for instructor or divemaster, so would I be getting it just to say I have it? Thanks for your input.

What Scuba Diving Equipment Do I Need to Scuba Dive?

December 27th, 2009

The human body is not the same as marine animals that are able to swim underwater safely. We need to use specialty scuba diving equipment so we can continue to breathe.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver the correct equipment is necessary for you to be able to stay underwater for any appreciable length of time.

Equipment required for diving:

The mask:

Diving masks are designed to create a pocket of air so the diver may be able to see. The human eye is not designed to see through water so it is essential to have a diving mask.

A good diving mask is like a very large pair of swimming goggles. It has a silicone seal with a picket/seal for the nose to prevent the diver inadvertently breathing through the nose and sucking in water. A good diving mask is designed to withstand great pressure underwater and is an essential piece of scuba diving equipment.

The Fins:

Any physical exercise requires a lot of energy. Swimming is no exception. To fuel that energy the diver requires oxygen. Divers need to conserve energy in the best possible way. Fins are used to help conserve energy and help the diver to swim more effortlessly underwater.

Fins are large flexible blades that are fitted to the feet. These provide maximum propulsion through the water and make swimming a lot easier.

There are two types of fins:

The shoe fin fits onto the bare foot like a slipper. Strap fins will have a foot pocket with a strap that fits around the heel and are worn with boots.

Protective clothing requirements:

Regardless of the weather, protective clothing is required to protect the human body from harm. The skin suit is used in the warmest water. It protects the body from cuts either from equipment or from brushing against corals and rocks.

The wet suit will provide some thermal protection. They come in long or short arms and legs and are available in a range of thicknesses.

Wets suits are made of neoprene. This material allows water to flush through it, holding it against the body. This allows the body to warm and provides defense against cooler water temperatures.

The semi-dry suit is similar to a wet suit except it has seals around the neck, wrists and ankles. It is designed to ingress trapped water and is warmed by the body. It gives greater protection than the wet suit.

And finally, the dry suit is designed for cold water diving conditions. This suit does not allow any water to ingress. Inside the suit the body remains dry. The suit has built-in boots and is sealed around the wrists and neck.

The dry suit is either made from neoprene or from a trilaminate membrane. In addition, neoprene gloves and hoods are added for extra warmth. Dry suits are usually part of the scuba diving equipment used by more experienced divers.

The dive equipment:

In addition to the necessary clothing you will also need:

Buoyancy Compression Device (BCD)

Lead Weights

Cylinders

Regulators

Some divers use computer equipment

Being properly outfitted with scuba diving equipment will ensure that you are comfortable and safe whilst you enjoy your dive.

Learn more about scuba diving equipment. Stop by MyDiveBuddies site where you can find out all about scuba gear and what it can do for you.

Why Snorkeling A Part of Scuba Dive?

December 27th, 2009

For thousands of years, what lies beneath the surface of the world’s oceans and seas has been a fascination to mankind . Seventy five percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, and the landscapes beneath those waters are as abounding with life and varied as any on dry land. A scuba dive is the way to set eyes on it.

The large bodies of water and the marine life in it are still vastly unexplored and remain a big mystery to mankind. While we are discovering what lies beyond our planet in the stars, we still have to discover everything that’s underneath the waters of our own world.

Scuba diving started off out of a desire to unearth the waters and mysteries they hold. The first thing we learn about scuba divers is they don’t go very deep below the water. The ocean is filled with so much life it’s not necessary to travel very deep in order to see for ourselves the beauty of it.

Within the first two hundred meters of water below sea level, the majority of marine life can be found . Most of these amazing animals meet within the upper forty meters of water, making scuba divers at ease in exploring them.

Marine habitats include natural formations such as coral reefs and rocks that fend off the vibrant communities of smaller marine animals such as fish, crustaceans and mollusks from larger predators.

Snorkeling is an ideal way to explore these habitats that needs not much special procedures, trainings or using heavy scuba dive equipment. Basic requirement is to know how to swim and to practice breathing through a snorkel. It can be bit difficult at first for some but it becomes easier with practice. Soon you will be preforming it like its second nature.

For safety reasons, an experienced instructor will usually give you a few lessons or instructions when going snorkeling . The lessons will coach you you the proper usage of snorkel, basic safety precautions, what you’re going to be looking for under the water and important conservation instructions so as not to damage the delicate habitats of the underwater creatures.

It is recommended that you never snorkel alone but rather in a group or with a guide, the same as with scuba diving. Some places and locations require wearing of flotation devices or inflatable vests with bright colors so for easy identification on a scuba dive. It’s also suggested these devices be adjustable in their buoyancy to allow for easy inflation.

But, some people choose to snorkel without flotation devices since these can hinder divers from going deeper or free diving to lower depths. On the other hand, wetsuits with proper thickness are recommended.

Suits also provide some buoyancy with the proper coverage and minimal resistance, protecting also against the cold water and allows deeper dives as well when wished by the diver. Having the appropriate pieces of equipment, not just keeps the diver safe but also means the he enjoys the dive and has time to think carefully about the surroundings. Divers regard the snorkel as segment of the equipment for a scuba dive.

Looking to find the best deal on scuba dive, then visit www.MyDiveBuddies.com to find the best advice on scuba for you.