Starting Sept. 1, students at four Williamson County high schools will be allowed to bring electronic devices such as laptop computers, iPads and smartphones to school.

It's part of the district's new Bring Your Own Technology, or BYOT, program which will be piloted this year at Brentwood, Middle College, Page and Summit high schools.

Students in the pilot schools will be able to bring personal digital devices to school that support learning.  Use of devices is aligned with the instruction taking place in the classroom each day.  In addition, students will have to sign an acceptable-use agreement and follow policies approved by the School Board regarding the use of electronic devices.  Students who don’t bring a device can check out a device for use in class.

(ARA) - Function alone isn't enough to sell us on a new piece of technology anymore.  Americans increasingly want their technology to look good - stylish, even - in addition to working well.

"If you're old enough to remember the huge, clunky-looking 'car phones' of the late '80s and early '90s, or if you've seen them in the movies or on old TV shows, you'll have some perspective on how technology has evolved toward being beautiful as well as functional," says Jeanne Benedict, host of DIY Network's "Weekend Entertaining" and regular contributor to Celebrations.com.

Designers agree that a balance of form and function is essential to appealing and useful home decor. With new wafer-thin, high-definition flat-screen TVs, surround-sound systems with wireless speakers and sleek home telephones  that allow you to receive cell phone calls on your landline, modern home technology is trending toward beauty and usefulness.

If you're in the market to upgrade your home technology this holiday season, be sure to look for gadgets that blend style and practicality, including:

* LED high-definition, flat-screen TVs that are almost as thin as a sheet of glass. These TVs are ideal for mounting on the wall as a focal point of virtually any room. The flatter the better, and the new generation of TVs are so thin and light, they make their predecessors look like those '90s chunky car phones. Some manufacturers also offer flat screens in colors to match virtually any home decor - no more settling for just silver or black.

* Sleek new home phones like VTech's LS6245 combine advanced technology that lets you receive both landline and cellular calls on the cordless handset.  Its fashionable profile fits into virtually any home decor. The phone offers touch-sensitive buttons on the handset and base as well as capabilities that allow you to connect up to four wireless devices such as cellular phones or wireless headsets.

With the ability to make and receive cellular calls on the LS6245 handset or take landline calls with a wireless headset, this phone system helps eliminate problems typically associated with using a cell at home - dropped calls, poor call quality and limited range. The practical VTech LS6245 is available at www.vtechphones.com.

* Wireless technology has made it possible to enjoy surround sound and your favorite DVD without the visual distraction of wires running between the components. From wireless speakers that work with your surround sound system and stereo to flat screens and DVD players that can communicate with each other, technology has eliminated the old problem of ugly - and potentially hazardous - wires throughout your home.

"It's no longer necessary to sacrifice stylish design and decor-enhancing beauty to get the latest technology for your home," Benedict says. "Modern product makers are manufacturing better-looking technology that fits with our lifestyles and home decor."

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - This holiday season, don't just "decorate" with some evergreen and mistletoe - "techorate" using today's hottest home technology, including your flat-screen TV.

Although the kitchen is the traditional setting for a holiday get-together, this year the party is moving to the family room. Whether it's enjoying a bowl game, holiday parade or a classic holiday movie, many family gatherings will take place around the flat-screen - the hearth of the 21st century home. "Technology is now playing an integral role in holiday entertaining, just as it is in all other aspects of our lives," says Doug Wilson, noted interior designer from TLC's "Trading Spaces" and "Moving Up."

"The concept of 'techorating' merges technology and interior design so that a techorated room works together as one, unified space," says Wilson, who is also the resident Techorator  for LG Electronics. "The TV has really become the new hearth of the home, and having a harmonious hearth and home is never more important than during the holidays."

Wilson offers a few tips for techorating your home this holiday season:

Tip One: Less is more - a lot more

"Technology doesn't have to stick out in an unattractive way," Wilson says. Streamline your technology and declutter to make it blend more easily with your overall holiday decor. For example, use covers painted to match the wall color to hide wires and connections between your flat screen and audio-visual components. Or use wireless technology to eliminate wire clutter altogether.

For another way to create a really sleek look, upgrade your flat screen to a new ultra-thin model like LG's SL90 series. These high-definition TVs are available in 42- and 47-inch sizes and look nearly as thin as the sheet of glass in their single-layer design for stunning sets that blend beautifully into any decor.

Tip Two: Create a focal point

"Nothing brings the family together better than a good holiday movie so it makes sense to use the television as the focal point for your living room decor," Wilson says. "Wall-mounting your flat screen will improve its visibility from all angles, making it easier to enjoy watching holiday classics with your family."

Flat screens afford you more design flexibility than older TVs, and companies like LG offer a variety of options that combine simple, sleek designs with the latest in high-definition technology to meet your entertainment and decorating needs, Wilson explains.

"Don't be afraid to put the TV above the mantle," he adds. "But do keep in mind that competing design elements like fireplaces, large mirrors and picture windows can make the space look too cluttered."

Tip Three: It's OK to rearrange.

Plenty of people rearrange furniture before the holidays to accommodate the Christmas tree or the gathering of family and friends. If you're planning a holiday gathering based around your favorite bowl game think about rearranging furniture to provide maximum seating and the best possible view of the TV.

The size of your TV screen will help determine where you place your furniture. To locate the perfect spot for your sofa or seating, multiply the size of your screen in inches by 1.5. The result should be the optimal distance (in inches) that you allow for between the TV and sofa.

"These tips will help you 'tech the halls' this holiday season and ensure your technology enhances the holidays for everyone who visits your home," Wilson says. For more techorating tips, visit www.lgusa.com/techorate. of ARAcontent

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(ARA) - This holiday season, don't just "decorate" with some evergreen and mistletoe - "techorate" using today's hottest home technology, including your flat-screen TV.

Although the kitchen is the traditional setting for a holiday get-together, this year the party is moving to the family room. Whether it's enjoying a bowl game, holiday parade or a classic holiday movie, many family gatherings will take place around the flat-screen - the hearth of the 21st century home. "Technology is now playing an integral role in holiday entertaining, just as it is in all other aspects of our lives," says Doug Wilson, noted interior designer from TLC's "Trading Spaces" and "Moving Up."

"The concept of 'techorating' merges technology and interior design so that a techorated room works together as one, unified space," says Wilson, who is also the resident Techorator  for LG Electronics. "The TV has really become the new hearth of the home, and having a harmonious hearth and home is never more important than during the holidays."

Wilson offers a few tips for techorating your home this holiday season:

Tip One: Less is more - a lot more

"Technology doesn't have to stick out in an unattractive way," Wilson says. Streamline your technology and declutter to make it blend more easily with your overall holiday decor. For example, use covers painted to match the wall color to hide wires and connections between your flat screen and audio-visual components. Or use wireless technology to eliminate wire clutter altogether.

For another way to create a really sleek look, upgrade your flat screen to a new ultra-thin model like LG's SL90 series. These high-definition TVs are available in 42- and 47-inch sizes and look nearly as thin as the sheet of glass in their single-layer design for stunning sets that blend beautifully into any decor.

Tip Two: Create a focal point

"Nothing brings the family together better than a good holiday movie so it makes sense to use the television as the focal point for your living room decor," Wilson says. "Wall-mounting your flat screen will improve its visibility from all angles, making it easier to enjoy watching holiday classics with your family."

Flat screens afford you more design flexibility than older TVs, and companies like LG offer a variety of options that combine simple, sleek designs with the latest in high-definition technology to meet your entertainment and decorating needs, Wilson explains.

"Don't be afraid to put the TV above the mantle," he adds. "But do keep in mind that competing design elements like fireplaces, large mirrors and picture windows can make the space look too cluttered."

Tip Three: It's OK to rearrange.

Plenty of people rearrange furniture before the holidays to accommodate the Christmas tree or the gathering of family and friends. If you're planning a holiday gathering based around your favorite bowl game think about rearranging furniture to provide maximum seating and the best possible view of the TV.

The size of your TV screen will help determine where you place your furniture. To locate the perfect spot for your sofa or seating, multiply the size of your screen in inches by 1.5. The result should be the optimal distance (in inches) that you allow for between the TV and sofa.

"These tips will help you 'tech the halls' this holiday season and ensure your technology enhances the holidays for everyone who visits your home," Wilson says. For more techorating tips, visit www.lgusa.com/techorate. of ARAcontent

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(ARA) - While Americans have been using the Internet for about 20 years, it can still feel like the wild, wild West. Despite many technological advances that reduce the risk of your identity being stolen, becoming the victim of an Internet scam or having your privacy invaded by others on the Internet still occurs all too often. And, as a number of recent incidents involving social networking Web sites have shown, it can even be deadly.

Keeping your guard up is essential to avoiding trouble on the Internet. Here are some tips from FindLaw.com, the world's leading online legal resource, on how you can stay safe online:

Don't give out personal information too easily. 
Avoid giving out personal information such as your name, address and telephone number on Web sites until you've read and understand their privacy policy. For example, be on guard for any online promotion or contest in which you may be asked to provide details about yourself. This information will likely be used to market to you in the future. Never give out your Social Security number online, unless you are certain the site is secure.

You're being monitored. 
Be careful of the e-mails you send and the Web sites you visit while at work. In most U.S. states, employees have little if any privacy protection from employers who may be monitoring their e-mails and Internet usage while on the job.

Don't reply to spam. 
Ever get one of those strange, unexpected e-mails for real estate, weight loss, work-at-home or investment opportunities? Your best bet is to delete those e-mails without opening them. Never reply to these e-mails, even to remove your name from their lists. Replying will alert the sender that your e-mail is a "live" e-mail attached to an actual person.

Secured Web sites only. 
Before you purchase a product or service online with a credit card, make sure the connection is secure or encrypted. Look for a small lock icon on the Web site, or look at the URL address line; a secure connection will begin with https:// instead of http://. of public wireless sites. 
Don't send personal or confidential information when using public wireless connections in coffee shops and other public places. Fellow wireless users could potentially monitor your Internet usage from their laptops, only a few feet away.

Beware

Would your mother blush? 
Avoid revealing personal information or photos on Web sites such as Facebook, MySpace or SecondLife. Personal, possibly very embarrassing information or images could haunt you in the years to come, when applying for college or a new job. If it's on the Internet, it's available for a potential employer, your school, a future or current spouse, or heaven forbid, your mother or grandmother to find it.

Don't trust your best friend (even your partner).
As a number of recent incidents involving "sexting" demonstrate, sending photos of yourself in the nude or in compromising positions could not only be extremely embarrassing when a partner or ex-partner starts to share those photos with his or her friends, but it also could be illegal.

Always go with a friend. 
When using Web sites such as Craigslist or Freelist to buy or exchange goods locally, always bring a friend, your partner or your spouse with you to meet a seller or buyer. Avoid allowing a potential buyer into your home, as they may be checking it out for potential valuables, and avoid going into the home of a seller.

Watch your cookies. 
Cookies are tidbits of information that Web sites store on your computer. Some cookies are useful, such as those that store information about you so you don't have to retype it every time you go to that site. Other cookies, though, can be used to track your motions through a Web site, the pages you visit or the links you click. Some companies keep this data to themselves - however, some companies sell this information to other marketers. You can monitor and edit the cookies on your computer through your browser.

Install anti-spyware. 
Spyware is sneaky software that rides its way onto computers during the download of screensavers, games, music and other applications. Spyware sends information about what you're doing on the Internet to a third-party, usually to target you with pop-up ads. Anti-spyware will help block this threat.

Monitor your kids' Internet use. 
Move computers out of the bedroom and into family space where parents and others can check on your child's Internet use by simply walking by. Set specific times that your child may surf the Web, and set rules about social media Web sites, such as Facebook, My Space and Twitter.

To learn more about how to protect your privacy online, visit www.FindLaw.com. of ARAcontent

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(ARA) - With the holidays fast approaching, it is time to start thinking of practical gift ideas in this tough economy. As the wireless revolution continues to dominate our personal and professional lives, a laptop or netbook is a hot gift for those close to you this holiday season. Netbooks were even included in Amazon's list of top holiday gifts last season and their popularity is only growing.

Laptops and netbooks are not just for college students anymore. They make the perfect gift for the busy person who is always on the go. But how do you know which laptop or netbook is best suited for your loved one? With so many options available, it is important to know the different features of each computer, as well as how the owner will be using it.

"There is a wide variety of laptops and netbooks available today. Purchasing a new laptop can be daunting and overwhelming, especially when it is a holiday gift. Creating a list of 'must haves' is a good way to start your search," says Mark Grace, vice president of consumer business of Absolute Software, a company specializing in computer theft recovery, data protection and IT asset management. "Security is one aspect that is too often overlooked and, with the size of laptops decreasing, that new laptop will be a prime target for thieves."

Absolute Software has developed a list of basic questions to help make choosing a laptop or netbook an easy part of your holiday shopping:

* How will the laptop be used? Laptops are becoming more than just the family computer and are being used for movies, photos, gaming and music. So before purchasing a laptop, figure out what it will be used for most to determine what features it should include.

* What is your budget? The economy is affecting each and every one of us so now, more than ever, it is necessary that you get the most bang for your buck. So before shopping, identify how much you want to spend and what features you can skimp on to stay within your budget.

* Is security software included? With laptops being stolen at a rate of one every 50 seconds, theft recovery is an important aspect of a new laptop purchase. Backed by an elite theft recovery team, software like Computrace LoJack for Laptops by Absolute Software is an easy and inexpensive way to help recover stolen laptops or netbooks and protect the data stored on it. 

* How durable is the laptop or netbook? To truly get your money's worth on the purchase of a new laptop or netbook, it needs to last. It is crucial that your new equipment can hold up in a variety of conditions. It should have a long battery life and an exterior tough enough to handle being carted about.

* How much will you be storing on this new device? When purchasing a laptop, think about how much information will be kept on the laptop versus an external hard drive. If the owner is planning to store larger items such as videos or digital photos, choose a laptop with a larger hard drive.

* What accessories will you need? An extra battery for longer use, a discreet laptop bag or an extra power cord could come in handy and will ensure your gift is ready to be used and enjoyed right out of the box.

For more information, visit www.absolute.com. of ARAcontent

(ARA) - The most important part of giving a gift is the thought behind it. Consider skipping the malls this holiday season and instead create some homemade holiday presents that will save you money and add meaning to the wrapped packages you hand out to family and friends. 

"The holidays are a time for families to come together, create memories and show appreciation for one another," says Gavin Jerome, Dremel product manager. "Although everyone is watching their budget this year, people can still unleash their creative spirit and give homemade gifts from the heart." 

By following a few simple instructions, these inexpensive projects are a wonderful way to unwrap the sentiment and thought behind gift-giving during the holidays.

Personalize an address plaque or toy box
A personalized gift is something that everyone can appreciate.  To make a useful and one-of-a-kind gift, rout a name or address into a home plaque or the top of a wooden toy box.  Simply sketch the name or address to be routed on a wood plaque or the toy box lid and select the desired depth. Using a rotary tool like the Dremel 4000 with a plunge router attachment, follow your outline, removing material until the letters or numbers take form.  After your letters are cut, switch your bit to route the edges of the plaque or toy box lid. All that's left is to do is paint and finish in the recipient's favorite colors.  

Engrave ornaments
A simple glass ornament can be transformed into a holiday treasure by etching a design onto its surface.  First, determine the pattern or design you wish to etch onto your flat, solid glass ornament. Marker usually works best to trace the design on the glass. Use a rotary tool set between 15,000 and 25,000 RPM's, and carefully trace over the drawn image with small strokes. Etching glass requires some practice, so be sure to experiment on less expensive glass objects first, trying out different bits to get different results. After your pattern is complete, wipe the area clean with a cloth. Your friends and family will have a personalized ornament to treasure for years to come.

Derby cars
For car-enthusiasts of all ages, a derby car is an ideal gift. First, draw a car pattern on a wood block showing the top, side, front and back views. When the drawing is complete, secure the block in place with a multi-vise. Make cuts along the outline using a rotary tool and smooth, even motions. To even out rough edges, attach the sanding band of your choice and again use steady and even motions to smooth out the surface. Make any other cuts necessary to achieve your desired shape. Finally, add finishing touches such as paint and decals. 

Clean model railroad track
We all have memories of a model train running around the base of the tree. Time to bring it back. To remove rust and debris from your forgotten, but beloved railroad track, use a rotary tool and finishing abrasive brush.  Set the rotary tool to 15,000 RPM's or less, hold the track firmly, and remember to keep your hand at least 6 inches from the tool. Using a light touch and a slow and steady motion let the tool remove the rust and debris. Angle the tool accordingly to get to hard to reach places. With your track now clean, connectivity is improved and your train should run smoother.

For more tips and holiday project ideas, visit www.dremel.com or call the Dremel experts at (800) 437-3635.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Americans may be curbing spending across the board, but many are still willing to lay down their dollars for a certain kind of luxury - the high-tech kind that hangs on the wall of your family room and makes you feel like you're right there on the field at your favorite sporting event.

Even though sales of flat-screen TVs have yo-yoed in the past year and a half, overall, analysts view the industry as healthy, and likely to remain so. In fact, a recent survey by PriceGrabber.com revealed that 20 percent of the men polled consider a flat-screen high-definition TV a necessity rather than a luxury.

In 2009, more than 53 percent of American households have at least one HDTV, according to the Cable & Telecommunications Association for Marketing, the Web site ScreenSleuth.com reports. That's an 18 percent increase over last year, the site points out.

Retailers haven't missed the fact that flat-screen televisions are among the few big-ticket items Americans are still willing to buy. They've responded by lowering prices and offering deals and incentives. These deals, plus wider availability of products and services like designer wall mounts and HDTV programming make it a great time to upgrade your set to a flat screen.

Consider these compelling facts if you're considering purchasing an HDTV:

* Some major discount chains are offering free shipping on flat screens if you purchase online and have the product shipped to a chain location near you. That means if the TV of your choice is out of stock in the store, you can buy it online and pick it up at your local store without spending anything on shipping and delivery.

* Manufacturers have started offering HDTVs with integrated Blu-ray players, so you can enjoy two of today's hottest entertainment experiences in a single product.

* Most major cable companies now offer a variety of high definition channels - including movies and sports - so you can enjoy the full benefit of your HDTV.

* Online coupon Web sites offer coupon codes, discounts and deals on flat screens that will make you feel like you're getting away with something. Finding an online discount is as easy as Googling the words "flat screen coupon codes."

* Some manufacturers are offering extended warranties of five years or more on flat screens. That means your flat screen would likely be under warranty until the technology improves even more and you're ready to upgrade to a new model.

* Increased competition, including a number of new manufacturers, has helped drive flat screen prices down faster than practically any other entertainment technology. Anyone remember how long it took for VCR prices to fall below $500? Or for video game consoles to cost less than $200? By comparison, flat-screen TV prices have fallen quickly and dramatically, with many quality options now costing less than $1,000.

* It's easier and more visually appealing than ever to mount your flat screen on the wall. Clunky, intimidating hardware that held flat screens several inches away from the wall are giving way to sleek designer options like Super Slim Low-Profile Mounts from TV accessory maker Sanus Systems. Capable of supporting up to 65-inch flat screens weighing 150 pounds, the Super Slim mounts emphasize the sleek look of ultra-thin LCD, plasma and LED TVs by placing them less than an inch from the wall. Visit www.sanus.com to learn more.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Nearly 10 million people in the United States were victims of identity fraud last year and, over the past two years alone, Americans have lost $8.5 billion to online con artists. When online criminals are so convincing, how do you avoid becoming a victim? And how do you know if you've already become a victim of a cybercrime and know where to go for help? 

Recently an Oregon woman lost nearly half a million dollars of her family's retirement savings in a cyberscam. Her saga started when she used a genealogy Web site to track down her family history and ended with a cybercriminal stealing information about her and her family members. Her dramatic story is chronicled in a Web film series at www.stophcommerce.com. are relentless when it comes to trying to access your personal information, credit and bank accounts. We call it H*Commerce or hacker commerce," says Pamela Warren, cybercrime strategist at McAfee, the world's largest dedicated security technology company. "The sad news is that consumers sometimes lose hundreds of thousands of dollars or sometimes their life savings to these cybercrooks."

"Criminals

Warren shares best practices and telltale warning signs that you have been the victim of a cybercrime, and what to do about it: 

Telltale sign 1:
You find unexplained charges or suspicious activity on one or more of your financial accounts.

What to do:
Contact your financial institutions immediately and report the crime to law enforcement agencies. If you find the transaction was fraudulent, consider placing a fraud alert on your accounts with the three credit reporting agencies. 

How to keep it from happening to you:
Cybercriminals are incredibly savvy at creating legitimate looking Web sites, including sties requiring financial information. To be sure you don't fall victim, download a safe search tool, like SiteAdvisor, that will alert you if you're about to click on a dangerous site. 

Telltale sign 2:
Your computer suddenly slows down and/or you start seeing numerous pop-up ads.

What to do:
Sudden changes in your computer's performance can be a sign that it's infected with spyware, viruses and other forms of malicious software. Install and update your computer security software.

How to keep it from happening to you:
Make sure the subscription to your security software is current, and you have adequate protection.  As cybercriminals evolve their tricks, you can rest assured that you're safe.

Telltale sign 3:
You responded to an e-mail or Web site request for personal information and now think it might have been a scam.

What to do:
It's possible you are now the victim of an online fraud that uses e-mails and Web sites looking like legitimate businesses to solicit personal or account information. Check your financial accounts. If you notice unusual activity, notify the appropriate financial institutions.

How to keep it from happening to you:
Never follow links in e-mails from businesses or people that you do not know.

If you have become the victim of an online scam, you are not alone. Tens of thousands of Americans fall prey to clever cybercriminals each year.

To diagnose your situation if you think you may be a victim of cybercrime, and learn how to stay safe in the future, visit McAfee's Cybercrime Response Unit at McAfee.com/CRU.

The CRU acts as an "online 911" and provides many tips on what to do if you've been scammed, information on the tactics cybercriminals use, online safety tips and resources to report cybercrime to law enforcement and other authorities. You can also speak to live experts who can directly assist you in recovering from an attack.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Figuring out how much and what television is right for your child isn't too different from looking at what to feed your child. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents think of managing their children's television watching as they would their diet, because the amount of television has an impact on children's health, just like how much and what they eat does.

Children who watched educational television improved in reading-related skills such as phonics, phonemic awareness and vocabulary acquisition, according to a study by the Annenberg School for Communication Children's Media Lab at the University of Pennsylvania.

Children love to learn and pick up new facts, ask questions and generally want to know how things work. When possible, they eagerly seek answers for themselves by making observations, gathering data, identifying patterns, and forming generalizations - much like professional scientists do. This is why the right television show has proven to be beneficial.

The AAP (www.aap.org) suggests parents take advantage of the high-quality television that is available to their children. Here are some things to do before letting your kids plop down on the couch in front of the television:

* Preview shows
Parenting magazines and Web sites, such as PBSKids.org, often have previews of upcoming children's television shows. Find these and you can find high-quality programming for children.

* Talk to teachers
Preschool teachers that see your child in educational settings during the week can give guidance on types of programming that can help your child learn better. Educational programming can help children learn history, phonetics, language, science and how to use their imaginations.

* Use shows to nurture interests
Capturing and holding the attention of younger children can be challenging in the best of times, so television shows can be great tools to help reinforce important educational and social skills. Finding a television show that matches children's interests can help them build upon their love of a particular activity or hobby.

One new show that will be attracting the attention of kids and parents alike is "Dinosaur Train," created by The Jim Henson Company and airing on PBS Kids starting on Labor Day. The show features Buddy, a preschool-age Tyrannosaurus Rex. Children can join Buddy and his adoptive Pteranodon family on a voyage through prehistoric jungles, swamps, volcanoes and oceans as they unearth basic concepts in natural science, natural history and paleontology. Paleontologist Dr. Scott Sampson will help bring the show's natural history and science elements to life in live-action segments. To learn more about the show, visit www.pbskids.org/dinosaurtrain, where you will also find online games, activities and resources to help build off the shows' themes.

Buddy and his friends encourage kids to be inquisitive by comparing and contrasting dinosaurs, making a hypothesis and searching for the possible answers to questions like "Why do some dinosaurs walk on two legs while others walk on four?," "Why do some dinosaurs have horns?" and "Why can some dinosaurs fly?"

In addition to finding the right shows to watch, the AAP suggests parents read reviews of the shows their children want to watch, as well as watching the shows and discussing them with their children - which can lead to long-lasting benefits.

Courtesy of ARAcontent