April 2013 Archives - 7/17 - Talk Local Blog

Archive for April, 2013

Friday, April 19th, 2013

Deciding if you want a Chromebook is the first step. Deciding Samsung Chromebook vs Acer Chromebook is the next.

Chromebooks were made by Google to run on Google’s new operating system, Chrome OS.

Differences between a Chromebook and the operating system you may be accustomed to:

If you are comfortable with trying a new operating system, what you have to decide with your Chromebook is if you want a Samsung Chromebook vs Acer Chromebook.

Both have:

Samsung:

Acer:

What you select really depends on your needs. If you need a longer battery, clearer display and more options, spending more money on a Samsung Chromebook might benefit you.

Always Have A Computer Repair Specialist On Call

If you need more help deciding, or require more information, TalkLocal can connect you with the professionals that know the ins and outs of computers and computer repair. Our search function is ultra-simple and cuts down on your search time significantly.

Posted in Computer Repair | No Comments »

Cost Of Tinting Car Windows

Friday, April 19th, 2013

Tinting the windows of your vehicle lends numerous benefits. Not only can tint make a car look sporty and cool, but in hot climates, it can help limit the sun that enters the vehicle, keeping you cool inside. It can also make it tough for outsiders to see in, giving you privacy and cutting down on thieves that are passing by looking for quick stuff to steal.

As any other custom feature on a vehicle, the cost of tinting car windows can vary. You could pay as little as $200 for a professional job all the way up to $500. It simply depends on your specific demands. Here are a few factors that can have an impact on the cost of tinting car windows.

Car Types

The size and shape of windows hinge upon the vehicle’s make and model. This figures into the cost of tinting car windows. If you have a smaller sedan, the price will not be too high. That price can increase as the surface area of the vehicle’s windows increase. Sport utility vehicles have a lot of window surface area, and therefore, are some of the most expensive vehicles to tint.

Additionally, some cars are harder to tint because their windows curve in a unique manner. It is important to talk to a tinting professional before the job to get an accurate quote.

Tinting Film

Window tinting is added to a vehicle with various types of tinting film. These films can contain anything from dyes to very thin pieces of metal. Some of these films are extremely cost efficient ($200-$250 per vehicle), while the most high-end films will cost you a pretty penny ($400). Selecting the right tinting film hinges on your personal needs.

Heat absorption

Tinting films that are most effective at absorbing or reflecting sunlight will be more expensive. This is worth the cost, however, because the more effective the film is, the cooler you can keep your vehicle.

Aesthetic quality

If you are having your windows tinted purely for looks, you don’t have to select a very high-end tint. However, do not go for the real cheap films, as over time, they can start to bubble up.

Do-It-Yourself Kits

Want to drive the cost of tinting car windows all the way down to $80? You can purchase a pre-cut window tint film kit. These kits come with everything you need to tint your own windows, but you run the risk of making mistakes.

Get Professional Help

Get a hold of a local auto-tinting technician for a quote or general questions about the process. Finding a professional has never been easier than with TalkLocal. Try out our free service and be amazed at how quickly you are connected with someone who can help.

Posted in Auto Glass Repair | No Comments »

Drywall Repair How To

Friday, April 19th, 2013

Drywall is made up of gypsum plaster and thick sheets of paper. This construction method is often used because it is a faster alternative to the old-fashioned lath and plaster way. It is very easy to install and simple to repair as well. We have some helpful drywall repair how to tips for you to consider when repairing drywall.

Drywall Repair How To

The best thing to do is get a drywall repair kit when you want to do a quick patch up. The toolkit usually includes 4 knives, a hammer, a screwdriver, a saw and drill. There are 3, 6, and 8 inch flex knives, a utility knife, and an inside corner knife. You may also need to get a hand sander, hacksaw, nails, and a level depending on your repair. Drywall compound, mesh tape, paper tape, and screws are obviously a must.

1. The first thing you need to do is clean up the area where the drywall needs to be repaired. Get rid of the loose edges and sand it down.

2. Dip a knife into the drywall compound and load approximately half the blade. Smooth the mixture over the damaged area with slow level strokes.

3. Remove any extra compound that is not being used. The drywall compound will shrink as it dries so you may need to apply a second coat.

If the whole is larger and cannot just be patched up you will need to use mesh and tape.

1. Clean the area similarly as before.

2. Cut the mesh to the right size and shape and attach it with the paper tape.

3. Once the mesh is securely in place you can apply the drywall compound to the mesh. Smooth the compound on evenly, also compounding the surrounding drywall so that the mesh does not fall through. Let it dry and apply a second coat if needed.

Further Assistance

Patching up drywall is not overly difficult, but it can be time-consuming. If you would rather have a professional painter patch up that hole in your wall, just use TalkLocal. We’ll connect you with up to three painting contractors in your area for free. You’ll be speaking with the right professional in just minutes!

Posted in Painters | No Comments »

My Cat Has Bloody Stools

Thursday, April 18th, 2013

It is important to closely monitor your cat’s habits, nutrition and behavior daily in order to be aware when something goes wrong. Vets often receive the concern, “My cat has bloody stools! What should I do?” Inform yourself before you speak to a doctor.

My Cat Has Bloody Stools!

A bloody stool is also known as hematochezia, and can result from intestinal problems or a more serious condition. Bleeding in the lower intestines and rectum causes hematochezia; melena, on the other hand, comes out much darker and is caused by bleeding in the upper intestines.

If blood is present in your cat’s stool one time, then your cat may have simply experienced a minor gastrointestinal issue, like eating something unfamiliar or being exposed to drastic environmental changes. If this is the case, do not worry. Try to keep your cat’s diet consistent. If you must change your cat’s food or environment, try to do so gradually so as to not shock its intestines. If your cat has multiple bloody stools, then your cat may have a more serious condition and you will need to take it to the veterinarian.

Colitis, an inflammation of the cat’s colon, commonly causes bloody stools. You can recognize colitis if your cat defecates frequently and in small amounts. Colitis causes dehydration, so make sure your cat is drinking plenty of water and take your cat to see its veterinarian so you can receive a proper diagnosis.

A parasite could also be causing bloody stools. They upset your cat’s intestines and can cause bloody stools, vomiting, and frequent eating. Bring a fecal sample to the veterinarian for testing.

Find A Reliable Veterinarian Near You

If your cat is experiencing bloody stools or other health problems, contact a veterinarian as soon as possible. TalkLocal can help connect you with quality local veterinarians in minutes. Try TalkLocal today, for free!

Posted in Veterinarians | No Comments »

How To Clean Car Fabric

Thursday, April 18th, 2013

If you have ever owned a car, you know how quickly the inside can become messy. Life is hectic, and sometimes the cleanliness of your car can fall by the wayside. If you are looking for answers about how to clean car fabric, here are some tips to keep in mind.

Cloth Seats

If you, your children, pets, or friends have stained your cloth seats, all hope is not lost. In fact, using the tools any professional carpet cleaner might use, your seats will get to looking (and smelling) like new in no time.

If you have a carpet shampooer, you can use the hose attachment to clean the seats just as you would your own carpet. You can rent a carpet cleaner from many home improvement stores if you do not want to make the investment. Additionally, many car washes now include a shampoo station alongside the vacuum station.

Leather Seats

Leather stains can be a bit trickier than cloth. A general rule of thumb states that messes made on leather clean up much easier than those on cloth, but this is only if they are taken care of immediately.

Varying leather cleaning products are readily available on the market, from wipes for light cleaning jobs to shampoos for heavier ones. Wipe down the leather to remove any crumbly debris prior to cleaning. Be sure the cleaner you use is specifically designed for leather or it may damage your seat.

Apply a conditioner after cleaning to prevent the seat from drying out and to restore its rich, original color.

Carpets

As with cloth seats, a carpet shampooer may be used to clean the carpet in a car. The carpet in your car is not very different — if at all — from the carpet in your home. Apply the same tactics that you would use in the home to the carpets in your car. Many of the same products you use in your home will work in the car, as well.

At A Loss?

There are experts out there who make a living detailing cars and will know how to clean car fabric effectively. To find one, try using TalkLocal’s free service. We will find a qualified car detailing service in your area quickly. It will only take you a matter of minutes to be connected with the right professional.

Posted in Car Wash | No Comments »

Steps For Jump Starting A Car

Thursday, April 18th, 2013

If you leave your car on without having the engine running, it could cause your car battery to die. Allowing your vehicle to idle will drain the charge in the battery. If your car does die, you will need to jump-start it, and perhaps replace the battery once you get to a mechanic. This is not very difficult, but you should keep some things in mind with these steps for jump starting a car.

Steps For Jump Starting A Car

1. The number one rule when jump starting a car is to only attempt to do so with vehicles that are similar to your own. Trucks, motorcycles, cars, etc all have different voltage systems, so it could be dangerous to jump them with a different type of vehicle.

2. Furthermore you need to make sure that the red and black jumping clips do not touch. Wear glasses or a face shield to protect yourself from any sparks or gases.

3. When jumping another car you need to pull up so the hoods are facing each other and are as close as possible. This will ensure that the jumper cables will reach and be safe to use. If you cannot position the cars properly you may need to call 911 or a towing truck for help.

4. The dead car should be off and the other car running. Attach the black clip on the dead car to the negative battery post and the red clip to the positive post.

5. Connect the cables to the running car by first attaching the red clip to the positive post.

6. Connect the black clip to anything metal on the running car. Most importantly do not connect the last black clip to the battery because it will cause a spark.

7. Let the batteries charge for about 30 seconds before starting the dead car. You might need to gas it a little to load it.

8. Once the car starts up you can disconnect the cables, starting with the black clip from the source car and then the red.

9. Next disconnect the black and red from the formerly dead car. You should be able to use both cars properly now.

Call In A Mechanic

If you have more questions about jumping your car, let TalkLocal find a professional mechanic for you. We will connect you with up to three mechanics in your area who will be able to help you when you need them most.

Posted in Auto Repair | No Comments »

How To Repair Torn Couch Fabric

Thursday, April 18th, 2013

Just because your favorite couch has been ripped due to daily wear and tear does not mean you have to get rid of it. Learning how to repair torn couch fabric is easier than you may think. Depending on the size and location of your fabric tear, you may follow different steps to repair it.

Here are some ideas:

Upholstery tacks: These tacks are used to attach new upholstery to old furniture. If you have a tear in a corner or along the side of a piece of furniture, you may consider using these tacks to attach a complimentary piece of upholstery to the couch. This will not only hide the tear, but it will also give your old furniture a fresh, newer look for a pretty inexpensive price.

Stitching: With smaller tears, there is always the option of using a similarly-colored thread to stitch the tear back together. When done properly, this can be unnoticeable and prevent the tear from growing.

Excess material: When you need to patch the tear, try using the excess material on the back of the couch. You can cut an even patch that coordinates with the pattern where the tear is and attach it to the new spot. To do this, simply stitch up the edges with matching thread and use upholstery glue or tacks to attach it to the torn area.

Products: If the tear can be reconnected, there are some specific upholstery glues that can hold it together and keep the tear from growing. You can purchase such products at most local home repair shops, and usually you do not need any special training to use them.

Whenever using glue of any kind to repair furniture, you need to be sure to keep kids and pets away until the glue is completely dry. If your upholstery tear can’t be fixed using these tips on how to repair torn couch fabric, you may consider finding a professional to get the job done.

Skip The Search Process

We can help you find the professional you need. At TalkLocal, we take the work out of connecting you with professionals in your area so you can get back to movie night on your favorite and newly-repaired couch.

Posted in Furniture Upholstery | No Comments »

How To Run Linux And Windows At The Same Time

Thursday, April 18th, 2013

It can be frustrating when you need to work with both Linux and Windows operating systems. The less-than-convenient solution to such a problem is to place two computers side-by-side — one running on Linux and the other on Windows — and toggle between the two based on your needs. However, learning how to run Linux and Windows at the same time and on the same computer is ultimately the solution.

If you are trying to figure out how to run Linux and Windows at the same time, consider these methods:

1. While you certainly have your share of choices of what version of Linux to use, trying going with the popular Ubuntu. Start by downloading Ubuntu as an .iso file. This will allow you to boot it up.

2. When you download Ubuntu, either burn it onto a CD or put it on a flash drive. Either way will work and will allow you to boot the program on a new computer.

3. Once the program is stored, you can insert the CD or flash drive in a computer with Windows and boot it up right from the storage device. This does not install the program on Windows, but does let you use it.

4. To install Ubuntu on Windows, insert the CD or flash drive, open ‘Windows Explorer’ and select ‘Run wubi.exe’. After that, select ‘Install inside Windows’. The next time you boot the computer, it will boot Linux and set it up, making it available for future use.

5. Or, you could use a Virtual Machine. Many of these programs are free. It is very easy to install Ubuntu on a Virtual Machine and you won’t need to boot the program from the CD or flash drive.

Need Assistance?

For the less computer savvy of us, help is available in your local area — you just need to find it. TalkLocal can instantly put you in touch with a qualified professional that can help take care of this for you.

Posted in Computer Repair | No Comments »

How To Dispose Of Construction Waste

Wednesday, April 17th, 2013

You have finished your home renovation project and now your house looks great. The only problem is the giant pile of garbage left over. Instead of attempting to bag it up and hope the garbage man takes it away for you, check out these tips on how to dispose of construction waste.

Rent A Dumpster

Doing this can help you a lot in the long run, but you should rent the dumpster before your construction project begins. Dumpsters, also called “containers”, come in multiple sizes to meet your waste disposal needs. You can have the dumpster dropped off and picked up — waste and all — at your convenience.

Re-use It

As you go through, if there is anything that could be used again, separate it into piles. You can keep it and refinish it if you have a crafty touch, or you could donate it to a resale shop. Some local organizations might also have a use for miscellaneous items that can be broken down. For example, old furniture is often used by gardeners because of the wood frames that can be turned into flower boxes and such.

Recycle It

These days, you can really recycle almost anything, and you are helping the environment when you make the choice to recycle. Styrofoam, for example, takes hundreds of years to break down, which means it just sits there, taking up space. Contrary to popular belief, Styrofoam is recyclable. Wood, insulation, glass, drywall, and other items commonly produced by construction waste are recyclable as well.

Call In The Professionals

If you can’t find a use for it and can’t get it in a dumpster or container, you may consider hiring a professional waste management team to remove your construction waste for you. They will certainly know how to dispose of construction waste.

No matter what you choose, removing waste properly is an important aspect of your construction project. TalkLocal can connect you with the professionals in your area who can help you with any of the above options and more.

Posted in Garbage Removal | No Comments »

St. Pete Has a New Service Angel

Wednesday, April 17th, 2013

Seva Call is now open for business here in St. Petersburg, Florida; but we’re not just hanging our shingle, we’re topping it off with a halo too! People of Sunshine City will soon discover how we can make their days even brighter. Our miraculously efficient virtual concierge service will bring St. Pete’burgers a little bit of peace after their next storm, or any other service need that may arise, before the clouds even break on the horizon.

“St. Petersburg’s residents know how difficult it can be to find the right service professional among their 244,769 neighbors, I can’t wait to show them a better way,” says Seva Man.

St. Pete Has A New Service Angel!

Rather than spending hours finding, researching, and calling area professionals; or, bending backwards to make time for a service appointment, residents can complete a simple form with their needs and availability. They will then quickly get up to three calls from top-rated, area professionals, who can do the work they need at a time they want. “We check consumer ratings through sites like Yelp, Google Reviews, and others to ensure the quality of the local businesses you have to choose from, while still saving you the time and energy of researching on your own”, explains co-founder Amandeep Bakshi. Ensuring security and saving time: Seva Call is sure to be St. Petersburg’s guardian angel!

One thing we can’t help you with is finding the best fish sandwich on the pier, but apparently you can’t swing a palm leaf without hitting a great seafood spot! So, calling all saints: if you want your next tree removal, trash pick-up, automotive repair, or other service provider to call you in minutes ready and able to work around your schedule, go to www.talklocal.com and fill out a request.

Posted in Seva Call | No Comments »

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