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Friday, November 30th, 2012

It’s time for an upgrade, and you’re wondering “can I upgrade from Leopard to Lion?” Before upgrading to a Lion, make sure that your Mac can run Lion. Legally, if you only have Leopard, you need to upgrade to Snow Leopard first before you upgrade to Lion. This means that you will need to purchase Snow Leopard as well.

How to Upgrade

The latest version of the OS X system is currently Mountain Lion. Read on to learn how to upgrade to this latest version of Lion. Your Mac must be one of the following models in order to run Lion, according to the apple website:

– iMac (Mid 2007 or newer)

– MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum, or Early 2009 or newer)

– MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 or newer)

– MacBook Air (Late 2008 or newer)

– Mac mini (Early 2009 or newer)

– Mac Pro (Early 2008 or newer)

– Xserve (Early 2009)

1. Once you confirm that your computer can run Lion, make sure that your version of Snow Leopard is updated.

2. Click on the apple icon on your Mac located on the top left corner of the your screen. A menu will come up.

3. Click on the second option, marked as “Software Update…” This should update your Snow Leopard to the latest version, v10.6.8.

4. Go to your Mac App Store.

5. Download the OS X Mountain Lion.

6. Follow the onscreen instruction on how to install the software. The OS X Mountain Lion is scheduled to be available in July 2012.

Additional Help

If you are having a problem with downloading, visit a local apple store for direct help. If you have a different problem that was not addressed by this guide, then contact professional help for upgrading your system. TalkLocal can help with finding the correct local experts in this case, saving you time and energy in what may be a stressful situation.

Posted in Computer Repair | No Comments »

Should I Replace a Cracked Windshield

Friday, November 30th, 2012

Should I replace a cracked windshield? You may be asking yourself that same question if you have a crack in windshield. A cracked windshield can, along with being annoying, pose as a potentially dangerous problem. Whenever a rock or other projectile chips or cracks your windshield, it can cause a crack—even a tiny—that can eventually spread and compromise the structural integrity of your car. For example, if you get into a car crash, your windshield actually acts a structural support that keeps your roof from caving in. Likewise, the airbags usually expand towards the windshield and any weakness in the windshield may shatter, endangering everyone in the car.

Fortunately, with modern technology, the majority of the cracked windshields now can be repaired without needing to replace the entire windshield, saving you both time and money. Most chips can be repaired by injecting a special resin into the windshield, sealing the crack and preventing further cracking.

Replace or Repair?

This all depends on the severity of the crack. The resin injection technique normally works well with quarter-sized chips and cracks up to three inches long, while some specialty repair shops may use another technique that allows repair of cracks up to 12 inches long. Make sure you check with an auto-glass repair store before deciding your course of action. Major impacts with large objects are beyond repair and most likely will require windshield replacement. If the damage was larger than the cracks mentioned previously, it is safest to get an entire windshield replacement.

It’s strongly advised to repair your cracks as soon as possible, since they may spread if left untreated. Dirt, water, and other grime can seep into the crack, lowering the effectiveness and the clarity of the repair. TalkLocal can connect you to high quality local auto glass repair shops so you can get that cracked or chipped window fixed as soon as possible with minimal effort on your part. You’ll be back on the road in no time!

Posted in Auto Glass Repair | 3 Comments »

Lost the Key for a Safety Deposit Box

Friday, November 30th, 2012

Many people invest in safety deposit boxes to hold their jewelry, money and important documents. These boxes are individually secure containers held in banks that act as storages that protect against theft, fire, floods, etc. They are opened when the key given to the owner of the box and the key held by the bank are used simultaneously. If you lost the key for a safety deposit box, it may cost you.

The first and most important thing to do in the case that you misplaced your safety deposit box key is to keep looking! The process to replace your key is long, annoying and expensive. Without having your key, the bank will have to drill the box open at your own cost. This process can cost up to $150. Another option you have is to replace the lock, but this also costs money and is only slightly cheaper if you have one of the keys.

The bank does not keep an extra set of keys for your safety deposit box because of safety and privacy issues. There is only one set and that is given to you so if you lose it you will need to get a whole new lock/set of keys.

In order to get into your box without your key you will have to go through an elaborate process. First you must go to your bank with a valid government issued identification. The bank will have to verify your identity and schedule another appointment to have the box drilled. The owner of the box and the bank representative need to be present when the safety deposit box is being drilled. Remember, the cost of drilling and replacing the lock/keys is all on you.

If you are looking for help with your problem you should seek professional help. Use TalkLocal to be put in contact with reliable local locksmith almost immediately. Simply input your problem and availability, and TalkLocal will do the rest. Within minutes, you should be on the phone with a qualified company who is ready to help you out.

Posted in Locksmiths | No Comments »

Mouse Poison Safe for Dogs

Friday, November 30th, 2012

Is mouse poison safe for dogs? Generally speaking, no, but it depends on the type you use. Regular mouse poisons are usually harmful for pets. Commercial rat poison leads to internal bleeding and death when ingested by a rat. For humans and dogs, ingestion of these poisons can also cause internal bleeding and death without treatment. However, there are some safe poisons that can be bought or homemade. There also some alternatives than using rat poison.

Safe Mouse Poison

There are commercial rat poisons on the market that are safe for all pets and humans. Eradibait is a natural rat poison which is safe to non-rodents due to its plant material composition. It kills rodents by capitalizing on their unique digestive system. The poison causes dehydration, which induces blood thickening and circulatory collapse. The mouse will then go into a coma and die. This particular poison is only sold in the UK and must be bought online. There are also other all natural, non-toxic rat and mouse products out there that you can purchase in the United States. You can find different types of safe mouse poisons on Amazon and have them shipped overnight starting at $10.95. There is also a homemade poison you can try that is made with baking soda. The homemade concoction kills rodents by causing an internal carbon dioxide build-up. Make this pet-friendly mouse poison following these instructions:

1. Mix 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 cup of baking soda in a bowl

2. Place small amounts of the mix onto small plates

3. Spread peanut butter or other food around the edges of the plates

4. Put places into highly active rodent areas of the house

Alternatives

There are also many alternatives that can eliminate the mouse infestation without the use of potentially harmful rodent poisons.

1. Live Traps- Live traps allow you to capture the mouse and dispose of it on your own. The downside, however, is that with large infestations, this may not be effective and may slow the process of eliminating them from the house. You can find and purchase mouse and rat live traps on Amazon and have them shipped overnight starting at $9.97.

2. Kill Traps- Glue and snap traps can be used to kill rodents with only a minor risk of injury to your pets. Once again, the downside is low effectiveness and efficiency. You can find and purchase mouse and rat kill traps on Amazon and have them shipped overnight starting at $7.98.

If you’re still experiencing rodent problems after trying all of the methods listed above, you should consider hiring a trained professional. TalkLocal can connect you to several highly rated pest control professionals in your area within minutes. Simply enter a brief description of your service needs along with your location and availability, and TalkLocal will do the rest.

The owner of this website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon properties including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com.

Posted in Pest Control | 3 Comments »

Different Types of Roofs for Homes

Thursday, November 29th, 2012

When designing and building your own home, you can choose from a variety of different types of roofs for homes. These styles range from modern to traditional. Listed below are different types of commonly used roofs. See which one will work for you and your future home.

Mansard Roof

This type of roof is made up of four slopes, two on each side of the home. The lower slope is always steeper than the upper slope. The flatter upper slope may or may not be visible from the ground.

Gambrel Roof

The Gambrel Roof is very similar to the Mansard Roof. The main differences are that the gambrel has vertical gable ends and the roof hangs over the façade of the home.

Saltbox

The Saltbox roof gives a home a more modern feel. It is an asymmetrical long pitched roof with one short side and one very long side. It often results in a home that is one story in height on one side of the building and two stories on the other side.

Pyramid Roof

As the name suggests, this is a roof that is shaped like a pyramid. This roof is typically used on small portions of a roof, like this, or on small structures such as a garage or pool house.

Hip Roof

The Hip roof is very similar to the pyramid design, but instead of coming to a point the roof is flat on top.

Gabled Roof

This type of roof looks like triangles from the front of the home. It can come in a variety of types, including the Cross Gabled Roof.

Flat Roof

As the name implies, this is a roof that is completely flat. This design is more common in modern home designs and sometimes has rooftop access, a perfect place to entertain guests on a beautiful day.

Skillion Roof

This type of roof is a single sloping surface. It is often used on just one portion of the home, or used in modern designs on a multi-level home to create unique shapes and patterns.

Curved Roof

The curved or arched roof is typically used on a single portion of the roof, such as the entrance to a patio. However, some modern designs have a curved roof over the entire structure.

If you’re looking for a contractor or roofer to do the job for you, use TalkLocal. This completely free service will connect you to up to three service professionals in your area who are willing to help.

Posted in Roofers | 2 Comments »

How to Fix a Loose Shower Head

Thursday, November 29th, 2012

Shower heads are susceptible to a bunch of issues. Leaks can sprout, the swivel can become too tight or loose, and water may not stream out of every hole. Problems arise, and when they do, reading this guide will allow you to know how to fix a loose shower head.

The first step is to locate the water shutoff valve for the shower and turn that off to eliminate the water supply to the shower. The next step is to release all the water contained in the shower head and pipes by opening the shower faucet and letting the remaining water out. Next, you will want to do is cover the drain so as to prevent any loose pieces from falling down the drain.

With these preliminary steps out of the way, the next step is to remove the shower head, either with large pliers or by twisting it with your hand if able. Once it comes off, there should be a screw in the middle of the head, which needs to be unscrewed to take the head apart. It may be a good idea to take a picture at this point so you can have visual aid of what the head looks like before attempting to fix it.

Clean every piece that you are able to clean, while also taking note of the condition of the pieces within the head. If they look like they need to be replaced, then they probably do, as this could contribute to the issue. Or, you could purchase another shower head to minimize your troubles and save yourself time.

Cleaning every piece can often be the most important part of fixing a loose shower head. You can use a brush to clean grime and a toothpick to open the spray holes. It may also be a good idea to soak the entire head in vinegar to give it a thorough cleansing.

Once all this has been done and all the pieces put back in their proper place (refer to your picture if need be), simply screw the shower head back on. With the interior clean, the shower head should work as smoothly as it did when it was first purchased.

If you followed these steps and still need help, don’t fret. TalkLocal is here to help! TalkLocal is a free service that will connect you with top-quality, reputable plumbing companies in your neighborhood within minutes. Just enter in your specific problem, location and availability, and up to three companies will call YOU directly, saving you the time and stress of finding one yourself.

Posted in Plumbers | 1 Comment »

Stop Being Allergic to Dogs

Thursday, November 29th, 2012

Even the most avid dog lovers are sometimes unfortunately allergic to dogs. While it usually is not possible for you to stop being allergic to dogs, there are a variety of actions you can take to mitigate your allergic reactions to your pets. It’s all about minimizing the amount of allergens in the air, so don’t despair, you can still get a dog!

Visit your allergist

One of the most important first steps you can take is to talk to your allergist so they can help you fight your allergies. If you have an allergic reaction, they may offer anti-histamine therapy or even immunotherapy allergy shots, depending on the type and severity of the allergic reaction. Your allergist will be your best resource on minimizing your allergic reactions to your pets.

Allergen control around the house

Make sure you regularly clean or replace your air filters, as pet dander and fur will clog up filters extremely quickly and make them ineffective. Having clean air filters will help remove additional pet allergens from the air. Likewise, remove as much carpeting as possible since it traps pet allergens extremely easily. You may also want to consider vacuuming more often around the house in order to remove as many allergens as possible.

Pet grooming

Take your dog outdoors and thoroughly brush your dog down, as it will minimize the amount of dust and dander within the house. This becomes increasingly important when shedding season comes around, so be sure to do it regularly outside your home.

Regular rinsing of all the bedding your dog lays on, as well as the dog, will reduce the amount of allergens floating in your home. You can also wash your walls and floors with soap and water as well to reduce the dander that may have accumulated on the surfaces.

Choose the right dog

There are dogs bred to be hypoallergenic, shed less, produce less dander, etc. Do your research on these types of dogs to try to find the one that works best for you and your family.

Don’t let a dog allergy keep you from owning a dog if you’re really passionate about them! It may be a lot of work, but as any allergic pet lover can tell you, the rewards far outweigh the work. You may also want to talk with a veterinarian as well. TalkLocal can instantly connect you with high quality local veterinarians advise you on how best to live with your allergies.

Posted in Veterinarians | No Comments »

Ways to Get Rid of Fruit Flies

Thursday, November 29th, 2012

Fruit flies don’t just happen. Chances are that you left out something, and that “something” has created an environment in which fruit flies can thrive. Fruit flies are small, but they come in large quantity — the sooner you take measures to stop them, the more effective will the treatment will be. This guide includes many ways to get rid of fruit flies.

What to Do

The most obvious, yet most effective, way to get rid of fruit flies is to get rid of exposed food — after each meal, put everything in the fridge or seal everything air tightly. Needless to say, flies will fly away and look for a new place to move if they don’t have a food source. Empty your trash can often to avoid flies getting there, too.

Wait a couple days to a week in order to see significant improvements. If you find that that there are still flies in your house, find the area in which they hang around the most — just keep a track of the particular places in which the flies bother you the most.

Backtrack to the locations and identify the problem — why would the fruit flies be hanging around there as opposed to other places around your house? Is there a rotten fruit between the gaps between the furniture? Something under the sofa? A trash can that needs to be taken out? Identify and fix the problem.

There is another easy and effective method you can use to move the flies out of your home, as well as limiting the supply of available food to the flies: place an appealing “bait” away from your home (outside the door).

This way, fruit flies will spot the fruit outside your house in the open but will have trouble finding food inside since you have limited their access to a food source. That means that the flies will move outside and take up nest outdoors — away from your home.

Gradually move the bait further and further away from your house until you feel as that you are safe from all the flies – in which case you will stop feeding the flies and leave them out for good. Although this is not a quick fix, it is effective.

Additional Help

You may find that you want to consult a professional on ways to get rid of fruit flies. TalkLocal can help with finding the correct local experts in this case, saving you time and energy in what may be a stressful situation.

Posted in Pest Control | No Comments »

How Often Should I Water Plants

Thursday, November 29th, 2012

You have beautiful plants on the inside and outside of your house, and you’re wondering how often should you water plants. There are many factors that come into play when deciding. These factors include the type of plant, the climate, and whether or not the plant is an indoor or outdoor plant. Figuring out how often you should water plants can be confusing, but this article is here to shed some light on the situation and help point you in the right direction.

Indoor plants

Indoor plants require special care. Just because they are protected from the inclement and harsh weather does not mean they are fragile when it comes to receiving the appropriate amount of water.

Here are a few tips and tricks:

– Indoor plants with large leaves and those with thin leaves, along with plants that have a lot of surface roots will require more frequent water supplies than other plants.

– If the plant is in a location that is either hot or dry, more water is needed to satisfy the plant.

– Check with the type of soil you are using. Different soil types have different absorption rates and capacities and this could make a big difference in the amount of water you need.

– When you place a large plant inside of a small pot, it will need more water because there is less soil surrounding it. Also, add more water if the plant is in a clay pot compared to a plastic container because in the clay pot, the water evaporates quicker.

– The color of the soil is a great indicator to tell if the plant needs more or less water. If the soil is losing its dark brown/black color, the plant needs more water.

Outdoor plants

When it comes to outdoor plants and flowers, the situation can be a bit tricky. The rule is usually to water the plants and flowers twice a day (or at the minimum, once). Avoid watering during the very heat of the day. Stick with early morning and later in the afternoon.

Additional help

Still need help with your plants or planting new ones? Check out TalkLocal. You will be connected directly to local, high quality professional that can help you with any landscaping needs at the time that is most convenient for your schedule. Try it out!

Posted in Landscapers | No Comments »

Replacing Catalytic Converter

Thursday, November 29th, 2012

A catalytic converter is the device that controls vehicle emissions. It converts the toxic byproducts of combustions in the exhaust of an internal combustion engine. It turns these byproducts into less toxic substances through chemical reaction. Sometimes your catalytic converter will break down and you may need to replace it; this is something you can try to do on your own. Read on for instructions for replacing a catalytic converter.

The first thing you need to do is probably the most difficult. The catalytic converter sits midway on the bottom of the car. Because of this you need to lift the entire car up. Lifting only one end will not be helpful because you need to be able to get underneath and do work. You can use a ramp to get the car up in the right position.

You will need to be patient when you are doing work on your car. The bolts attaching the catalytic converter are hard to remove because they are placed awkwardly and have an unusual size. Use both a drill and wrench to remove them. You should buy new bolts, nuts, and seals if you are replacing your catalytic converter because the old ones may break when you are removing them.

Before removing the catalytic converter, find out the exact model and buy a new converter in exactly the same specifications. If you buy a generic model, you will have to weld it to the car. If you buy specified one, you can use the installation bolts that come with it.

Remove the 02 sensor before unbolting the catalytic converter. Remove the pipe connecting it to the sensor. Replace the device with the new one by bolting it directly in the place of the old one. Reattach all the pipes and sensors you removed and your new catalytic converter should work perfectly.

Continuing Problems

If you have problems with your catalytic converter you should seek professional help. Use TalkLocal to be put in contact with reliable local auto repair businesses. You don’t have to do any work! Simply input your problem and availability and within minutes you should be connected to someone who can help you out.

Posted in Auto Repair | No Comments »

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