This is a short Youtube video on how to merge mp3 files.  I have found this to be very useful for merging audio books.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sayhk5aCsGI[/youtube]

In this video post, I demonstrate how to download a Youtube video and convert it to various audio formats to play through iTunes.

Nowadays, free software has become more popular due to the economy.  I personally use freeware because I do not have a bunch of money to spend on software.  There are always free alternatives to any paid program out there.  I also use freeware to burn my movies, music, or pictures.  I have used some of the more popular products such as Nero and after the free trial; I decided not to spend a ton of money for it.  I have found some good freeware programs that do what I need it to do without having to pay any money.  Here are my top three free burning programs.

• Ashampoo Burning Studio

This is by far my favorite burning software.  I never had a movie refuse to play even in old DVD players, and the music CD has always played and never skipped.  Ashampoo Burning Studio has the ability to burn files or data on CD’s, DVD’s, and Blu-ray discs.  This program can also burn audio discs from various audio formats to include WAV, MP3, FLAC, WMA, and Ogg Vorbis.  Ashampoo can also copy DVD’s or CD’s erase CD-RW’s and DVD-RW’s, and burn images.  One of the best features of Ashampoo is the ability to backup important data.  Creating backups of important files can be a tedious task without an external hard drive.  The backup feature in Ashampoo will create and compress data to use the least amount of discs possible.  Ashampoo Burning Studio can be installed on Windows Vista, XP and 2000.

• Burnaware Free Edition

I use to be an avid user of Burnaware until I discovered Ashampoo Burning Studio.  Burnaware has similar features when compared to Ashampoo.  It can burn files on CD’s, DVD’s, and Blu-ray discs, create boot disc images, and copy DVD’s and CD’s.  One of the biggest problems I ran into with Burnaware was that sometimes the discs would not play in a DVD player or CD player.  It had problems with various file formats too.  Burnaware can be installed on any version of Windows.

• Deep Burner

Deep Burner was one of the first free programs I used to burn any of my files.  Deep Burner had many problems burning various music formats and it does not have Blu-ray support. If you are looking for your basic burner with not a lot of features then Deep Burner is the way to go.  Here are the features of Deep Burner, all the information came directly from the Deep Burner Website.

• You can easily create and burn regular data CDs/DVDs
• AudioCD recording functionality is included
• Direct disk-to-disk copying is a cinch*
• Quickly build and burn ISO Images
• Burning Video DVDs is no problem*
• Create awesome, personalized photo CD/DVD albums*
• Rest assured with the full-featured backup utility*
• CD/DVD burning from the command line for you pro’s*
• Drive and media information utility included*
• Supports IDE/EIDE, USB, SCSI, and Fire Wire CD/DVD writers
• Overburn function
• Buffer underrun technology “Burn-Proof”
• DAO, SAO and TAO Writing methods support
• Support for CD-R / CD-RW / DVD-R / DVD+R / DVD-RW / DVD+RW / DVD-RAM
• Create Multi-session CDs
• Bootable CD/DVD support
• Dynamically adjustable drive buffer size
• High Performance File/Disc Caching
• Supports Long File Name (Joliet) File Systems
• Creates ISO (100% DOS/Windows) compatible data CDs/DVDs
• Supports multiple simultaneous recorders
• Easy to use wizards help you create any type of burning project
• The Autorun Wizard makes it easy to create effective autoruns for your CDs
• You can even easily make your own cover, booklet or case insert
• Multi-language interface, of course

All the programs above will suite any users need.  I have used all these programs and have found use with each one.  Ashampoo is the program that I use for all my burning purposes because of the features and ease of use.  The main thing is that all these programs are easy to use and most importantly, they are free.

If you have managed to do any research on auto navigation systems, you have come across countless nifty features that these devices have in common.  While not all devices utilize the very same technology, it is great to know that cell phones today in addition to handheld auto navigation systems are utilizing technology that makes travel and locating lost children, pets, and other loved ones a little bit easier to manage in today’s hectic world.

The technology that drives GPS can improve our lives at home and while we travel.  Below you will find some great ways that this technology helps improve your overall travel experience.

1. Trip Planning.

Not only are auto navigation systems great to have while on your trip, they are also quite useful when planning your trip.  You will not have to listen to endless whining about whether we are there yet or how much farther.  Your children can listen along with you as you plan your trip and find out fascinating places to stop, view scenery, and get some great chow along the way.  You can also find out about shopping, shows, and other points of interest en route as well.  Finding something for everyone keeps the entire family happy on your trip.

2. Finding restaurants, theatres, and nearby malls.

This is very important not only when traveling to your destination but also once, you have arrived.  Many of the nicer auto navigation systems on the market today are able to sort restaurants that are nearby.  These systems are much more than simple software that is designed for the sole purpose of giving directions.  They are fully functional navigational tools.  Some of them even have entertainment features, which will allow them to be used as eBook readers and/or MP3 players.

3. Keeping tabs of family in crowded situations.

Even in the mall, you can have family members going off in different locations and still keep track of them.  This is also true at graduation ceremonies and other events, which may call for family members spreading out over a large amount of space leaving some out of sight at times.

4. Security when away from home.

The idea of being away from home, particularly with teens can be very frightening.  We want them to be independent and at the same time, we do not want to let them out of our sight.  Having a cell phone that allows GPS tracking of your teen is a great way to have the best of both worlds.  You can keep a watchful eye on where they are without having them in your direct line of sight.  This allows them the freedom to pursue their own interests and you the security of watching that happen.

5. Tracking important items while traveling.

This may not seem like such a big deal until you have dealt with lost luggage a time or two.  The truth is that this is a huge load off the minds of many, particularly when it comes to laptops and electronic devices that have important information.

If you have not considered these reasons for purchasing an auto navigation system or making use of the many options for safety and security that GPS Technology allows in your life, it is time to give these things some serious thoughts.  Our children are the most important thing in the world we can protect and it is well worth the minimal investment in the software required to assist in keeping them safe.