Academic Superstore

Top 18 Things you Don't Want to Forget to Bring to College

2009-08-20T10:10:00.007-05:00

1. Cleaning supplies – Multipurpose cleaner and easy-to-use products like hand vacs and Swiffer sweepers are key. You’ll be surprised how quickly your dorm floor gets dirty. Also, bring extra laundry detergent. It’s more expensive than you think—take advantage of your parents buying it for you now.

2. iPod docking station – Perfect for dorm rooms. And you and your roommate can alternate your iPods.

3. Ethernet cable, extension chords and power strips – No matter how many outlets you have, it won’t be enough. And where you want to put your TV is almost always on the direct opposite side of the room where the outlet is.

4. Quarters – You’ll be surprised how glad you are to have a quarter collection come laundry day. Plus, some college dorms don’t give you change without requiring a purchase.

5. GPS – If you’re moving to a new city, you don’t want to have to rely on Mapquest or Google Maps to get everywhere. Let’s face it—sites like this often get you quite turned around.

6. Ear plugs – I can’t tell you how vital ear plugs are. Whether it’s nap time and your neighbors are hammering nails or it’s a Tuesday night and there’s a party next door, you’re guaranteed to need them.

7. Digital camera – You’re going to have a lot of great memories in college so it’s important to document them with a camera. Also, I recommend one of the new Olympus waterproof digital cameras. Whether it ends up in the toilet bowl or the punch bowl, you’ll be glad it’s waterproof.

8. Duct Tape – So underrated. From covering up chords to hanging posters on the wall—you’ll need it.

9. Personal information – Your car and health insurance paperwork, Social Security card, Passport, AAA card, checkbook, etc. College was the first time I realized how much I needed a checkbook. They’re expensive, too, so have your parents get them for you before you leave.

10. Tools – I thought a tool kit was the lamest graduation gift EVER, but I can’t tell you how many times my roommates came running to me for a screwdriver or hammer.

11. Dorm vault and laptop safe – Unfortunately, college dorms are notorious for theft, especially if you have suite mates or unlocked doors. Keep your valuables locked up at all times—it’s a pain, but you’ll be thankful later.

12. Can opener – This is definitely one of those things that completely slipped my mind. You’ll be sorry when you’re on your last can of soup with no opener.

13. Printer paper – When you’re late for class and haven’t printed out that paper you finished at 3 a.m., you’re going to be glad you have extra printer paper. But don’t bring too much. You won’t have room and you won’t use as much as your family does at home.

14. Anti-virus and security – Your computer is even more susceptible to viruses and hackers when using insecure networks that are on most campuses. You’ll realize why you did it when your roommate’s computer crashes right before finals and you’re good to go.

15. Umbrella – It’s easy to forget if you’re packing during a summer drought, but you never want to be that person who shows up soaking wet to a freezing auditorium for class.

16. Vitamins – Just in case you’re not getting them all in your new college diet. Also, yet another one of those items that a college student doesn’t have room for in their budget.

17. Stapler – I recommend the small, portable kind. You’ll be surprised how many weird professors dock heavy points for missing staples.

18. Voice recorder – One of the easiest ways to take notes in class. You won’t miss a beat or have to worry about writer’s cramp.

5 Ways to Cut Corners on a College Budget

2009-08-12T12:44:00.011-05:00

Whether you’re heading off to college for the first time or taking a victory lap, we’ve got some great tips for living on a budget that you probably haven’t thought of before.

Free Stuff
Everyone wants freebies and these days it feels like everyone's giving them out. But how do you know if it’s just a scam or if it’s a legit freebie? Check out these tips to avoid spam and get the free goods!

Online Grocery Guide
Have you ever been standing in the grocery store aisle, deciding whether or not to buy a product, and wished you knew if you could get it cheaper at another store? With this grocery guide, you can search businesses in your area and get a comprehensive list of products and their costs compared to other local businesses. It even allows you to send the list to your phone so you can use it on the go. Still not cheap enough? You can also search coupons for the product you’re looking for.

Love that Ramen!
Nothing says college student like Ramen noodles. But if you get burned out on plain old Chicken and Beef flavored soup, check out these dirt cheap Ramen recipes for everything from Chicken Diablo Ramen to Three-Bean Ramen Salad. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can try out one of these unique recipes, like Chocolate Ramen Cake!

Keep a budget
Of course, the best way to pinch your pennies is to keep a budget. But this is often difficult for college students who are just now having to start thinking about where their money is going. In order to make things easier, you can check out this college budget worksheet to keep track of your money and figure out how you can improve your spending habits in the future. The best way to do this, though, is to go paperless with an easy-to-use program like QuickBooks or Quicken.

You gotta save to spend!
After you figure out how much you should be spending per month, the only way you can increase that number without putting yourself into debt is to earn more money than you spend. This may seem really simple, but how can you earn some quick and easy cash? Check out this ultimate list of how to save money in college or if you want to earn a few extra bucks, here's a list of 31 ideas to start with!

Different Offices, One Team!

2009-08-11T10:53:00.025-05:00

Every year we have a summer party here at Academic Superstore before the busy Back to School season begins. This year's party was given the "One Team" theme to emphasize the unity of our "team," despite being in different offices.

I sat down with Kelly Garrott, the marketing coordinator for Journey Education Marketing, to get the inside scoop on this year's party...

What went on at this year’s party?
Kelly: During the party we had a potluck BBQ. The company provided the hot dogs and hamburgers and then each employee was asked to bring in their favorite side dish. Throughout the day we had different contests, including a root beer chugging contest and a pie eating contest! But the main event was the Picture Contest where each office was asked to submit a team picture with the theme of "One Team." The pictures were judged and the winning office received a catered lunch.

How was this year’s party different from other years?
Kelly: This is the first year that we have had a "One Team" party. In previous years we have had different themed parties to rev company spirit during busy times.

Why do you have the party during the summer?
Kelly: The party was done during the summer to amp people up before our busy season, "Back To School."

Explain a little bit about “One Team” and the idea behind the name.
Kelly: This year we had a "One Team" Party in order to show the unity between different offices. We used to only have an Austin office, but now we have offices in Fargo and Dallas, as well. The idea behind the party was to get everyone connected and working together.

What was the most memorable moment from this year’s party?
Kelly: The most memorable moment of this year's party was the picture contest. We took two different pictures outside in the middle of the afternoon during Texas heat. It was nice to see us working together even though it was incredibly hot. It really made me proud that everyone hung in there until we got the perfect shot. Even though our office didn't win, we had a great time and were really proud of the way our picture turned out. It is nice to work for a company where everyone has such a great team spirit.

And the winners are...

Dallas and Fargo!

How to spend the last few days of summer break

2009-07-31T06:00:00.001-05:00

The lazy days of sleeping-in, laying out by the pool and hot summer nights are coming to an end. Whether you're excited or dreading getting back into your regular routine, proper preparations should be made.

Here are some basic tips to help students and parents get a jump start on the fall:

1. Check your mail, e-mail and/or school websites for information periodically. These may include change in timings, bus routes, schedule/class assignments, etc.
2. Go shopping for new clothes. Set a proper budget and choose clothing that expresses you (or your kids) as individuals but is appropriate for school and your climate.
3. Call up friends. Talking about upcoming events and issues can help to relieve anxiety and verify information.
4. Go shopping for supplies. Make a supply list or use the one you're given and stick to it. If not, try to stay near the necessary things such as backpacks, laptops, printers, software, storage media, and of course, basics like calculators, binders, notebooks, pencils, etc.
5. Get onto a better schedule. Chances are, you or your kids have begun to sleep in over the summer, which is perfectly fine. However, it is now time to get back on track. Each day, go to bed/wake up one hour earlier. Stop when you have reached your normal timings. If you have trouble falling asleep, read a book or take a warm shower. For trouble on waking up, set multiple alarms.
6. Do some meditation or yoga. School is important, but not worth your health.

7. Get on campus and track down your classroom(s). This will help ease stress on the first day.
8. Clean out things from last year. You might need storage space for extra items

9. Wrap up the summer. Read up on courses that you are taking this year. Make a plan of how you will utilize your time wisely and do well.
10. Get some exercise. Play out in the sun. When school starts, you may or may not be able to do so due to weather or time restrictions.
11. Relax. Have a quiet, relaxing night to yourself. Take a bubble bath, give your self a manicure, whatever you do, just focus on relaxing.
12. Get some sleep. Make sure to get at least eight hours of sleep the night before schools starts.
13. Take a shower or bath in the morning. You'll feel more energized and be more pleasant to be around.
14. Brush your teeth. If you didn't floss your teeth the night before, do so now. Nobody wants to talk to a person who has bad breath!
15. Wash your face. Remember to put on moisturizer, as well. You'll look happier, feel more energized and you're preventing future break-outs and infections.
16. Dress to impress. If your school allows you to wear home clothing, wear the clothing that works for you. Wear your style and what makes you feel comfortable and confident.
17. Get ready for school - your backpack, your lunch and other things. It helps to make a list on a white board in your room, or a note on your desk at night. Before leaving, look at it, and make sure you have everything.
18. Eat a good breakfast. It must be a well-balanced and healthy one so that you can stay energized all the way until lunchtime. Toast or cereal and a piece of fruit is quick, easy and nutritious. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. You need it because you will perform worse in school if you were to skip it.

Original Content from WikiHow.com

10 questions to ask when you choose a music notation program

2009-07-30T06:00:00.001-05:00

By Laura B. Whitmore

Here are some suggestions to help you select the product that’s perfect for you.

What are your needs?
It’s important to know how complex your notation tasks will be before you can figure out which program to choose.

How many staves does the program allow?
Just about every program out there can allow you to create a simple lead sheet, but multi-stave orchestrations are another matter. For example, in a top-level program like Finale 2010 you can have unlimited staves. However, when you move to something like Finale Songwriter, it allows a maximum of 8 staves.

What are your input options?
You can link a controller to your computer and play the music in, scan in pre-printed music, input the notes using your computer keyboard or even use a keyboard or fretboard screen on your computer to “play” in the notes. You can even import a MIDI file and it will appear as notation. So think about how you like to get your scores into the program and how much flexibility in this area is important to you.

How easy is it to add marks, lyrics and other instructions?
A good notation program makes it easy to add things like dynamics, codas and other performance instructions, and helps keep those items together with the notes and measures that you intend them to relate to. For example, Sibelius 6 has a new feature called magnetic layout that not only connects these items to the right notes and measures, but also makes sure they appear properly without crowding or overlap.

Appearance matters!
Top end programs offer more flexibility and features in this area so your frustrations with getting your notation to look perfect are eliminated.

How quickly does your program update the changes you’ve input?
If you ask a program to do something like transpose a horn part or an entire orchestra score, consider how long that might take. Top-level programs like Sibelius excel at updating your requests in the blink of an eye!

How does your notation program sound?
This might seem like an odd question, but today’s notation programs come with amazing sounds built in so that you can play back your compositions and hear how they sound. For example, Finale 2010 comes with over 300 sounds created by the makers of the Garritan Orchestra samples. Lower end versions come with less sounds of lower quality. And programs like Sibelius and Finale allow you to create an audio file or burn a CD of your score as well.

Can you extract parts?
If you’re writing for a band or orchestra, you can create your whole score and then automatically pull out the part for each instrument. Or play back just that part of the score. More flexibility here saves you time and aggravation.

Are options like guitar tab and lyrics manipulation important to you?
There are software programs out there that are focused on notating for the guitar. Both Sibelius 6 and Finale 2010 offer top-notch flexibility that allows you to write in guitar tab and add chord fingering charts.

What other enhanced features would make your life easier?
Sibelius 6 offers new features for teachers like the ability to control students’ satellite programs in a lab, the ability to track and see all changes in the file and include “sticky” notes comments. Finale enables you to convert your notation files to SmartMusic accompaniments or enter notes by playing a brass or woodwind instrument using its MicNotator® feature.

Today’s notation products bring a huge amount of power and flexibility to your computer, so don’t be afraid to jump in!

Everything you need to know about QuarkXpress 8

2009-07-29T06:00:00.001-05:00

With these helpful tips from QuarkXpress, you can learn about what's new and get the most out of your software!

This classic user guide to QuarkXpress 8 is an interactive, easy-to-read manual which will give you the competitive edge you'll need.

And if you're already familiar with QuarkXpress, check out what's new with QuarkXpress 8. The new features give you the ability to work faster and more efficiently.

Calling All Teachers!

This Teacher Resource Guide has everything you need to get you and your students up-to-speed with QuarkXPress.

The Guide is applicable for students learning the software for the first time as well as experienced QuarkXPress users. It is available for both Mac and PC users in a single, downloadable file.

The Guide contains a sample syllabus, 14 training modules, and an outline for deploying the modules in a classroom environment. The syllabus includes a capstone project for students to develop as part of the course, with class-time suggestions, and a sample grading scale.

The training modules are designed with standard system fonts, so it is easy to deploy in your class as well as for take-home work. You can teach the software from start to finish, or you can pick and choose individual modules that complement your class.

For New to Advanced Students

Anyone brand new to page layout or QuarkXPress should start with module one — QuarkXPress Basics — and get up to speed quickly with the essential elements of working in QuarkXPress, from creating a new project to collecting for output. To prepare your students with basic skills for the creative job market, you will want to cover core modules in Text and Typography, Page Elements, Transparency and Drop Shadows, and PDF Output.

You can also explore more advanced topics such as Job Jackets and Shared Content to broaden your students’ skills in work-flow and collaborative design.

Back to School Bundles You Can't Turn Down

2009-07-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

For a limited time, you can save up to $670.04 - or 70% - on the QuarkXPress 8 and VisTablet Back to School Education Bundle!

QuarkXPress 8 allows you to:
- Work faster and design more in fewer clicks
- Design across media—share high-fidelity print content across the Web and in Flash format without learning code
- Control text alignment with a designer’s eye
- Work easily with Illustrator and create illustrations directly in QuarkXPress easily without it
- Open and print a QuarkXPress 8 project created anywhere in the world

QuarkXPress 8 equips all designers with the expertise, confidence, adventure and control needed to perfect all of their projects.

VisTablet is the new standard in graphics tablets! With a 12.1" widescreen tracing surface, 29 customizable macro fields and an incredibly slim design, this highly affordable tablet is optimized for Windows Vista's advanced tablet capabilities and compatible with Apple's OSX and Windows XP/2000.

The combination of both of these products in one bundle at a 70% DISCOUNT is a deal you definitely don't want to miss!

Check out this unbeatable bargain and many other specials from Academic Superstore right here!

Tips and Tricks for Vegas Pro Users

2009-07-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

If you're an avid user of Sony Creative Vegas Pro software, take a look at these excellent Top Ten Tips for efficiency in Vegas Pro!

1. Prepare in advance.
Create intros, "outros," theme music, and templates before you go. A well-produced intro sets the tone for a video; don't spend hours doing that on-site.

2. Use Sony Cinescore software for "instant soundtracks."
Nothing helps make a video more professional than a good soundtrack, and Sony Cinescore software delivers. However, rather than using Cinescore "hints" to control how the soundtrack unfolds, I prefer to generate 15 to 20 minutes of music for a 5 to 10 minute video, then rearrange (cut and paste) different sections within Vegas Pro software.

3. After transferring clips and stills to your hard drive, label them.
"Clip1.avi" doesn't mean much, so take a few minutes to give all your data descriptive names. You'll save time overall.

4. Don't bring an audio interface—USB mics are great.
It's a good idea to record the narration first, then lay in video to match the audio. However, not all USB mics work well for narration.

5. Bounce while eating, render when showering.
Do something else while your computer is tied up. For example, at hotels I start bouncing a one-hour tape over to the hard drive, then go to dinner—which typically takes just under an hour. Rendering while showering also saves time.

6. Create a test video using all the gear you'll take on the road.
This verifies that everything works, and when it's time to pack up, you won't forget anything—simply bring the gear you used to make the video.

7. Install both 64- and 32-bit versions of Vegas with 64-bit computers.
64-bit computing is in its infancy; install Vegas 32-bit also in case you have problems.

8. Take still shots to cover rough edit points.
Rather than trying to fix tough edits—for example, if someone walked in front of the camera—take lots of still shots. Drop them in, then add some zoom and pan to give action.

9. Use Sony Sound Forge software to clean up audio tracks.
Sound Forge software can solve audio problems fast, thanks to tools like noise reduction. Also, if there are level variations with narration, you don't have to draw gain envelopes in Vegas Pro software—use the Sound Forge Wave Hammer processor to even out the dynamic range.

10. Exploit the Vegas Pro "Paste Event Attributes" command.
Often, several pieces of video or stills will need the same processing—for example, video clips that were shot in a room with low light, where all the clips require brightness and contrast adjustments. Get one clip right (before you do any pan, zoom, or other actions specific to that clip), copy it, then right-click on each of the other clips and select "Paste Event Attributes." This transfers all your settings to the clip.

Original Content By Craig Anderton

Sizzling summer savings that can't be beat

2009-07-21T06:00:00.004-05:00

For a Limited-Time Only - get all FileMaker 10 products for 40% off the already reduced price from Academic Superstore!

Right now - SAVE -$1,214.05 on FileMaker Server 10.0 Advanced!

Maximize your database sharing capabilities with FileMaker Server 10 Advanced.

Including:
- All the features in FileMaker Server 10 plus Instant Web Publishing capabilities
- ODBC/JDBC connectivity
- Higher FileMaker Pro connection limits

SAVE -$399.05 on FileMaker Server 10.0!
The fast, reliable, easy-to-manage database server software for groups of FileMaker Pro users that lets you securely share your databases over a network or on the web.

SAVE -$199.05 on FileMaker Pro 10.0 Advanced!
FileMaker Pro 10 Advanced includes all the features of FileMaker Pro 10 plus a suite of advanced development and customization tools.

With FileMaker Pro 10 Advanced you can:
- Design and develop databases faster and easier
- Debug and troubleshoot more efficiently
- Modify and maintain with ease

For a Limited-Time SAVE -$114.05 on FileMaker Pro 10.0!
FileMaker Pro 10 is the leading easy-to-use database software that helps you manage people, projects, assets and more. Whether you need to manage client information, track project details, or produce inventory reports, FileMaker Pro 10 helps get your important information organized so it’s instantly accessible.

With FileMaker Pro 10 helps you to:
- Get started quickly
- Report easily
- Share in only a few clicks
...and is full of several new features!

Plus, with every FileMaker 10 product you purchase, you'll receive the FileMaker Graphics Pack for FREE! With the Graphics Pack, your databases will look more polished than ever with a set of over 1,000 professionally designed icons and buttons - all FREE with purchase and registration! You'll be able to get up and running quickly, build databases like a pro, and save time but not having to search the Web for graphics!

Getting your FileMaker Graphics Pack is as easy as 1-2-3!
1. Buy an FileMaker 10 Product between July 1 and September 18.
2. Register your qualified product by September 24 using the in-product registration links.
3. You'll receive a confirmation e-mail after registering. Click on the link in the e-mail to download the FileMaker Graphics Pack.

But don't wait! This special offer ends September 18 and you must register your products by September 24.

Introducing the Jump Start Travel Charger - in Hot New Colors!

2009-07-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

Check out these stylish, yet practical Jump Start Travel Chargers from Mizco!

These portable power products are engineered for today's lifestyles and recharge:

- MOBILE PHONES
- PDAs
- DIGITAL CAMERAS
- MP3
- MP4
- GPS

Just as you rely on batteries for your personal electronic devices, your batteries rely on chargers. These travel chargers ensure that you will always be able to make that cell phone call. The high-performance support features the highest-quality components and leading-edge technology to rapidly charge, while preventing over-charging. Take this travel charger wherever you go and get an additional benefit - peace of mind.

These sleek and stylish travel chargers are also:
- Convenient
- Portable
- Fun to use
- Easy to carry
- Take it anywhere
- Use it anywhere
- Stays charged for one year

27 Money Tips for College Students

2009-07-17T06:00:00.001-05:00

School’s almost back in session, and with it comes life-lessons in money management for students. But personal finance can be easy, even if you’re just starting out. You just have to know how it works.

Money Management

- Join a credit union. Don’t just sign up for a random bank giving away t-shirts or frisbees at registration.
- Don’t get a credit card unless you absolutely need one.
- Avoid non-academic debt.
- Save and then splurge. If you you just have to have something, wait until you can pay cash.
- Pay your bills on time.

Organization and Planning

- Track your spending. Good records will prevent you from getting overdrawn at the bank or charging more than your credit limit. This habit also allows you to detect spending patterns.
- Make a budget. At the start of the month, estimate how much money you’ll receive and decide where needs to go.
- Save your receipts. You’ll need to be able to compare them with statements at the end of the month. And some you’ll need to keep for several years.
- Guard your vital stats. Don’t give out your social security number or your credit card info except to known and trusted sources.

Campus Life

- Buy used textbooks. You’re just going to sell them back at the end of the term.
- Skip spring break. Forget the long road trips. You can have a lot of fun for cheap close to campus.
- Live without a car. Cars are expensive: gas, maintenance, insurance, registration, parking.
- Don’t hang out with big spenders.
- Take advantage of campus activities. Get the most from your student ID!

Personal Life

- Go to class. What you learn and do now will have a profound impact on the rest of your life.
- Get involved. It will help you build skills and form social networks that will last a lifetime.
- Stay active. A healthy body costs far less to maintain than an unhealthy body. You don’t have to do much to avoid gaining weight in college.
- Eat healthy. It’s possible to eat well on a small budget if you know what you’re doing.
- Limit vices. Alcohol and cigerettes are expensive. They are also bad for your body and mind.
- Learn the art of the Cheap Date:
o Take advantage of mother nature
o Go for coffee
o Use CitySearch to track down cheap food and activities
o Attend campus events
- Have fun! Your college years will be some of the best of your life. Make the most of them.

Decision Making

- Make smart choices. Decide what’s important to you, and pursue that. Remember to leave time for yourself.
- Don’t buy on impulse. When you want to buy something, ask yourself “Do I need it?”

Making Money

- Spend less than you earn. Don’t earn much? Then don’t spend much.
- Be an outstanding employee. Good work habits can pay enormous dividends, leading to recommendations and contacts that you can use after you’re out of school.
- Start your own business. Charge cheap rates and exceed expectations. Word will spread. When you’ve built up a customer base, you can raise your rates a little.
- Learn to invest. Find a discount broker and begin making regular investments.

Original Content from Get Rich Slowly

How to choose an audio interface

2009-07-16T06:00:00.005-05:00

By Laura B. Whitmore

At some point, you have probably thought about doing some recording using your computer or laptop. If you've finally decided to jump in, then you probably need an audio interface. An audio interface's purpose is simply this; it helps you bring audio signals into your computer. Here are some of the things you need to think about when choosing the best interface for you.

In or out of the box?
Most audio interfaces are external devices that you can connect to your computer using a high speed USB or Firewire connection. However you can actually install an audio interface into your computer using an interface card. You’ll have to open up your computer and use one of your card slots.

Connection options
It’s important to know what kind of ports your computer has available for connecting your interface. Your choices are: USB 1.1 – if you have a computer that is over four years old or so, you might have this port. USB 2.0—the faster, newer version of USB, has been a standard port for more recent computer models. And finally Firewire – fast and widely available on newer Macs.

The ins and outs
Think about what are you going to plug into your interface and how many you’ll plug in at once. If you are recording multiple instruments at once, you’ll want more ins. And don’t forget about outs! Use these to connect your computer to some great sounding monitors, a PA or even your stereo. The important thing is to plan ahead and get what you think you’ll need up front.

Sample rate
When you convert audio through an interface, it does the conversion at a particular sample rate. The standard sampling rate is 44.1 kHz, the same resolution that is used for audio CDs. However, if you are working in a high-end recording situation, you might want to consider a higher rate like 192 kHz resolution and a more high-end interface.

Microphone essentials
All microphones require their signal to be boosted so that the levels are hot enough for recording. If your interface has a microphone in, it will have some pre-amplification for this purpose, but if you prefer to use a condenser mic, you’ll want an interface that also has phantom power. This is not included in all interfaces, so you’ll have to look for it.

Software choices
Check to make sure that the interface you choose is compatible with the software you are using for recording. For example, Digidesign’s Pro Tools will only work with a Digidesign or M-Audio interface, depending on which version you are using. Also, some interfaces come with recording software, so read the fine print!

Check Out this Hot Tip in Adobe Software!

2009-07-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

Learn how to create rollover images in Adobe Dreamweaver!

What is a rollover image?
- A rollover increases the interactivity between the user and the page and physically involves the user "rolling the mouse cursor over the button," which causes the button to react visually.

So how can I create a rollover in Adobe Dreamweaver?
- First, choose two separate images with the same height and weight that you would like to use for your web page.
- Next, place the cursor of the mouse where you want to insert your rollover image.
- Click on "Rollover Image" on the "Insert" pallet line or choose Insert --> Interactive Images --> Rollover Image
- In the window that pops up, in the text field "Image Name," write the image name (but be careful not to use special characters).
- Now, insert your two images.
- Click "Browse" and insert images for both the Original Image and the Rollover Image.
- In the text field "When clicked, Go to URL," you'll need to insert the URL location for your rollover image.
- For Alternative Text, use whatever text you like - but it is suggested that you use text which describes your image as much as possible, without going over 15-20 characters.
- Also, you don't have to insert Alternative Text, but it will help you get a better search ranking and will also help users using older browsers because they won't be able to see the rollover image, but only the Alternative Text.
- Finally, just click "OK!"

Click here for more helpful tips in Adobe software and don't forget to check out all the great summer deals from Academic Superstore!

And right now, you can SAVE 50% on Adobe Dreamweaver with your Academic Superstore discount!

Check out these hot summer savings on music software!

2009-07-14T06:00:00.006-05:00

For a limited-time only you can SAVE 60% on MakeMusic's latest Finale 2010 - the world standard in music notation software!

Regular Price: $600.00
Save: -$360.05
Your Price: $239.95

With Finale 2010, you can compose, arrange, notate and print the highest quality sheet music that plays back with world-class sounds. Finale continues to lead the way, helping you reach perfection faster!

You can also SAVE 58% on Sibelius 6 Educational!

Regular Price: $599.00
Save: -$350.00
Your Price: $249.00

Sibelius 6 is a giant leap forward in notation software - with amazing new features and improvements for educators, students, composers, arrangers, copyists and musicians of all kinds.

Sibelius 6 allows you to:

- Save time with magnetic layout
- Track changes and compare versions
- Conduct your scores
- Produce great new sounds quickly
- Sync with sequencers and DAWs
- Beautiful keyboard and fretboard windows
- Easy chord symbols and guitar diagrams
- Unrivaled pro-engraving
- Sell your scores around the world
...plus dozens of more new and improved features!

Looking for the best creative software for video and broadcast professionals?

2009-07-13T06:00:00.011-05:00

Look no further than Vegas Pro 9 from Sony Creative!

The Vegas Pro 9 collection integrates two powerful applications that work seamlessly together to provide an efficient and intuitive environment for creative professionals. This comprehensive suite offers the most robust and progressive platform available for content creation and production.

Vegas Pro 9 offers:

- Broad Format Support
- Superior Effects Processing
- Unparalleled Audio Support
- A Full Complement of Editorial Tools
- Powerful Blu-Ray Disc Authoring
- Interactive Tutorials

...all of which combine to streamline your work-flow and increase your efficiency!

And luckily, with the your academic savings from Academic Superstore, you can afford to have it all at one low price! Click here to see if you apply.

From acquisition to delivery, from camera to Blu-Ray disc, the Vegas Pro 9 collection delivers exactly what you need to produce outstanding results!

Money Making Tips for Teachers During the Summer

2009-07-10T06:00:00.002-05:00

Are you faced with an abundance of free time and a lack of money? If you're a full-time, part-time or substitute teacher, it's easy to get bored during the summer and find yourself with a lot less "spending money." Here are some ideas to make the most of your summer and make a little extra cash while you're at it.

Tutoring - whether in your subject area or even teaching English as a second language, tutoring is very lucrative and you can earn up to $30 + an hour in some cases.
Grade Exams - marking exams, such as AP and year end exams, is not only a good way to earn a little extra money, but also enables teachers to prepare their students for their future exams. These types of positions range anywhere from $5,000 to $12,000!
Teach Night Classes - there are many opportunities at high schools and universities to teach evening classes. And the hours are usually flexible and work with a teacher's schedule. Contact an organizer with your class proposal - organizers are always looking to add more courses to their brochures.
Teach English Overseas - if you speak English as a first language, you can teach English as a second language! This opportunity is perfect for those looking to travel and even find a better paying position in another country or just looking to relocate.

But if you're looking to try something different and get away from teaching all together, you can always try out some of these ideas:

Babysitting - great for K-5 level teachers! Although it's not as much money as tutoring, the hours may be much better for your schedule.
Summer Camp - host summer camp for a week or so over the summer and plan activities for the children. If you're a mother, this is an easy way to have fun with your kids over the summer and give your friends or neighbors a break from theirs!
Online Auctions - try selling a few items lying around your house on eBay or Craig's List. You'll be able to clean out your house and make a few bucks at the same time.
Vacation Helper - many people go on vacation during the summer and are looking for trustworthy, reliable people to water their plants, take care of their dogs, pick up their newspaper or mail, or just watch their house. This is a great opportunity for you to take advantage of your free time and make some extra money.

Original Content By Dustin Cannon, owner of JustArticles.com
Click here to read the original article

Pro Tools 8 Includes Enhanced Notation Features

2009-07-09T06:00:00.020-05:00

Original Content By Laura B. Whitmore

Back in December, Digidesign released Pro Tools 8, a new version of the industry standard recording software. Both Digidesign and Sibelius are a part of Avid Technology Inc., and if you are already familiar with Sibelius notation software, and even if you aren’t, you’ll be happy to know that Sibelius and Pro Tools have enhanced their partnership in Pro Tools 8, providing increased integration and functionality for Pro Tools’ notation features.

What does this mean to you? For starters, with Pro Tools 8 you can readily see and manipulate the notation for the recordings you are working on. You can choose either a full score window, which allows you to see your music as notation on the entire screen. Or, you can split the screen and select the part you want to see as notation. Then the notation appears at the bottom. You can zoom-in, edit, transpose, add chord symbols or just simply see what the notation for a passage looks like.

Editing features include inserting or deleting notes, lengthening notes, and much more. You can adjust the score spacing and layout, add more tracks to the score, or just zoom-in on parts. This is particularly useful for composition and arranging students who can connect the music notation to the score, see and hear changes immediately or just follow along. Then, when you’re all done, you can export the score to Sibelius for even further tweaking and finesse.

Educators find this feature useful for pulling out parts for rehearsals and changing scores to accommodate the instruments available in your school ensembles. Students can record their original compositions then create parts for their peers to play live. When you’re ready, you can print out notation directly from Pro Tools, too.

Check out these great deals on educational software:

- Save 50% on Pro Tools 8
- Or get Pro Tools 8 plus the Mbox 2 interface at an incredible price!
- Save 58% on the industry standard in notation software - Sibelius 6!

Microsoft Office Tips & Tricks

2009-07-08T06:00:00.003-05:00

Whether you're a student, parent, teacher, administrator or professional, a proficiency in Microsoft Office 2007 is becoming a necessity.

Since Microsoft releases new programs every few years, it's often hard to keep up with all the trends - so Academic Superstore is here to help!

Academic Superstore has the best deals on academic software and the total training you'll need to become an expert in Microsoft Office.

And for Mac users, check out the Make it With Microsoft book bundled with Office 2008.

If you need some extra tutorials or looking for free advice, you can find a wide array of online tips and tricks for Microsoft Office here.

Check out this tip sheet for all Microsoft Office 2007 Programs, or for more interactive tutorials, Microsoft also offers webcasts, podcasts, and video tips or you can sign up for a tip a day via e-mail!

And for all of you administrators, check out these tips and tricks for Administrative Professionals.

From Total Training to 'making it with Microsoft Office 2007,' Academic Superstore has all the resources you need to keep up with today's technology!

Get Incredible Rebates on VisTablets For a Limited Time Only!

2009-07-07T06:00:00.016-05:00

The VisTablet Graphics Tablet 12x10 is one of Academic Superstore's most popular products and now until August 1 you can cash in on a $25 rebate direct from VisTablet- on top of the almost $30 savings with your academic discount!

VisTablet is the new standard in graphics tablets. With a 12.1" wide-screen tracing surface, 29 customizable macro-fields and an incredibly slim design, this tablet is ready to become part of your creative process. VisTablet allows you to explore the internet, draw, paint, write, highlight and do professional or home photo-editing. VisTablet also opens up advanced pen features available in all the new Microsoft Office applications. Through electro-magnetic induction, information is exchanged between the pen and the tablet while your movements are translated to your computer screen.

For a limited time, you can also receive a $15 rebate on the already incredibly reasonably priced VisTablet Mini 5x7!

VisTablet is compatible with the following operating systems:
- Microsoft Windows Vista
- Microsoft Windows XP (SP 2)
- Apple OSX (10.3 and later)

Hurry and cash in on these unbelieveable Summer Specials from Academic Superstore before it's too late!

Check out the smart and affordable SolarGorilla and SolarMonkey from PowerTraveller!

2009-07-06T06:00:00.008-05:00

Imagine... you're on a safari, in the desert, trekking up a mountain, or simply on the move and your iPod, mobile phone, laptop, netbook or handheld game suddenly loses charge and goes dead.

Fortunately, with the SolarGorilla or SolarMonkey from PowerTraveller, you can re-charge your electronic devices with the power of the sun!

The SolarGorilla's 24 volt and 5 volt USB socket make it the ultimate renewable power station and is compatible with most laptops, mobile phones, iPods, PDAs, handheld game consoles and Sat Navs. And the best part - everyone is eligible for amazing discounts on this state-of-the-art, eco-friendly technology at Academic Superstore!

Or, check out the SolarMonkey which can be connected directly to your phone, iPod, PDA, PSP and more - enabling you to recharge without the need for batteries or a main power supply! The SolarMonkey package includes the Solarnut, which reserves redundant solar energy so that if a sunny day turns cloudy while you're using your SolarMonkey, charging of your device is not affected. It will regulate the supply of power to your device, meaning yet another stress-free charge courtesy of Powertraveller!

The SolarMonkey is compatible with these most popular makes of mobile phones and devices:
- Nokia & Mini Nokia
- Samsung E900
- Sony Ericsson Wide connector
- iPod connector
- DC4.0 for Sony PSP
- Motorola V66
- LG Chocolate
- Mini USB Female USB charging tip

Check out this great deal on practical and enviornmentally friendly deals today! Avoid getting stuck without power or paying too much for it - at this low price you can't afford to pass this up!

2009-07-04T06:00:00.020-05:00

Happy 4th of July from Academic Superstore!

Going to a fireworks show or setting off some of your own? Tired of wasting memory, film and time on blurry photos of fireworks? Capture the moment with these top ten tips on How to Photograph Fireworks!

And don't forget - August will be here before you know it, so get a jump start on all the incredible Summer Specials that Academic Superstore has to offer!

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday from all of us at Academic Superstore!

After You Land the Interview, How Should You Prepare For It?

2009-07-03T06:00:00.003-05:00

You've worked hard to put together a professional resume, cover letter and portfolio and now it's time for the big interview. Here's a short list of "Do's and Don'ts" of interview preparation, execution and follow-up.

Before the Interview
Use your network - look for friends and colleagues who are competitors, partners, vendors or customers of the company you're interested in. You can learn about the organization and discover valuable information to have the competitive advantage.
Use social media - find common connectors. Being more knowledgeable will help you to relax and sell yourself during the interview instead of trying to calm your nerves.
Rehearse the Act - if you know contacts, do a practice interview. Remember to send a thank you note if you do, though!

The Interview
Appearance matters - clothes and accesories should be conservative. If you look and feel good, they're likely to feel the same way about you.
Watch your body language - have good posture, shoulders back and head up. Also, remember that eye contact and smiling translates to confidence, enthusiasm and energy.
Give a good handshake
Watch the voice and volume of your speech
Utilize your vocabulary - your word choice reveals your communication skills and ability to interact with others.
Don't use "non-words"
Avoid grammatical errors - don't slur your speech or drop the endings on words.
Speak slowly - it will help you avoid these problems and give the interviewer more time to process what you're saying. Don't be afraid of silence.
Avoid "weak speak" - "hopefully," "perhaps," "I feel...," "Kind of," etc. all convey that you're not confident. Instead use words like "I'm confident that," "I recommend," "My goal is," etc.

So, Why Should We Hire You?
What they're really trying to say is: "What can you do for this company?" Use this question to summarize your accomplishments but make sure that you also tell them what makes you unique and how your specific skills and experience will help their company. Think of yourself as the product - Why should they buy you? Market yourself as the solution.

Do You Have Any Questions?
You should! Remember to ask questions at this point - but make sure they're insightful. Recruiters are looking for candidates with good questions in order to learn more about their analytical skills. Questions are a sign of enthusiasm and intelligence. Avoid generic questions.

Think of Your Interview as a Compelling Conversation
Prepare to relax - this may sound contradictory, but the more knowledgeable you are about a subject, the more conversational and smooth you'll sound.
Never memorize or have "canned" answers - if a question stumps you, take a minute to answer and admit that it's a difficult question - don't just make up an answer to fill the silence.

Remember to Send a Follow-Up Letter
Sending a professional follow-up letter will definitely set you apart if the employer is currently trying to make a decision. Even if you don't get the job, you never know when you might need them or someone they know in the future. Don't burn any bridges - a well-written letter could never hurt.
Other Resources:
Interviewing Articles From Monster.com
100 Potential Interview Questions

2009-07-02T06:00:00.001-05:00

Hot Tip in Music Software!

By Laura B. Whitmore

Scrubbing in Finale
This favorite playback feature in Finale makes it possible to instantly solo an instrument at any point in the music and control the tempo as well. It’s the fastest way to hear a specific section of the music. Plus, the music will play back forward or backward at a speed controlled by the mouse. We call this “scrub” (or scrubbing) playback. In older versions of Finale this was called Audio Spot-Checking. This current feature is named after a technique used by the audio recording world during the days of the multi-track tape. The tape would be manually moved back and forth across the playback head of the recorder to listen to sections of the recorded music and help to determine the best place to make cuts or other physical edits to the tape.

How does this work? With Finale, a shortcut is pressed (the cursor will change to a speaker), and then the mouse is moved across notes on the page. Do not “click & drag.” Simply move the mouse across the notes. As you do this, the notes on the page play back. The speed of the playback depends on how fast you move the mouse. The faster you move the mouse, the faster the notes play back. The direction of the mouse determines if the notes play forward or backward.

Shortcuts:
Mac – Hold down the Option & Spacebar keys, then drag the mouse. This plays the entire score when you drag the mouse across specific music. Next, press the Option & Spacebar, then add Shift as well. This solos the part. Move the mouse across the notes to hear the notes play.
Windows - Press Control & Spacebar, then move the mouse across the music. Add Shift to solo a part.

Check out these great deals on Finale 2010 Academic from Academic Superstore!

Or get the best bang for your buck with the Finale 2010 KeyStation 61es Bundle which combines Finale's famous notation software with the M-Audio 61es KeyStation MIDI Keyboard!

Helpful Sony Software Tips

2009-07-01T06:00:00.004-05:00

Love software but need help knowing how to use it? Here are a few tricks and pointers for everything Sony!

Need help with Sony Creative Software like Cinescore, Sound Forge and ACID Pro? Click here to view helpful seminar clips so you can get the most out of your software!

What about editing with Vegas Pro software? We've got you covered with 10 tips for lightning-fast editing!

How about helpful hints for on-the-go users of the Sony Vegas Movie Studio? For everything from getting the most out of your video when you're abroad to batteries, check out these 11 helpful tips!

Get everything Sony Creative and so much more with your unbeatable educational discount at Academic Superstore ! Click here to see what you could be saving at Academic Superstore!

Summer Specials on Academic Software That Can't Be Beat!

2009-06-30T06:00:00.003-05:00

For a limited time, you can save THOUSANDS of dollars on some of the most popular products from Academic Superstore!

Microsoft Office Pro 2007– Save $320!
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X4 w/ Painter 11 - Save $750!
QuarkXPress 8.0 - Save $600!
Adobe Photoshop Extended CS4 w/ Painter 11 - Save $1,050!
Adobe CS4 eLearning Suite – Save $1,200!

Whether you need to create projects with Microsoft Office or just exploring your creative side with Adobe Photoshop, CorelDRAW or Painter 11 – these academic software discounts can't be beat!

Big Savings on Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro Education Software!

2009-06-29T07:00:00.018-05:00

For a Limited-Time ONLY save over $350 on...

ADOBE ACROBAT 9 PRO

Acrobat Pro 9 allows you to complete a wide range of tasks such as:

Create and reliably share PDF documents
Easily convert any document that prints to PDF to preserve formatting and ensure document integrity.

Easily convert files to PDF
Convert documents to PDF with one-button ease from Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Project, Visio, Access, and Publisher, as well as Autodesk, AutoCAD and Lotus Notes.

Scan to PDF with OCR
Scan paper documents to PDF and automatically recognize text with optical character recognition (OCR) technology to create compact, searchable PDF documents.

Convert e-mail to PDF
Archive e-mail or e-mail folders from Microsoft Outlook or Lotus Notes as PDF files to facilitate easy search and retrieval.

Enhanced Capture web pages as PDF
Convert complete web pages, or just the portions you want, including or excluding rich and interactive media. PDF versions of web pages are easy to print, archive, mark up, and share.

Convert and share 2D CAD
Convert DWG files to Adobe PDF files without using AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT.

New Insert video in PDF files

Insert FLV or H.264 video in PDF files for direct playback in Acrobat and Adobe Reader.

New Work with Acrobat.com
Use Acrobat.com services with Acrobat to store and share large documents, collect form data, and review documents with virtually anyone, anywhere.

Regular Price: $449

Academic Software Discount Price: Only $98.95
You save: 78% or -$350.05

Student Study Abroad: An Educational Chance of a Lifetime

2009-06-26T07:00:00.014-05:00

Original Content By Caitlin Cecic

Thought you had a few more years before your son or daughter asked for permission to travel abroad? It's a frightening thought for some parents, but he or she could get more out of the experience than you might think.

Student study abroad is an option for more than just college students. Programs are available for children as young as 10, but most only accept junior high and high school students.

Your biggest worry is most likely setting your student loose in another country. But unlike college study abroad programs, most programs for high school students offer 24-hour supervision and require students to observe curfews.

Another one of your worries could be how to pay for everything. Going to another country often means expensive airfare. In addition, boarding fees, meals and general expenses add up. The good news is your student can offset these costs by applying for study abroad scholarships. And telling him or her to apply for scholarships in order to travel out of the country will give you an idea of how much your teenager really wants to go.

Huge Benefits:
- Educational benefits like learning another language

- Intercultural development from your student's interactions with people from other cultures

- A greater "feel" for the world outside of their safety net

...and much more!

Determining a Program for Your Student:
- Summer Camps - instead of 50 miles away, send them 5,000 miles away!
- Educationally focused - often language courses are based on your student's academic proficiency level so they can learn at their own pace. Other types of classes are also usually offered for credit
- Choosing between student residence hall living or with a host family. Student residence halls come with meals, rooms and other students while a host family gives your student a greater opportunity for total immersion and educational benefits in language and culture

Now, where to?
- Before you send your student on their educational journey, remember to consider different countries' languages and cultures and then determine where to send your student based on their interests, goals and, of course, their safety

Helpful Resources:

http://www.amerispan.com/teenager_programs_abroad/
http://www.teenagersabroad.com/

Pro Tools 8: The Top Choice Student Software for Composing and Recording

2009-06-25T07:00:00.009-05:00

By Laura B. Whitmore

Pro Tools 8 is a great software choice for students and professionals interested in songwriting and composition, and it includes a variety of templates that allow you to get into the thick of things as quickly as possible.

In addition to traditional multi-track recording, you and your students will find the looping capabilities in Pro Tools 8 MIDI regions on bar boundaries to help with looping and arrangement. This is great for doing building-block type composition. Create projects where you set spoken poems to a loop-based groove accompaniment, or have students piece together a variety of possible combinations from a palette of loops. very handy. There is a whopping 8 GB of pro-quality audio loops so that you can quickly sketch out musical ideas and can easily create your own customized loops. Use the Loop Trim tool to turn any audio or MIDI region into a loop instantly; Pro Tools always creates

Pro Tools 8 beefs up its tracking capabilities with up to 48 tracks of audio recording for its LE and M-Powered versions and nearly unlimited tracks for the HD version, so you’ll never run out of room. Also worth noting is that for the Pro Tools LE version, you can further increase the track number from 48 to 64 tracks with the addition of either DV Toolkit 2 or the Music Production Toolkit, and up to 128 tracks with the Complete Production Toolkit. These toolkits also deliver a collection of plug-ins to the user while increasing track count.

Pro Tools 8 also includes some cool new features such as the ‘playlists’ view, which streamlines the track comping work flow. This enables you to set a start and end point, then have that section loop over while you record. Each time it comes around again, a new comp track is made. Then you can select which one you like the best or which parts you want to piece together. Students will love this feature when they are working out their parts and will find it useful as they learning recording and editing techniques. Teachers can even pre-record different versions for students to piece together to make their own mix.

Don’t miss out on this student software discount from Academic Superstore!

Pro Tools M-Powered 8.0

Use this version with an M-Audio interface

Digidesign Mbox2 interface – comes with ProTools 8 LE

Tips & Tricks of the Trade

2009-06-24T07:00:00.051-05:00

Ever get frustrated with software that’s supposed to be “easy-to-use”? Well, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are several helpful web resources with ‘tips and tricks of the trade,’ if you will, to help those “less-than-computer-saavy.”

Here are some of my favorites that I have found to be most resourceful in using student and academic software:

Seven Helpful Techniques That Every Adobe Illustrator Artist Should Know

- How to Make All Strokes and Effects Scale Proportionately - How To Make Guidelines on an Angle
- Reset the Box Around an Object That’s Been Rotated Back to Normal - Stretch a Box With Rounded Corners Without Distorting the Box or Selecting Individual Points
- One Document, Multiple Views (Up-Close and Far-Away), and Work In Either View
- Change Your Document's Background From White To Your Ow n Custom Color
- Quickly Hide All Unnecessary Palettes So You Can See What You're Doing

My go-to Adobe software help Web site is definitely Vectips. It offers a plethora of Adobe Illustrator tips, tricks and tutorials and is constantly being updates with the latest trends and helpful hints.

These days, a proficient understanding of Microsoft Office is a must in t he office. But how can you use your keyboard to he lp cut your work time in half? Check out these Microsoft Excel Helpful Keyboard Shortcuts to find out!

And if Corel software is your forte, check these helpful tips for CorelDRAW Graphics Suite, Painter, WordPerfect Office and more!

Get up to 85% off Academic Software for Students, Schools and Educators!

2009-06-23T09:20:00.012-05:00

Featured Weekly Product:

Adobe Creative Suite 4 Learning Suite

Save a total of $1,199.05 on this complete toolbox for authoring rich learning content. The new eLearning Suite software contains the best Adobe tools for the rapid creation of resources, courseware authoring, simulations, and media editing. Create interactive learning experiences that engage audiences with video, audio, and powerful visuals. Work productively with rapid authoring tools that deliver smart collaboration features as well as tight integration with asset-creation tools. And deliver content to the web, the desktop, mobile devices, and Learning Management Systems.

The Adobe CS4 Learning Suite Includes:

Don't miss this incredible deal on academic software!

Get the Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire 4.0 Student Edition at an Unbelievable Price!

2009-06-22T13:18:00.012-05:00

We all know that there's no such thing as a free lunch, but can you really save 99% on Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Student Software?

You can at Academic Superstore! For a limited time, save 99% on the Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire 4.0 Student Edition!

Pro/ENGINEER features an intuitive interface with hundreds of tools which bring your most creative ideas to life—fast!
Recent tests have shown that Pro/ENGINEER users can perform tasks 40% to 70% faster than competitive CAD solutions.

More Modules—All 100% Integrated
Because every Pro/ENGINEER CAD/CAM/CAE module is fully integrated and 100% associative, changes made to one module are instantly propagated to all other modules—providing you with an instant view and verification of design changes. You’ll work faster and smarter throughout the entire project.

Industry Standard Tools
The Student Edition features the same advanced Pro/ENGINEER technology used everyday by hundreds of thousands of professionals worldwide. That means the skills that you develop will be immediately transferable to the professional world.

Features
- Powerful, parametric design capabilities allow superior product differentiation and manufacturability
- Fully integrated applications allow you to develop everything from concept to manufacturing within one application
- Automatic propagation of design changes to all downstream deliverables allows you to design with confidence
- Complete virtual simulation capabilities enable you to improve product performance and exceed product quality goals
- Automated generation of associative tooling design and manufacturing deliverables

2009-06-11T10:45:00.000-05:00

music software

Did You Know 40% of Kids Have Reading Challenges?

2009-01-29T15:56:00.048-06:00

Many parents don’t realize how hard it is for kids to learn to read without extra support. It doesn’t just come naturally. Studies have shown that 40% of kids have some real reading challenges and need specific learning instruction. If you see that your child is struggling, you're not alone... and a lot can be done!

The good news is that there are several effective learning techniques and tools parents can use at home to support and enrich your child's educational progress. Overall parental involvement is also clearly shown to make a major positive impact in your child’s academic success. The sooner a parent can become involved, the better!

Statistics show that it becomes harder to get kids up-to-speed in reading the older they get. Sadly, if you don't get a good start by a certain age, kids often end up constantly playing catch-up, lowering their self-esteem and learning opportunities across the board. Reading and writing are fundamental building blocks for all areas of academic achievement; so it's an important focus.

Here are some tips to help kids become proficient readers and learners:

Start early with reading at home... making it a very special experience associated with enjoyment and quality time spent together. Take turns reading... share and discuss. Have fun and ham it up with voices and sound affects! Get cozy and express to your child how much you enjoy reading with them.

Be Involved. Engage your child... ask questions to get them to share stories about their day. Know what's happening in your child's life everyday. Attend as many school events, meetings, and activities as you can.

Get control of TV, computer and game usage... and integrate more fun learning activities. Education can be entertaining too! So, make good choices and know your options. Keep your child on a positive, healthy learning track. Edu-tainment (education that's entertaining) can also be positioned as "a reward."

Supplement education with other resources, like fun (yet affordable) language software and games. There are several fun English learning resources to choose from (i.e.: Leapster, Weekly Reader Learning System, English Resource Center, Sunburst, Tell me More Products, and many more). Academic Superstore helps to bring several language products to you under one roof with some very affordable prices.

Bring learning resources with you for your child whenever you have to wait somewhere. Carry books, educational activities or games. It's great for learning and helps to avoid boredom and/or potential behavior issues as a result.

Teach, teach, teach.... in your conversations, reading and writing in everyday life. There a so many opportunities to teach. Provide positive feedback and gently correct your child to help them learn. Sound out words for spelling. Encourage kids to write letters and notes to family or friends. Have deeper discussion about books and other learning activities together.

". . . in the world of the future, the new illiterate will be the person who has not learned how to learn." ~ Alvin Toffler (U.S. writer, with wife Heidi wrote Future Shock, The Third Wave, Powershift)

For Valentine’s Day… Inspire a Lifelong LOVE of Learning!

2009-01-27T15:40:00.063-06:00

When delving into the deepest resources of our hearts, "learning" is one of those human-desires that really moves and affects us.

So, when it comes to VALENTINE'S DAY, whether it’s for your spouse, significant other, or child… How can a box of soon-to-be-eaten chocolates, flowers, or a heart-covered hallmark, truly compare to a gift of learning? Listen, it’s not that this particular idea of romance isn’t also appreciated; it's just that an EDUCATIONAL GIFT is a lasting, wonderful INVESTMENT in the life of someone you really care about. -Very few gifts can be more meaningful!

Inspire a lifelong LOVE of learning --and inspire SUCCESS! An insatiable desire for learning can be cultivated at any age. Doors to a new world can open as a result, that can enrich and empower anyone's life. You might even create a "SHARED ROMANCE" for growing and learning together with your Valentine.

As the teaching adage says, “you reach the mind through the heart.” --So, if an educational product has certain captivating ingredients, the better motivated we are to learn and continue learning.

HERE ARE SOME TIPS for making the right cost-effective choices for Great Educational Valentine’s Day Gifts that motivate and inspire:

1) Look for educational resources that have the following qualities:

Purpose and Meaning
Fun and Engaging
Multi-Sensory and Interactive

2) Think about your Valentine’s personal interests and needs.

You may already know a product that your valentine needs... to support schooling, education, work, or even a hobby.

3) If you’re not sure what to get, purchase a GIFT CARD.

Your Valentine can find specifically what they’d like.

Find a store that is easily accessible (online) with a vast array of quality products and excellent customer service.

4) Look for the best deals on QUALITY PRODUCTS and SERVICES at discounted prices.

Find deals on software, electronics, books or games that you didn't previously think were possible.

Make sure your products are purchased from a credible resource, backed with full-warranties. (such products are carried at Academic Superstore.)

Little-Known Ways to SAVE BIG on Educational Products for the Holidays!

2008-12-16T18:58:00.006-06:00

Academic Superstore is offering broad discounts up to 85% off on educational gifts for children and students this holiday season. With today’s tough economy making it challenging to invest in our children’s education and future, Academic Superstore is working to make a difference.
The president and founder of Academic Superstore, Nathan Jones, is a father of two who created the web and catalog business to fulfill an unmet need. Inspired by his desire to save money on software and educational products, he discovered that many manufacturers offer special educational eligibility discounts. He worked with these companies to create a new distribution channel and make the process easier and more accessible. As a result, the Academic Superstore was launched 10 years ago and now features more than 20,000 products, from software and electronics to books and backpacks. The company’s partners now number in the hundreds and include manufacturers such as Adobe, Microsoft, Sibelius, Sony, and Wacom.

“These products are the same, full-version, fully warranteed products that you find in retail stores,” said Jones. Some of the hottest items you can find on the website or by calling include Adobe Photoshop for just $199 versus the normal $999 retail price. Other great gift products include iPod-ready “iPigs,” a huge selection of popular “LeapFrog” products, and backpacks from Crumpler and Ogio. While many of these products are available to any customer, some discounts are so deep that they require proof of academic eligibility – a simple process that involves verifying academic enrollment of children or higher-ed students. The company’s dedicated eligibility representatives quickly handle this process.

“We’re eager for more people to discover our secret during these challenging times,” said Jones. “We feel great when we can save people money –especially on products that help educate and entertain them or their children.”

Academic Superstore - About Us

2008-12-16T18:22:00.009-06:00

With the awesome growth of Academic Superstore, people often ask us about the secret of our success. The simple truth is that our "big secret" to success is a very obvious one: relationships. It has always been our goal to maintain a close connection with students and teachers and their dedication to learning. By maintaining close relationships with software and hardware companies who offer the latest in technology products, we can provide a one-of-a-kind resource for educators, students, and parents.

Bags & Backpacks at Academic Superstore

2007-10-29T10:23:00.006-05:00

Academic Superstore carries an extremely wide range of backpacks, messenger bags, laptop cases, rolling cases, camera cases, and women specific bags. Backpacks are available from manufacturers like OGIO, Targus, and many others. Messenger bags are available from Timbuk2, SumDex, and others. Women specific bags are from brands like Decode, Mobile Edge, UpTown Bella, and several others. The quickest way to see all the bags and cases available is to click here.

The Value of Mindjet MindManager 7

2007-10-26T12:57:00.011-05:00

Mindjet MindManager 7 is software that helps to engage and align people to work smarter, think creatively and save precious time by visually capturing, organizing and communicating ideas and information effectively.

The Value of an Hour - MindManager helps you find three hours a week. Use the value features in MindManager and you will find at least three more hours a week. For the average person, that translates into over six days per year in productivity gains. For companies, these types of productivity gains can mean savings of millions of dollars.

Value of efficient meetings
* Record meeting information once
* Clear understanding and consensus by the intended audience

Value of effective communication
* Centralize data storage and access
* Create once, share repeatedly

Value of personal organization
* Create one dashboard to access information quickly

Value of project / task / work management
* Initiate, plan, execute, monitor and close projects using one tool

Value of innovation
* Brainstorm, innovate and share ideas intuitively
* Enhance strategic thinking

Sony Media Vegas Pro 8

2007-10-16T10:41:00.006-05:00

The Vegas Pro collection combines Vegas Pro 8, DVD Architect Pro 4.5, and Dolby® Digital AC-3 encoding software to offer an integrated environment for all phases of professional video, audio, DVD, and broadcast production. These tools let you edit and process DV, AVCHD, HDV, SD/HD-SDI, and all XDCAM™ formats in real time, fine-tune audio with precision, and author surround sound, dual-layer DVDs. Academic Superstore carries all the great titles from Sony Creative Software and they are all offered at great academic pricing.

FREE Shipping for Online Orders

2007-10-05T09:08:00.006-05:00

That's right, FREE shipping on online orders. Simply selected Super Saver Shipping while in your cart during checkout and your shipping will be FREE. Want to get the item sooner? You can select UPS ground for a low price of $4.95.

So, as you can see, there's nothing hard about it, no minimum to buy, no secret code, just another way we help you get the very best deals on Software, Hardware, and More. Academic Superstore

Update: 12-12-08 Academic Superstore is no longer offering free shipping on all orders. We do, however, do offer free shipping from time to time on different manufacturers and/or certain products.

Adobe Creative Suite Value Bundles

2007-10-01T08:05:00.005-05:00

Adobe Creative Suite Value Bundles are pre-built bundles of great Adobe software along with must-have items from manufacturers like Pantone, Wacom, and Total Training.

Some of these bundles are only available for a limited time, so check them out today before they go away!

Eligibility is Easy

2007-09-27T12:30:00.004-05:00

Academic Superstore offers discounted prices on all the latest software, hardware and more to student, teachers, and schools who are academically eligible. It really is an easy process. Place your order online or over the phone and then, once you have your order number, you email or fax in proof of your eligibility. If you're a college/university student and your college/university is part of our automated system, you can also just use our instant verification process online right after you place your order.

Academic Superstore Eligibility Overview

Who is eligible to purchase from Academic Superstore?

What is acceptable proof of eligibility?

Avid Xpress Pro 5.7 w/ $50 Rebate

2007-09-24T15:30:00.004-05:00

Avid Xpress Pro 5.7 Academic
Only $245.00 after Avid rebate.

Edit faster- Do more, and do it faster, with the most flexible, customizable editing toolset and the best effects available.

Equally powerful on Mac and PC- Use the most powerful machine you can find, on the platform of your choice.

Portable and powerful digital and analog I/O- Avid Mojo hardware expands the power and capability of Avid Xpress Pro with expanded I/O, hardware acceleration, and preview to a client monitor.

Avid manages media- Powered by a patented dynamic media database, Avid's no-excuses media management proves itself daily on the world's most complex productions.

The Filmmaker's Companion- Powered by the Academy Award-winning Avid Film Composer, you can easily track advanced film metadata, including KeyKode™ and multiple timecodes, directly inside the editing interface no separate database application required.

Unmatched graphics and effects- Exceptionally powerful color correction with tools you won't find elsewhere, including Curves and One-touch automatic correction means your images will look better, faster.

Don't forget that shipping is free when you place your order online.

Award Winning Newsletter

2007-09-20T07:28:00.004-05:00

Academic Superstore produces a monthly email-based newsletter that contains useful tips, interesting articles, and helpful links. Here is an archive of past issues. If you are interested in getting the newsletters simply use this easy Technology News sign-up form. In 2006 the Academic Superstore Technology News e-newsletter won an award from ClickZ for best business to consumer e-newsletter.

New Wacom Bambo Fun Graphic Tablets

2007-09-19T07:25:00.006-05:00

Wacom Graphic Tablets just came out with their latest tablet. It is called the Bamboo Fun Graphic Tablet and it comes in a variety of colors.

Here are just a few of Bamboo's features:

-Works with new handwriting recognition, inking and pen features in Windows Vista (all editions but Home Basic) and Apple operating systems (OS X)
-Supports widescreen displays and has a textured work surface for a natural pen-on-paper feel
-Precise control and 512 levels of pressure sensitivity on the pen
-Detachable USB cable unplugs from your computer and your tablet for easy storage and transport
-Patented, battery-free pen with customizable buttons for comfort and reliability

With prices from $99 to $199 (depending on size) and FREE Super Saver Shipping the Wacom Bamboo Graphic Tablet is a great choice if you are thinking of trying out a graphic tablet.

Academic Superstore - Our Story

2007-09-18T07:42:00.010-05:00

Started in 1998 in Austin, Texas, Academic Superstore has always been the fastest-growing, education-focused retailer in North America. We are committed to academic customers, offering thousands of major brand hardware and full-version software titles at great prices. We have partnered with the top technology manufacturers including Adobe, Microsoft, Sibelius, Sony Media Software, and Wacom, to bring top-notch service and low prices which are available only to students, schools, and teachers.

With the awesome growth of Academic Superstore, people often ask us about the secret of our success. The simple truth is that our "big secret" to success is a very obvious one: relationships. It has always been our goal to maintain a close connection with students and teachers and their dedication to learning. By maintaining close relationships with software and hardware companies who offer the latest in technology products, we can provide a one-of-a-kind resource for educators, students, and parents.