Articles written by Nigel Holmes

What is Helium

About me - Nigel Holmes

By day I'm an Engineer and Project Manager working in manufacturing industry. I'm something of an authority on machine vision and automated inspection, and have a background in "Lean Manufacturing. I am both a Certified Engineering Manager and a Project Management

+ more bio information

RSS Feed

Computers & Technology > Computer Buying Tips Tips for buying a new laptop: 2 of 22
The electronics store is stuffed full of laptops, from tiny devices with miniscule screens, (the so-called netbooks) to 18 inch widescreen monsters that belong at Mission Control. Prices range from just a couple of hundred dollars into the thousands and the salesman won't leave you alone. You leave the store, confused and em... More..
Business > Project Management Effective communication for project managers: 1 of 11
A successful project needs good communication between the principal stakeholders. Usually these are the customer, the project team and the suppliers. They can be pictured as being linked by a web, with the Project Manager (PM) at the center. Information flows through and around the web, enabling each participant to fulfill hi... More..
Autos > Buying Used Cars Tips for test driving a used car: 1 of 10
You've done your research and found a car that seems to meet your needs. Now, after careful examination, you're about to make an offer. But not so fast! How do you know it's a car you'll enjoy driving, and more importantly, how do you know it has no problems?The answer is that you don't unless you take it for a test drive. Do... More..
Computers & Technology > Computers & Technology (Other) Why computers are frustrating: 4 of 33
A computer gets particularly frustrating when it seems to stop responding. There are several reasons for this to happen, but it boils down to a single root cause: it's busy doing something else. Next time you find yourself waiting for a window to open, try calling up the Task Manager to see what's happening. Do this by simult... More..
Autos > Fuel Economy Tips on how to get better gas mileage: 2 of 15
The great scientist Sir Isaac Newton never saw an automobile yet he can teach you how to improve your gas mileage. How can this be possible? Newton concerned himself with motion. He studied the forces that put an object into motion, keep it moving, and bring it to a stop. These forces are all involved when we drive, so under... More..
Business > Human Resources Managing employee absence: 2 of 14
Unplanned absences create problems for a business. When someone goes missing other employees have to step in to cover the gap, work doesn't get done, deadlines are missed, and quality suffers. So what can an employer do to prevent this from happening? First, recognize that not all absences are bad. For example, you don't want... More..
Business > Project Management Project management 101: 1 of 7
Everything you need to know about project management is contained within the Project Management Body of Knowledge (the PMBoK.) Unfortunately, it's a thick document and you'd need many hours to go through the whole thing, so let's try to identify its core components.A project is any one-off endeavor with a defined end point. I... More..
Jobs & Careers > Employers How to keep employees motivated and happy: 3 of 20
Employees who are motivated and happy take fewer sick days, work harder to satisfy your customers, and are less likely to leave So what do you as an employer have to do to attain this happy state? The good news is that there's no secret. Ever since Frederick Herzberg published his Two Factor Theory of Job Satisfaction, we've ... More..
Autos > Buying New Cars Car reviews: 2010 VW Jetta TDI: 1 of 6
Who wrote that an economical car should feel cheap? Who said a luxury car can't be practical? Not Volkswagen, that's for sure, because with the 2010 Jetta TDI, VW has rewritten the rulebook. Available as either compact sedan or "sport wagon," this practical and fuel-efficient load carrier can both take the dog to the park and... More..
Autos > Gas & Oil Servicing DIY automotive maintenance: How to change the oil: 4 of 23
Changing your own oil will not save you any time and you won't save much money. But you will have the satisfaction of knowing that the job was done right. Here's how to go about it.You need a few inexpensive tools. A filter wrench, sometimes called a chain or strap wrench, is essential, as is a socket or ring wrench that fits... More..